Photos of North Hunterdon HS Theatre production of ‘Shrek’ January 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Every once in a while, a school production takes a familiar story and transforms it into something entirely its own. North Hunterdon High School’s Shrek the Musical does exactly that. From the first moments onstage, it’s clear how much heart, humor, and craftsmanship the cast and artistic team poured into bringing this beloved DreamWorks world to life.
I had the opportunity to photograph the show during rehearsals, capturing the energy, color, and character work that make this production so much fun. I’ll also be recording video at two of the live performances, which will let me capture not just the action onstage but the audience’s reactions—the laughter, the applause, and those moments when the entire room leans in together. That shared experience is a huge part of what makes live theater special.
The students fully embraced these iconic roles, balancing comedy with sincerity and giving each character their own personality. The artistic staff deserves just as much credit for shaping a production that feels polished, imaginative, and true to the spirit of the original story while still letting the students shine.
Some performances are already sold out, and with good reason. This show runs for one weekend only—February 28 through March 1—so if you can still grab a ticket, it’s absolutely worth it. The cast has created something joyful and memorable, and it’s a production the community should be proud of.
There is something incredibly special about watching a performer grow up through my camera lens. I have had the absolute privilege of photographing Addy @addyson.hubert for many years now, starting from her early days at ShowBiz Kidz Dance Studio.
Addy isn’t just a talented dancer; she is a true collaborator. She has been a “pro” in some of my most creative and demanding sessions, from the high-energy Rain Experience to the messy, artistic Powder Sessions. Her ability to bring grace and athleticism to every frame is truly remarkable.
Family, Strength, and Celebration
Brother and Sister Bryan and Addy pose for some portraits before Bryans deploys. January 31, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Most recently, I had the honor of capturing some beautiful portraits of Addy with her brother. Seeing her alongside a proud US Marine was a touching reminder of the strength and love within her family.
Now, as she reaches this milestone “Sweet 16,” I am so excited to be there to capture the party! It is an honor to document these core memories for Addy and her family as she begins this next exciting chapter.
Happy Birthday, Addy! Keep dancing, keep shining, and enjoy every second of your big day!
Some of my recent favorite dance portraits of Addy:
Brother and Sister Bryan and Addy pose for some portraits before Bryan deploys. January 31, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR PhotographyBrother and Sister Bryan and Addy pose for some portraits before Bryan deploys. January 31, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Some dancers step in front of the camera and immediately feel like they’ve been there for years. Ellery (@its_ellevalentine) is one of those rare talents. Even though this is her first year as one of my Dance Ambassadors, she carries herself with a natural ease and artistic instinct that makes every session a joy.
Ellery isn’t just a dancer; she’s a true performer. She also shines onstage with ShowKids Invitational Theatre (SKIT), a community theater I’ve had the privilege of photographing for many seasons. Whether she’s dancing, acting, or blending the two, she brings a presence that fills the frame and elevates every image.
I first remember photographing Ellery during picture day at West Jersey Youth Ballet, the studio she calls home. Picture day moves fast — dozens of dancers, quick poses, limited time. But when I got to her images during editing, I found myself wishing I had more. Every single shot was strong. That’s when I reached out to her mom about doing a dedicated dance portrait session, and the rest is history.
Since then, Ellery has proven she can create magic anywhere — onstage, outdoors in a park, or in a specialty fashion session in my studio. She adapts, explores, and brings her own spark to every concept. Watching her grow as both a dancer and a young artist has been incredibly rewarding.
I’m excited to continue working with Ellery and to see where her talent, passion, and creativity take her next.
Dance portraits with some of my dance ambassadors at the Silk Mill in Easton, PA. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Some dancers bring artistry. Some bring athleticism. And then there are dancers like Zoey, who bring a spark of pure, unstoppable boldness to every session. This is Zoey’s second year as one of my dance ambassadors, and she continues to surprise me in the best possible ways.
During a photo walk this past year, I casually pointed out a spot that would make a great photo — if only it weren’t so high. Before I even finished the sentence, Zoey said, “I’ll do it,” and was already climbing. That moment turned into one of the most epic images of the entire year. That’s who she is: fearless, game for anything, and always ready to turn an idea into something bigger.
I regularly ask my ambassadors what they want to try next, and Zoey never hesitated with her answer: a neon light session. My original plan was to do it outdoors at night once the weather warmed up, but life and schedules had other plans. When the idea shifted to a studio version — complete with neon body paint — I’ll admit I was a little nervous about what my studio floor might look like afterward. But when I asked Zoey if she wanted to model for it, she didn’t even blink. Of course she said yes. And of course she crushed it.
