Saratoga Springs, NY -- The photographic work of Mark Andrew goes beyond just taking pictures of dancers -- it elevates photography to the level of museum quality fine art.

And that is where you will find his latest exhibit, the "Dance of the Iroquois," at the National Museum of Dance. Andrew has captured more than just light and colors. His work conveys feelings and emotions in this exhibit that successfully combines dance, music, and photography into artistic dance photographs.

Native American dancers are emotionally involved in their traditional dance, and the images created by Andrew for the museum successful capture those emotions and draw viewers into the experience as they enjoy the exhibit. Andrew's photographs are not just seen, viewers can feel the emotions captured in each of them.

Andrew, who has a web site at http://MarkAndrewImages.com, has selected his subjects very well. There is nothing posed, or artificial about the way they look in each image in the exhibit. The beautiful outfits worn by the dancers, combined with the lighting and background combine to enhance the beauty of each picture.

The National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame was established in 1986 and is the only museum in the nation dedicated to American dance. Located in the former Washington Bath House in the Saratoga Spa State Park, the museum houses a growing collection of photographs, videos, artifacts, costumes, biographies and archives comprising a contemporary and retrospective examination of seminal contributions to dance.

The museum maintains a web site at http://www.DanceMuseum.org.

The Iroquois exhibit by Andrew is a first for the museum, and it is an outstanding addition. The beautiful music, songs, dance, and traditional outfits of Native Americans bring a wonderful richness and quality to the museum, thanks to Andrew.

Native American people have been dancing since the beginning of time. Modern Native American Dance has undergone some drastic changes in the past two hundred years due to the influence of the church and the American and Canadian governments. Many people may not realize that at one time the Canadian government made it illegal to perform native dance or ceremonies. Native Americans began powwow groups to keep their youth  interested in their heritage and history through dance.

Native American dance is not just a performance. To the native peoples of North America it is sacred and a way of keeping their culture alive. Andrew has been able to capture the beauty and expression of native dance in his latest exhibit at the National Museum of Dance.

The exhibit conveys the dignity and respect associated with Native American dance, and also enables viewers to "feel" the emotions and spirituality associated with the dancers. You cannot view the exhibit without coming away with a sense that you now have a greater appreciation for something very beautiful.

Andrew brings us into each artistic dance photograph and makes us feel like we are a participant, not just a viewer. He draws us in and makes us feel like we are a part of something very special, and very beautiful.

He clearly has an inner sense and artistic instincts that enable him create beautiful artwork even though he is not a dancer, or a Native American. His rapport with his subjects, and his insight and creativity allow him to achieve something others have not been able to approach.

Andrew reports that he has been working on additional exhibits for the museum. What wonderful treats will we enjoy in the months ahead as Andrew blesses us all with his wonderful ability to turn photography into fine art?

Museum director Beth Hartle is to be commended for her selection of Mark Andrew to capture and preserve Native American dance. We look forward to his new projects.