Inside the Polka Dot Collection with Ballett Zürich Principal Dancer Max Richter

Max Richter, non-binary Principal Dancer with Ballett Zürich, was the inspiration and muse behind our new Eastbourne Polka Dot Leotard. So when it came to shooting the collection, it felt natural to hand the creative reins over to Max and their best friend and fellow Ballett Zürich dancer, Demi-Soloist Caroline Perry. 

Shot in Zürich, the images are very much theirs. Max and Caroline approached the collection as dancers and creatives, playing with styling, movement and the polka dot references already present in their working lives - particularly thinking ahead to upcoming rehearsals for Mats Ek's Carmen.

We caught up with them about creativity outside ballet, personal style in the studio, their friendship and how the Polka Dot collection found its way into their rehearsal wardrobes.

Creativity outside ballet - and behind the camera

You both have creative lives outside ballet. What other artistic avenues do you explore, and how did they feed into the process of capturing this collection?

Max: I started self-portraiture out of curiosity about what kind of imagery I could create. When I began, there was an unexpected level of vulnerability that I felt seeing myself fully directed by myself. It's exposing.

Overcoming that fear of vulnerability gave so much to my confidence in dance. I realised I am my biggest critic, and if I can find genuine connection to my creativity and emotions, I can create something that I'm proud of.

Now that I've experimented with this, I feel a sense of pure freedom when I get behind or in front of the camera. We got to enjoy the playful inspiration these leotards gave us.

Caroline: Outside of ballet I really enjoy working with material arts like sewing, crochet, arts and a variety of crafts. If my hands aren't kept busy or I'm not working on a new project, I start to get antsy.

In capturing this collection we focused on keeping it authentic and fun. With Max it feels like just vibing in the studio, and we ended up with some great shots for Imperfect Pointes.

Max Richter: muse for the Eastbourne Polka Dot Leotard

Max, Helen, our Founder thought of you as her muse for the Polka Dot collection,  especially the tie halter-neck Eastbourne leotard. How did you feel about that, and what was the process for creating the shoot once you received the brief?

Max: I'm delighted anytime someone thinks of me, especially for something creative!

I tried to think of how this leotard would fit into my daily ballet style and how it relates to work I've done in the past. The inspiration came from rehearsing Mats Ek's Carmen. The set pieces are adorned with polka dots, and so I thought combining the rehearsal skirts from the process of Carmen with the polka dot leotards made a lot of sense personally and thematically. 

The skirts gave a lot of movement and possibility. However, it encouraged me to think outside of the norm of how a skirt is usually used or worn - hence the face-covering photos were born.

Choosing brands that reflect your values

Max, we previously collaborated with you for International Transgender Day of Visibility. How do you decide which brands you want to work with?

Max: I work with brands who are sending messages into the world that I can understand and fully support. I try my absolute best to speak with my choices.

I shop almost entirely second hand, and when I don't, I shop brands who care about the impact they have on the earth and on people, both environmentally and emotionally, which is why Imperfect Pointes is always a good choice.

"Max + Caro 4 Eva"

You two look great together in the shoot, including your matching ballet fits. Tell us a bit about your friendship and what you each bring to it.

Max: Caroline and I are both creative beings and love doing arts and crafts together. We have a similar energy that we bring to the spaces we inhabit, which is chill and inviting.

We have known each other a long time and are completely comfortable being ourselves with no filters, which is just so calming.

Caroline: Max + Caro 4 Eva!!

We've known each other for over 10 years now and even though we spend all day at work together, you'll probably also find us together on our off days.

We love to keep creating — making arts and crafts, sewing, painting fun nails. A lot of the time it feels as though we share one brain cell, especially when we unintentionally show up in matching outfits. 

Finding your personal style in the ballet studio

Tell us about finding your own personal style in the studio. How has the way you dress for ballet rehearsals developed over time?

Max: I am inspired by different silhouettes and how they complement each other. I have always said I dance better when I am wearing a good outfit — and even better if the outfit reflects the character I'm portraying in rehearsal.

So my studio style really evolves with the processes I'm involved in. It helps me get into character and into the work I'm developing.

Caroline: My personal style in the studio shifts depending on the rep (repertoire) we are doing, changing from classical to contemporary styles of dance.

I try to keep it fun and wear things that spark joy, but most importantly are comfortable. Which is why I enjoy wearing Imperfect Pointes leotards!

How Max and Caroline will wear the Polka Dot leotards in the 2026/27 season

You both loved the latest Imperfect Pointes leotards and decided to keep them after the shoot. How will you style them for the 2026/27 ballet season?

Max: The Polka Dot leotards will be so easy to style with black tights and the black rehearsal skirt I made for myself. Monochrome dancewear fits effortlessly into my existing wardrobe.

We will be rehearsing Carmen and they clearly look great with the rehearsal skirts! The polka dots will get us into a fun and energetic mood for rehearsals.

Caroline: For me, the Polka Dot Camisole Leotard will definitely be making it into rehearsals for Mats Ek's Carmen, where we wear these fun, fluffy skirts and the set has polka dot fans.

On feeling comfortable in your own skin

Finally, how important is being comfortable in your own skin as a dancer, particularly in a company and studio environment? Any words of wisdom?

Max: People respond to genuine feeling when they see a performance, and it takes a real sense of comfort in yourself to convince someone that what you're feeling is true.

I often lose myself in the characters I'm portraying. Maybe that sounds crazy, but I love it.

I think this is what makes our job as dancers so unique and special. You get to convince yourself of a feeling so much that it feels real. I get a lot of release from allowing myself to feel these real emotions through the characters I get to portray.

I think finding this takes time and a lot of self-belief, and surrounding yourself with friends who support you, no matter what.

Caroline: Sometimes it can take a while to learn to be comfortable in your own skin in a company setting, and I wish I had found that sooner.

But there is no need to try and fit into the mould of one director. Someone will want you for the way you are and what you can bring.

Who is Max Richter?

Max Richter is a non-binary Principal Dancer with Ballett Zürich. Originally from the USA, Max trained at the International City School of Ballet and Houston Ballet II before joining Ballett Zürich. At the end of 2025/26 season they became a Principal Dancer (the rank is also called First Soloist at the Company, performing leading roles including Giselle, Clara and Juliette. 

Max previously collaborated with Imperfect Pointes for International Transgender Day of Visibility, discussing their experience as a non-binary dancer working in professional ballet.