We would like to congratulate Zoey for her acceptance to Boston Ballet School’s summer intensive program! Zoey will be attending for four weeks this summer. Zoey also works at the studio she dancers at West Jersey Youth Ballet! Zoey also attends a gifted and talented dance program at VoTech. We can’t wait to hear all about your amazing summer intensive program in Boston Zoey!
Zoey brings a fearless creativity to every shoot, and she makes even the wildest ideas feel possible. I’m grateful to have her in the ambassador program and can’t wait to see what she’s ready to climb, paint, or light up next.
Here are some of my favorite images of Zoey:
Ready to create your own iconic dance portraits? I’m opening up a select few dates for Winter Artistic Sessions in the studio. Whether you want to play with dramatic lighting, themed sets, or creative concepts like the ones you saw here with Zoey, now is the time to book.
Skirt and Scarves dance portraits at West Jersey Youth Ballet on Sunday September 8, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Some dancers grow in quiet, steady ways — the kind of progress you only notice when you’ve photographed them over many seasons. Olivia Klein (@oliviaklovesballet) is one of those dancers. She has been with me since the very beginning of my ambassador program, and every time she steps in front of my camera, she brings a little more strength, artistry, and confidence than the time before.
Olivia currently dances with West Jersey Youth Ballet (@westjerseyyouthballet), where her dedication shows in every rehearsal and every performance. What amazes me most about Olivia is how consistently she improves. She shows up ready to work, ready to grow, and ready to give her all — whether we’re shooting something classic, creative, or completely new.
She’s also closely connected to several of my other ambassadors. Olivia and Vivi are great friends and often join forces for dance portrait sessions, feeding off each other’s energy and artistry. And her younger sister, Brielle, has become a familiar face at specialty sessions — often jumping in with Olivia for portraits together. It’s been a joy watching Olivia’s world expand through dance, friendships, and family.
Olivia always makes an impact when she’s in front of my camera. She brings a quiet determination, a thoughtful presence, and a genuine love for dance that shines through every image we create together. I’m grateful to have her as one of my original ambassadors and look forward to seeing where her dedication takes her next.
Some of my favorite images of Olivia:
Skirt and Scarves dance portraits at West Jersey Youth Ballet on Sunday September 8, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Every dance ambassador brings something unique to my camera, but some dancers become woven into the fabric of my work in a special way. Vivi Taggart (@balletvivi) is one of them.
Vivi has been with me since the very beginning — long before my ambassador program officially existed. I’ve photographed her through countless seasons, styles, and creative experiments. In fact, other dance photographers have asked me more than once if she’s my daughter because she appears so often in my feed. While she isn’t, I’ll admit there are stretches where I see my dance ambassadors more than some of my own family.
What makes Vivi stand out is her willingness to jump into anything. Outdoor portraits? She’s in. Low light? High key? Holiday themes? Powder? Rain? Sunflowers? Valentine concepts? She’s already tying her shoes and warming up. She’s the first to raise her hand when I want to test a new lighting setup or explore a fresh idea, and she brings the same enthusiasm every single time.
Her dedication to her craft is unmistakable. Vivi trains relentlessly and spends her summers in intensive programs that leave her with only a sliver of downtime. This upcoming summer, she’ll be attending The Rock School’s five‑week Ballet Intensive, followed by one week of their Contemporary Intensive in Philadelphia, and then two weeks at Ducon in Virginia. Her commitment to growth is inspiring, and it shows in every frame we create together.
Vivi take dance instruction at West Jersey Youth Ballet @westjerseyyouthballet) in Annandale, NJ
It’s always a joy to photograph Vivi — her artistry, her work ethic, and her trust make her an essential part of my creative world. I’m grateful for every session we’ve shared and look forward to many more years of her in front of my lens.
Some of my favorite images of Vivi from just the past year:
For more information on my dance ambassador program please go here. Accepting applications for next year starting June 2026.
A study in red, rhythm, and connection.
Ellery and Sydney brought a presence that turned this concept into something striking and unforgettable.
Proud to have these two as part of my dance ambassador team. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Every now and then, a photo session comes along that feels like pure creative play — the kind where the concept, the dancers, and the energy all line up in the best possible way. My recent winter fine art dance portrait session with two of my dance ambassadors, Ellery (@its_ellevalentine) and Sydney (@squidneykdancer), was exactly that.
