WHENEVER I PHOTOGRAPH an event, a place, a whatever, I use my camera to tell a story. And that means framing not only overall scenes, but also focusing close-ups. It means, too, that I am conscious of moments which convey emotions, feelings, all part of the story.
The Czech May Day celebration in Montgomery, a small southern Minnesota town, offered an ideal opportunity to create a visual story celebrating the community’s Czech heritage. That event centered on music, dance and traditional costumes.
This was, in many ways, a photographer’s playground. And, by that I mean simply a heckuva lot of fun to photograph with endless photo ops. Colorful, detailed attire and constant movement had me clicking the shutter button of my Canon camera as a story unfolded before my eyes.
Yet, it was the quiet moments, too, which caught my eye. When a young dancer stepped away from the circle of dancers so her mom, seated next to me, could re-tie the ribbon around her neck, I aimed my camera lens upward and caught the tender moment. It was sweet and loving and profoundly endearing. To be witness to that felt like a gift. It is my favorite photo from Czech May Day.
Likewise, as I zoomed in on the hands of dancers, I saw a woman’s hand clasping a child’s hand. That, too, speaks of tenderness, love, care and mentoring. We’ve all experienced the protection and guidance of a reassuring hand. This photo shows a truly relatable human moment.
As I watched the multi-aged dancers, I was taken by their colorful attire, by detailed embroidery, eyelet lace, aprons tied around waists, crisscrossed lacing, vests, flying ribbons and patterns and floral wreaths. It was like looking through an ever-changing kaleidoscope via my camera lens.
When I caught a young boy with outstretched arm in a circle of dancers, I caught more than that choreographed movement. I also captured his concentration, his sense of pride in being part of a celebration honoring his heritage.
And when I photographed an emcee in her traditional dress, I saw grace and strength, not just a portrait.
The St. Paul Czech and Slovak Folk Dancers and Sokol Children Dancers are only one part of my visual storytelling of Czech May Day in Montgomery. On Tuesday I shared the overall story in images and words. Today I focus on those traditional dancers, on their dress and movement and those stand-alone moments when they connected individually. And with me.
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
how lucky to see the folk dancers and tell their story with your pictures. this is the other part of your super power, not just how your use your skill with words, but also with photos to tell your stories.
I remember the rod stewart song ‘every picture tells a story’ and it is so very true. you are able to capture the nuances, the emotions, and energy and pride that all go into people dancing an important expression of their heritage. this is why I love folk dancing so very much. it’s how proud the dancers are to share their heritage with others who may not know much about it, or them, but enjoy learning about it and welcome them into their world. there is a city a few hours from me called holland, where many dutch settlers moved years ago and when we visit we go to an area called dutch village where the children perform their dances and they are so incredibly happy and proud to show us their dances and even invite people up from the crowd to try them with them. it’s a joy for all.
Thank you for your kind words about my writing and photography.
And thank you for sharing the many reasons you enjoy folk dancing. I would love to visit Holland, Michigan.
they have a beautiful tulip festival each year
I figured with a name like Holland that may be the case. That would be beautiful to see.
I think it’s encouraging to see people keeping alive and celebrating their history. It’s interesting that such a Czech town was named after an Irish-American, a fate nearby New Prague managed to avoid. 😉
I haven’t researched the reason behind the town name, so thank you for sharing that info. Like you, I’m encouraged by those who celebrate their heritage in ways that benefit all of us. Montgomery is doing a great job of that.
Awesome recap and your photos are phenomenal!
Thank you, Sue.
Love the up close photos… and all the color!
Thank you, Valerie. I, too, was drawn to all that color.