Today we’re celebrating one of the most creative and multi‑talented artists on our ambassador team — Elijah (@elijahinthearts). Whether he’s dancing, acting, modeling, or teaming up for one of his signature duets, he brings energy, imagination, and heart into every session.
It’s been amazing watching him grow across so many art forms, and I’m grateful for every moment we’ve created together.
Happy Birthday, Elijah! Here’s to another year of creativity, confidence, and big artistic adventures ahead.
If Monday night at the State Theatre is about quiet focus, Tuesday is all about pure, electric excitement. Today is the day the tech week energy really starts to amplify as the nominated schools arrive for their very first stage run-throughs.
For a high school theater student, there is nothing quite like the moment you walk through those backstage doors and look out into the beautiful, historic auditorium of the State Theatre. For many, it’s a dream they’ve been working toward all year—or all four years of high school.
The Grand Transition
The logistics of Tuesday are a masterclass in theatrical coordination. The students from the nominated schools arrive at different scheduled and gets acclimated to the massive stage, and runs through their blocking. They are transitioning from their hometown high school auditoriums to a massive professional house, and you can see the sheer awe on their faces the second they hit the stage.
They work through their spacing, get a feel for the acoustics, and get a taste of what the live broadcast night is going to feel like. Alongside the individual school numbers, the opening and closing ensembles are right back at it, seamlessly fitting their massive choreography into the space.
Capturing the Awe
From behind the lens, Tuesday is a goldmine for genuine emotion. I love capturing the wide-eyed looks of the students looking up at the balcony, the backstage high-fives, the nervous giggles, and the sudden realization of “Wow, we are really here.” Even in their rehearsal clothes, the performances have an incredible spark of energy.
Nazareth Area HS ‘Seussical’ rehearse for the 2025 Freddy Awards on Tuesday, May 12 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
As we head toward the mid-week dress rehearsals, the excitement is only going up from here! Parents, cast members, and fans—don’t miss a single memory from this week or years past.
You can find all of our extensive event archives, and eventually all of this year’s fresh 2026 action, over at the Dabour Photography Freddy Awards Gallery. Head over now to grab your keepsakes and bookmark the page for this weekend’s upcoming galleries!
There’s something uniquely special about photographing a dancer you’ve worked with for years. Mia has been in front of my camera many times — for artistic portraits, senior photos, and now her final dance portrait session before she heads off to college. Each time, she brings the same qualities that make her such a joy to photograph: talent, focus, and a natural ease that turns every pose into art.
This year marks a big milestone for her. Mia is a high school senior, and in just a few months she’ll be attending Montclair, where she’ll study both dance and fashion — a combination that fits her perfectly. Watching her step confidently into this next chapter has been inspiring, even if I selfishly wish I had just a little more time to create with her.
Earlier in the year, during one of our artistic sessions, I asked Mia and her mom if she still had her very first dance costume. Her face lit up as she said yes. I told her, “You have to bring it to our next session.” And she did.
Seeing her holding that tiny costume — the one that started it all — was a full‑circle moment. It was a reminder of how far she’s come, how much she’s grown, and how dance has shaped her into the artist she is today. Photographing her with it felt like capturing a bridge between the beginning of her journey and the incredible future waiting for her.
I’m so proud of Mia and everything she’s accomplished. While I’m excited to see where her talent takes her next, part of me wishes I had a few more years to create more incredible dance portrait art with her. But that’s the beauty of these sessions — they freeze time, even as life keeps moving forward.
Here’s to Mia — to her artistry, her dedication, and the next chapter she’s about to write.
Some of my favorite images from the session:
Dance portraits for ShowBiz Kidz Studio Wednesday April 22, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR PhotographyDance portraits for ShowBiz Kidz Studio Wednesday April 22, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR PhotographyDance portraits for ShowBiz Kidz Studio Wednesday April 22, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR PhotographyDance portraits for ShowBiz Kidz Studio Wednesday April 22, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
There is a distinct shift in the air at the State Theatre in Easton when Freddy Awards tech week officially kicks off. The marquee is lit, the energy is building, and Monday night brings a very specific, focused kind of magic to the stage.
