Category Archives: performing arts

Bringing the Swamp to Life: North Hunterdon High School’s Shrek the Musical

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A stage production photo of a student performer dressed as Shrek from "Shrek the Musical." The actor is in full green ogre makeup and costume, standing in a swamp-themed set with a "Beware Ogre" sign and large trees in the background. He is posing with his arms out and an expressive facial expression under theatrical green lighting.
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.

A selection of images from the show is included below. To see the full gallery of images please go here.

Happy Sweet 16 Addy!

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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

A Marine in a Dress Blue uniform stands next to a ballet dancer in a white dress and pointe shoes performing a tendu, posing together in a studio setting.
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:

Ballet dancer Addy performing an expressive reaching pose in a white dress
Ballet dancer Addy performing an expressive reaching pose in a white dress
High-action dance portrait of Addy in a white leotard performing a floor stretch on a gray studio background.
A US Marine in a Dress Blue uniform stands proudly next to a ballet dancer in a white dress and pointe shoes in a professional studio setting.
Creative dance portrait of Addy wearing a red top hat and posing on a red background.
Creative dance portrait of Addy wearing a red top hat and posing with a white wooden chair on a red background.
Creative dance portrait of Addy wearing a red top hat sitting on a posing block on a red background.
Brother and Sister Bryan and Addy pose for some portraits before Bryan deploys. January 31, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Close-up portrait of dancer Addy wearing a red top hat, showing her expressive stage makeup.
Brother and Sister Bryan and Addy pose for some portraits before Bryan deploys. January 31, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Ellery

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Skirts and Scarves dance portraits on October 19, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Ellery (@its_ellevalentine)

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.

Here are some of my favorite images of Ellery:

Dance Ambassador Ellery posing in a white dress in a wooded park setting, New Jersey dance photography
Action shot of dancer Ellery with pink powder effect during a dance portrait session.
Action shot of dancer Ellery with pink powder effect during a dance portrait session.
Dance ambassador Ellery performing a leap in a rain machine at Dabour Photography studio
Dance ambassador Ellery performing a leap in a rain machine at Dabour Photography studio
Dance ambassador Ellery performing a leap in a rain machine at Dabour Photography studio
Ellery in a red fashion dance outfit posing on a white block, NJ dance photography
Ellery in a red fashion dance outfit posing on a white block, high-fashion dance photography
Ellery in a red fashion dance outfit posing on a white block, high-fashion dance photography
Ellery performing with flowy fabrics during a 'Skirts and Scarves' dance portrait session by Dave Dabour
Ellery performing with flowy fabrics during a 'Skirts and Scarves' dance portrait session by Dave Dabour
Ellery performing with flowy fabrics during a 'Skirts and Scarves' dance portrait session by Dave Dabour
Ellery performing with flowy fabrics during a 'Skirts and Scarves' dance portrait session by Dave Dabour
Ellery performing onstage, captured by Dave Dabour, theater and dance performance photography
Ellery performing onstage, captured by Dave Dabour, theater and dance performance photography

Scarlet Sisters: Red‑y to Dance

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A Bold Winter Fine Art Dance Portrait Session

Two dancers in red bodysuits and red wigs posing artistically against a bold red backdrop for a fine art dance portrait session.
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.

Ellery and Sydney posing together in red wigs and red bodysuits against a bold red backdrop during their Scarlet Sisters dance portrait session.
Ellery and Sydney posing together in red wigs and red bodysuits against a bold red backdrop during their Scarlet Sisters dance portrait session.
Sydney performing an expressive dance pose in red wig and bodysuit during the Scarlet Sisters session.
Sydney performing an expressive dance pose in red wig and bodysuit during the Scarlet Sisters session.
Ellery and Sydney posing together in red wigs and red bodysuits against a bold red backdrop during their Scarlet Sisters dance portrait session.
Ellery and Sydney posing together in red wigs and red bodysuits against a bold red backdrop during their Scarlet Sisters dance portrait session.
Ellery and Sydney posing together in red wigs and red bodysuits against a bold red backdrop during their Scarlet Sisters dance portrait session.
Ellery and Sydney posing together in red wigs and red bodysuits against a bold red backdrop during their Scarlet Sisters dance portrait session.
Fine art dance portrait of Ellery in red, showcasing strong lines and dramatic lighting on a red backdrop.
Fine art dance portrait of Ellery in red, showcasing strong lines and dramatic lighting on a red backdrop.
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.

