Shearing is a ballet of balance. Jim McCrae leads a life of balance. He runs a photo shop in Rutland, Vt., catering to film users and old cameras. He has a small farm with sheep and border collies. He teaches sheep herding. He shears sheep twice a year. He comes quietly, puts his board on the ground, plugs in his clippers, he slips on his wool slippers, talks calmly to the sheep, flips them expertly.  He trims their feet and checks for cuts or sores. His dog Rae rides in the car with him. He handles the sheep with ease and calm, this ancient ritual is a ballet of sorts.