The spark for this session came from Ellery’s mom, Ariana. When she first shared the idea with me — red backdrop, red bodysuits, red wigs — I’ll admit I had a few reservations. It was bold. It was specific. It was a LOT of red. But the more we talked through the vision, the more it clicked. By the time we stepped into the studio, the concept had transformed into something striking, dramatic, and beautifully editorial.
What made the session truly unforgettable, though, was the friendship between these two dancers. Ellery and Sydney are best friends, and their connection shows up in every frame. My favorite part of the entire shoot — beyond the art we created — was the near‑constant laughter. They brought a joy and ease to the studio that elevated every moment.
And then came the finale.
By the end of the session, the tights had taken a beating. It was clear they weren’t going to survive another round, so the girls decided to go full Hulk Hogan and rip them off with all the dramatic flair they could muster. It was absolutely priceless — the perfect ending to a session already overflowing with personality.
Below are 10 of my favorite hero images from Scarlet Sisters: Red‑y to Dance — a concept that started as a spark and turned into something unforgettable.
A study in red, rhythm, and connection.
Ellery and Sydney brought a presence that turned this concept into something striking and unforgettable.
Proud to have these two as part of my dance ambassador team. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
As a New Jersey dance photographer, these are the sessions that remind me why I love what I do — the blend of artistry, trust, personality, and the freedom to create something truly unique.
This session is part of my Winter Fine Art Dance Portraits, available now through the end of March. Sessions are limited, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Artistic movement meets bold color: Giules’ Valentine-inspired artistic dance portrait in the studio.
There’s something special about photographing a dancer you’ve worked with for years — the trust, the creativity, and the freedom to push ideas a little further each time. This past weekend’s dance portrait session with Giules (@dancergiules) was the perfect example of that magic.
We started the session on a clean white backdrop, focusing on movement, lines, and the artistic flare that Giules brings so naturally. From there, we shifted into a Valentine‑themed series — soft reds, expressive shapes, and a mood that blended elegance with emotion. To finish, we moved onto a bold red backdrop, creating a dramatic contrast that highlighted her strength, control, and presence.
As a New Jersey dance photographer, these are the sessions I love most — the ones where a dancer’s personality and artistry shine through every frame. Giules always brings that spark, and this session was no exception.
Below are seven of my favorite images from the day, each capturing a different facet of her movement and style.
Artistic and Valentine Dance Portraits for Giules on February 14, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
If this session inspires you, now is the perfect time to book your own. My Winter Fine Art Dance Portraits are available for a limited time, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Reserve your spot here:
I’ve had the pleasure of photographing Mia for several years now, and it’s honestly hard to believe she’s already a senior in high school. Watching dancers grow over time is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do, and Mia’s journey has been especially meaningful to witness.
This session was all about preparing for the next big chapter in Mia’s dance education and career. Mia came to me in need of a dance audition portrait session, designed specifically for dancers applying to college dance programs, university dance departments, and competitive dance intensives. Every audition session includes a clean, professional dance headshot along with dance audition photos that schools and programs require — images that clearly show technique, lines, strength, flexibility, and artistry.
Dance audition portraits for Mia with some artistic and senior portraits mixed in too. Photo by DAVE DABOUR PhotographyDance audition portraits for Mia with some artistic and senior portraits mixed in too. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Artistic Dance Portraits
If time allows during a dance audition photoshoot, I always love when dancers stay a little longer to create more artistic dance portraits — and Mia truly shines in this space. She has an incredible ability to push past the obvious or “safe” pose and create images that feel expressive and intentional.
That creativity instantly reminded me of her Rain Machine dance photoshoot experience from a couple of years ago. Even then, Mia never went for the easy option. She explored shapes, movement, and emotion in a way that elevated every frame. That same mindset carried into this session, and together we created some truly beautiful dance art.
Senior Dance Portraits
Since Mia is also a high school senior, we incorporated senior dance portraits into her session as well. These images kept a strong dance influence while also celebrating her graduation year.
One of my favorite details was a meaningful graduation-year prop her mom created especially for her — a personal touch that tied her senior year into the images in such a thoughtful way. We also highlighted the two dance studios where Mia spent her years as a competition dancer, honoring the places that helped shape her training and growth.
