Julius Friedman and the Louisville Ballet Poster

Nretrospect

By: Julius Friedman

Published On: August 31, 2010

I had friends at the time who were modern dancers and ballet dancers. I came up with this concept that was a symbol of their gracefulness and balance. I rang up the ballet and asked if they would be interested in the idea, but they said they’d have to see the image first. When I mentioned I could offer the idea to anyone — like the New York City Ballet — they agreed to take it sight unseen.

When doing a poster, you essentially get one shot at creating an image that has staying power. Circulation of the poster went worldwide because there was universal understanding of the image — language was not an issue. Back then it was an unusual idea. Today with Photoshop, I could have put an elephant on that egg.

Had the company hired me to come up with a concept, I never would have thought of that image. It came from my amazement at the grace and balance of dancers. I was happy to be able to provide that for the ballet.

Friedman donated the image and poster design to Louisville Ballet in 1980.