Guest Post by Nel’s husband, photographer Christopher Duggan.

I first met Calvin Royal III when he was a student at The School at Jacob’s Pillow.

I didn’t get a chance to work with him until several years later, when he came back to the Pillow to perform with dancers from ABT.

When I had the chance to work with him one-on-one, I learned that Calvin is one of the kindest artists ever! He is so humble and down to earth.

In 2017, I collaborated with my wife, Nel, to create this beautiful video for The School at Jacob’s Pillow. We highlighted Calvin Royal III because he is a prime example of how incredible training at The School can be for your dance career.

Nel and I both believe deeply in the preservation and promotion of dance.

Because of this, we often team up to provide artists with a complete package for their upcoming productions, or in this case, a promotional video for The School to use to attract applicants and sponsors. Working alongside Nel Shelby Productions is a dream. It really doesn’t get much better than this. = )

Having your photo printed in The New York Times never gets old.

When I saw that Vail Dance Festival had selected my photo of Calvin Royal III for their big 2020 Festival Season Announcement, I was so excited.

Calvin has been named this year’s Artist-In-Residence at Vail Dance Festival, and I am happy to announce that I have accepted the position of Festival Photographer this summer.

I can’t wait to be back in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains with my wife and her team. I’m looking forward to creating more beautiful dance portraits with the talented Calvin Royal III, as well as the other talented artists who will be dancing at the Festival!

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