Looking Ahead
Mia plans to apply as a dual major in dance and fashion, which feels like the perfect combination for someone with her creativity, movement quality, and eye for detail. I can’t wait to see what she creates next, and I have no doubt she’ll excel in whatever path she chooses.
It’s been an absolute joy documenting her journey over the years — from creative experiments to major milestones like this one. Sessions like Mia’s are a reminder of why professional dance portraits and audition photos are about so much more than just images. They’re about preserving growth, passion, and possibility.
You can follow Mia’s journey on Instagram: @miatolomeo
Interested in a dance audition or senior portrait session? Reach out to schedule your own experience and let’s create something meaningful together.
Brother and Sister Bryan and Addy pose for some portraits before Bryan deploys. January 31, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Some photo sessions are carefully planned. Others are carefully felt.
Steel and Silk became both.
This personal project began as a fine art portrait concept exploring two very different disciplines—military service and dance—through siblings who embody commitment, structure, and quiet strength in their own ways. One wears a United States Marine Corps uniform earned through service and sacrifice. The other trains her body daily in pursuit of grace, control, and artistry.
On paper, it was simple. In practice, it became something much more personal.
The Plan (and the Pivot)
Going into the session, I was told that Addy, the dancer, was no longer on pointe this year. The concept shifted naturally toward training, growth, and becoming rather than arrival. As a dance photographer, I’ve learned that some of the most meaningful images live in that in-between space.
Then came one of those unplanned moments that personal projects seem to invite.
Addy discovered she fit into an extra pair of pointe shoes I had in the studio—and offered to wear them for a few images.
Those photographs weren’t about technique or proving readiness. They were about choice. About possibility. About meeting the moment when it presents itself. Silk, quite literally, meeting steel.
Brother and Sister Bryan and Addy pose for some portraits before Bryan deploys. January 31, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Meeting Bryan
This was my first time meeting Addy’s older brother, Bryan, who recently became a United States Marine.
From the start, Bryan carried himself with intention. Polite, composed, and focused, he knows exactly what he wants and how to work toward it—while still keeping a sense of humor along the way. As he moved through the session, transitioning from his Service Charlies to his Blues cover, you could see the shift from brother to Marine, from approachable to iconic.
Both were authentic. Both mattered.
Family in the Spaces Between
What stood out most during this session wasn’t just the contrast between military precision and dance discipline—it was the ease between them.
The way they stood shoulder to shoulder. The way Bryan instinctively grounded himself as Addy balanced nearby. The way both relaxed once the formality dropped.
It was immediately clear this is a close family. The kind of closeness that doesn’t need explanation—it reveals itself in posture, glances, and shared laughter once the camera lowers.
Those are always my favorite frames. The ones that can’t be forced.
Brother and Sister Bryan and Addy pose for some portraits before Bryan deploys. January 31, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Winter Fine Art Dance Portraits
In addition to the sibling portraits, I also created a series of solo dance images of Addy that aligned with the fine art aesthetic of my Winter Fine Art Dance Portrait Sessions.
These portraits focus on artistry over performance—clean lines, expressive movement, and a timeless visual style that allows dancers to be seen not just as students, but as artists. Winter light, controlled movement, and minimal styling create space for emotion and form to take center stage.
The result is a body of work that complements Steel and Silk while standing on its own—quiet, intentional, and deeply personal.
Why “Steel and Silk” Still Fits
Even with the unexpected pointe shoes, the title never changed.
Because Steel and Silk isn’t really about footwear or uniforms. It’s about balance. Contrast. Mutual respect.
It’s about two paths that demand discipline, resilience, and sacrifice—expressed through very different languages. One sharp and structured. One fluid and expressive. Both asking everything of the people who choose them.
This session didn’t go exactly as planned.
It went better.
Closing Thoughts
Personal projects have a way of reminding us to stay open. To trust the people in front of the lens. To understand that deviations aren’t failures—they’re invitations.
I’m grateful to Addy and Bryan for trusting me with their story, and to their family for allowing me to witness a small piece of what clearly runs much deeper.
Steel and Silk will always be about that balance.
Interested in a Fine Art Dance Portrait Session?
My Winter Fine Art Dance Portrait Sessions are designed for dancers who want images that go beyond technique—portraits that highlight artistry, expression, and the discipline behind the movement.
These sessions are intentionally limited and tailored to each dancer, creating work that feels timeless, personal, and worthy of both portfolio and print.
If you’re interested in learning more or reserving a session, I’d love to talk.
Dabour Photography 