Reserve your spot:
https://proofs.dabourphoto.com/booking/winter-fine-art-dance-portraits

Mia’s Dance Audition Portrait Session | Dance Audition Photos & Senior Dance Portraits

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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.

Mia's dance audition headshot for college dance program applications, photographed by Dave Dabour Photography.
Action shot from Mia's dance audition portrait session with Dave Dabour Photography, showing strength and flexibility.
Professional dance audition portrait of Mia by Dave Dabour Photography, showcasing technical lines and artistic expression.
Dance audition portrait of Mia by Dave Dabour Photography, showcasing professional technique for university dance program applications.
Dance audition portraits for Mia with some artistic and senior portraits mixed in too. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Dance audition portrait of Mia by Dave Dabour Photography, captured for university dance program applications.
Dance 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.

Dance audition portrait of Mia by Dave Dabour Photography, captured for university dance program applications.
Creative studio dance photography of Mia by Dave Dabour Photography, featuring unique posing and professional lighting.
Artistic dance portrait of Mia in a white outfit, performing a dynamic standing pose with one leg extended and arms reaching upward against a white studio background.
Mia creating a dynamic and sculptural dance shape in a studio setting, demonstrating artistic expression and movement.
Artistic dance portrait of Mia in a white outfit, performing a strong horizontal pose while balancing with her arms on a white studio block.
Artistic dance portrait of Mia in a white outfit, performing a deep backbend floor pose with one leg reaching toward the ceiling in a studio setting.

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.

Senior dance photography of Mia by Dave Dabour Photography, featuring custom 2026 graduation-year props for a high school senior portfolio.
Senior portrait of Mia wearing a graduation cap and gown, sitting behind large "2026" props in a professional studio setting.
Senior dance photography of Mia by Dave Dabour Photography, featuring custom graduation props and dance studio highlights for a 2026 senior portfolio.

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.

Capturing Riley’s Spark: Headshots for a Dancer & Theater Star

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A professional headshot of Riley, a young woman with long dark hair, looking directly at the camera with a gentle, confident expression. She is wearing a dark top against a soft, light-colored studio background.
A professional headshot of Riley, a young woman with long brown hair, wearing a dark top and smiling. The portrait features a clean, light studio background with soft lighting.
A professional headshot of Riley, a young woman with long dark hair, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression. She is wearing a dark top against a soft-focus, light studio background.
A professional headshot of Riley, a young woman with long brown hair, smiling warmly. She is wearing a dark top against a neutral, light-colored studio background with soft lighting.
Riley’s professional headshot session.

I recently had the absolute pleasure of working with the incredibly talented Riley for a professional headshot session. Riley is a force to be reckoned with, balancing her demanding studies as both a dance and theater major!

From the moment she stepped in front of the camera, her passion and dedication were undeniable. We focused on capturing a range of expressions that showcased her versatility – from the thoughtful intensity required for dramatic roles to the approachable confidence perfect for dance and musical theater.

It’s always a treat to work with young artists who possess such drive and talent. We created images that truly reflect her personality and professional aspirations, providing her with the perfect tools for auditions and networking in the competitive worlds of dance and theater.

More to Come!

And the best part? This is just the beginning! I’m thrilled to announce that Riley will be returning to the studio soon for two more exciting sessions:

  1. A Dynamic Dance Portrait Session: Get ready for breathtaking leaps, elegant lines, and the powerful artistry she brings to every movement.
  2. A Personalized Senior Portrait Experience: Marking this significant milestone with images that celebrate her individuality and achievements before she embarks on her next chapter.

I can’t wait to share more of Riley’s journey with you all. Stay tuned to see the magic we create together!

This headshot session was just the first act for Riley! I am so excited to welcome her back to the studio very soon for a dynamic dance portrait session where we can truly capture her movement and artistry. Following that, we’ll be teaming up again for her senior portraits to celebrate this incredible milestone in her life. Stay tuned to the blog to see the magic we create in these upcoming sessions!