Must-See: Nir Arieli's Nude Dancers in 'Flocks'

Over the past two and a half years, photographer Nir Arieli has been photographing international dance companies in their studios, in natural light. The images capture the dancers still, in stacks of bodies piled high. "Relying mostly on nonverbal language, the dancers formed intricate living sculptures," Arieli says. "The intertwining of bodies carries an undercurrent of sex and death, reflecting and amplifying the complexity of human relationships."

The photographer features the best international dance companies, including Shen Wei Dance Arts, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Click through to see a preview.

Nir Arieli's work is on view April 21 through June 4 at Daniel Cooney Fine Art, 508 W. 26th St, Suite 9C, New York, NY 10001.

Pictured, above: Batsheva Dance Company, 2013