Tonight, the theater isn’t packed with cheering fans or school sections chanting their rallying cries just yet. Instead, it belongs to the soloists and the hardworking members of the opening and closing numbers.
The Art of the Polish
Monday is all about precision. The soloists return to the stage to fine-tune their performances, adjusting to the massive scale of the State Theatre lines and getting a feel for the space. Watching them command that stage completely on their own is always a reminder of the immense talent anchoring this entire event.
Alongside them, the massive ensembles for the opening and closing numbers are busy polishing their routines. Without the costumes, the orchestra, or the television cameras rolling yet, you get to see the raw dedication that goes into this show. It’s a night of counting steps, adjusting formations, and finding that perfect synchronicity.
Capturing the Focus
As a photographer, I love the quiet intensity of Monday night. The lighting is being dialed in, the kids are in casual clothes or rehearsal gear, and you can capture genuine moments of concentration, backstage encouragement, and the sheer grit it takes to put on a broadcast-level production.
While I’m gearing up to capture all of this week’s incredible moments, the archives are fully open! Parents, cast members, and theater fans can relive the magic of past ceremonies right now.
Head over to the Dabour Photography Freddy Awards Gallery to view and purchase images from previous years, and make sure to bookmark the page so you’re ready when the 2026 galleries start to drop!
Today we’re celebrating one of the brightest young artists on our ambassador team — Rylea (@balletlifeofrylea). Thoughtful, dedicated, and quietly powerful, she brings so much heart to every session we create together. Whether she’s stepping onto a stage, exploring a new location, or sharing her ideas between shots, she always shows up with intention and grace.
Watching her grow this year — as a dancer, as an artist, and as a collaborator — has been a joy. I’m grateful she’s part of this ambassador family, and I can’t wait to see what she creates next.
Happy Birthday, Rylea! Here’s to another year of creativity, confidence, and beautiful moments ahead.
I have had the pleasure of photographing and recording video for Hunterdon Hills Ballet for several years now, and every season, I am struck by the same thing: the talent on that stage is absolutely first-class.
While the spring season usually brings a variety of different performances, this year the school “changed it up” by staged the timeless classic, Sleeping Beauty. It was a magnificent production, filled with vibrant costumes, intricate choreography, and the high-level artistry I’ve come to expect from these dedicated dancers.
Below are some of my favorite highlights from the recent production:
The colorful “Fairies” ensemble from Hunterdon Hills Ballet’s 2026 production of Sleeping Beauty.Hunterdon Hill Ballet presents Sleeping Beauty Saturday Mainee May 9. 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Looking Ahead: Auditions and The Nutcracker
Partnering with Hunterdon Hills Ballet is always a highlight of my year, and I’m already looking forward to our future collaborations. Whether it’s capturing the grandeur of a full production or working one-on-one with students, I am constantly inspired by their grace.
With fall just around the corner, The Nutcracker will be here before we know it! Now is the perfect time for dancers to update their portfolios. If you are in need of:
There’s something incredibly special about watching a performer grow up through my lens. Molly is no stranger to my camera—I’ve been photographing her since she was a young girl, and it has been a privilege to document her evolution into the dancer she is today.
In the world of dance, Molly almost had a “destiny” on the stage. With both of her older sisters being dancers—and now both teaching at Showbiz Kidz Dance Center in Lopatcong, NJ—Molly was practically born into the studio culture.
Beyond the Recital Schedule
Early SBK 2026 dance portraits by Dave Dabour Photography
While picture days at the studio are always a whirlwind of energy, the tight schedule often means we have to move quickly. To really capture the range and artistry Molly is capable of, I offered her some additional dedicated studio time.
This allowed us to slow down, experiment with lighting, and create the specific images we both had in mind. The results are some of my favorite portraits to date! The extra time truly let her personality and technical skill shine without the rush of a standard rehearsal day.
What’s Next?
I am so thrilled with how these turned out, and I’m even more excited for the future. I’m hoping to have Molly join us as a Dabour Photography Ambassador for the upcoming season. She represents everything I love about dance photography: dedication, history, and a true passion for the craft.
There is something special about witnessing a local business truly hit its stride. This year, it was an absolute pleasure to return to New Jersey Dance Force for their annual recital portrait sessions.
A Season of Incredible Growth
If you’ve spent any time at the studio lately, you’ve likely noticed the incredible energy—and the many new faces! Under the dedicated leadership of owner Miss Kimberly, New Jersey Dance Force has seen significant growth this season.
With so many talented dancers and vibrant costumes to document, we realized that the usual weeknight schedule simply wouldn’t cut it anymore. To ensure every dancer received the time and attention they deserved, we made the exciting move to a full Saturday Picture Day.
The Saturday Advantage
Moving the session to a Saturday was a game-changer. Instead of rushing from school or work, dancers and parents arrived with a bit more “breathing room.” This relaxed atmosphere allowed us to:
Focus on the Details: From the intricate lace on a lyrical costume to the perfect tilt of a hip-hop cap, we had the time to get every detail just right.
Capture the Joy: Without the weekday rush, the natural smiles and camaraderie between the dancers really shined through in the portraits.
Creative Excellence: A dedicated portrait day allows me to maintain the high standard of lighting and composition that Dabour Photography is known for, ensuring these memories last a lifetime.
A Partnership in Artistry
Miss Kimberly always well prepared and knows which dancers in which costume are ready for pictures. Her vision for the studio and her commitment to her students make the collaborative process seamless. It’s clear that “The Force” is stronger than ever!
To the parents and dancers of NJDF: Thank you for your patience and energy during our new Saturday schedule. It was a marathon of movement. Let me know if you need the link to the gallery.
On Monday evening, the theater was buzzing with a special kind of electricity. This wasn’t just any rehearsal—it was the first time this year’s nominated soloists stepped onto the stage to work with the live band.
The atmosphere was a mix of intense focus and pure talent. Each performer, both male and female nominees, had just 60 seconds to make their mark. Watching them distill their character and vocal power into a one-minute solo is always a highlight of the season.
These “mini-performances” are high stakes and high energy, and capturing those raw moments of preparation—before the costumes and the stage lights take over—is truly special.
I’ve selected a few of my favorite shots from the evening below to give you a glimpse of the hard work happening behind the curtain.
First rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR PhotographyFirst rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR PhotographyFirst rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR PhotographyFirst rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR PhotographyFirst rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR PhotographyFirst rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR PhotographyFirst rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR PhotographyFirst rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR PhotographyFirst rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR PhotographyFirst rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR PhotographyFirst rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR PhotographyFirst rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR PhotographyFirst rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR PhotographyFirst rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR PhotographyFirst rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Familiar Faces Behind the Lens One of the most rewarding parts of being a photographer for over 30 years is watching young performers grow into their artistry. Michaela and Molly are certainly no strangers to my camera, and having them back in the studio is always a highlight of the season.
A Milestone Season for Michaela This session felt particularly special as we celebrate a major milestone for Michaela. As a high school senior, she is preparing to take her final bows with the studio before heading off to Montclair State University this fall. Capturing her technical strength and grace one last time before she begins her next chapter was an absolute honor.
Beating the Recital Rush While I’ll be seeing many familiar faces during the regularly scheduled recital portraits at ShowBiz Kidz Dance Center, Michaela and Molly opted for an “early access” session. By coming in before the main photo days, we had the luxury of time to experiment with more complex, synchronized contemporary poses and fine-tune the lighting to match their unique chemistry.
The resulting images—from their individual technical shots to their beautifully coordinated duos—showcase a level of maturity and poise that only comes with years of dedication to their craft.
Good luck to Michaela at Montclair State, and I look forward to seeing both of these talented young women continue to shine!
