Tag Archives: artistic Dance portraits

Capturing the Movement: A Return to the Studio with Jocelyn

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It is always a treat when a talented dancer returns to my studio, but it is extra special when it’s someone as inspiring as Jocelyn. Two years ago, Jocelyn came in for her last dance portrait session, where we focused entirely on a classic, striking black-and-white aesthetic. Those images were absolutely top-notch, so the bar was set incredibly high for her return—but she did not disappoint!

This time around, we shifted our focus to mix business with pure creativity. We started by updating her professional headshots and then transitioned into capturing some deeply expressive, artistic dance portraits.

Big Dreams & Bright Futures

Beyond her incredible technique in front of the lens, Jocelyn is a powerhouse of ambition. Here is a little bit about what she is up to and where she is headed:

  • Rutgers Royalty: She is currently pursuing her passion strictly as a dance major at Rutgers University.
  • Future Entrepreneur: One of her biggest long-term goals is to open the doors to her very own dance studio someday.
  • Gameday Goals: Don’t be surprised if you see her under the stadium lights in the future—she hopes to eventually try out as an NFL cheerleader!

“Dancers are the athletes of God.” — Albert Einstein. Watching Jocelyn leap and hold extensions effortlessly makes you realize just how much strength goes into making art look this graceful.

Where to Find Her This Year

Jocelyn isn’t waiting until graduation to make her mark on the dance community. If you want to keep up with her journey or catch her in action, here is where she is spending her time:

  • Summer Classes: She is currently sharing her talent and teaching summer classes over at Vibe Dance Academy.
  • Fall Plans: As the new semester rolls around, she is looking to join the team at East Coast Dance in the fall, balancing her studio time as her college schedule permits.

Give her a follow on Instagram at @jocelyn.denne to see her journey unfold and catch a few behind-the-scenes glimpses of her incredible talent!

I’ve uploaded some of my absolute favorite images from our latest session below. Take a look and let me know which artistic portrait stands out to you the most!

Powder, Passion, and Performance: An Artistic Dance Session with Lindsey, Alayna, and Eleanor

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When a client tells you they are willing to drive well over an hour just to get in front of your camera, it is the ultimate compliment. But when they keep coming back for more? That is when you know you’ve found “your people.”

That is exactly how I feel about Lindsey and her incredible family.

A Familiar Face (and a New Adventure!)

If you’ve been following the blog, Lindsey might look familiar to you. Last year, she killed it during her senior portrait session. She loved the experience so much that she came back later that year for dance portraits—specifically to brave my rain machine experience.

Ever since then, Lindsey had her eyes set on the next big adventure: The Powder Experience. She patiently waited for our schedules to align, and when the dates finally locked in, she didn’t come alone. This time, she brought reinforcements.

Double the Sisters, Triple the Talent

For this session, Lindsey brought along her younger sister, Alayna, and her incredibly talented friend, Eleanor.

Working with three dancers in a high-energy powder shoot can be a whirlwind, but these three absolute rockstars blew me away. The movement, the timing, and the sheer enthusiasm they brought to the studio made every single frame magic.

A dancer in motion against a dark background, surrounded by a dynamic cloud of yellow powder.
A dancer posing against a black background, framed by large plumes of pink, purple, and orange powder.
A dramatic dance portrait of a dancer in a dark studio, striking a dynamic pose that sends a sweeping wave of vibrant orange and yellow powder into the air.

Capturing the “Legendary” Sister Shot

While Eleanor, Lindsey, and Alayna all crushed their individual shots, we had to do something extra special for the sisters.

We spent some time coordinating, timing, and laughing our way through a few attempts to capture a truly legendary sister picture. The goal? A simultaneous, perfectly timed powder hair flip.

It takes serious coordination to get one dancer’s hair flip perfectly framed with powder—doing it with two at the exact same millisecond is next-level. But they nailed it.

A dynamic dance portrait of two sisters kneeling against a dark background, performing a simultaneous hair flip that creates an explosive, colorful arch of vibrant pink and yellow powder.
Powder dance portrait session on July 12, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

No Retirement Allowed!

I think it’s safe to say the shoot was a massive success. In fact, Lindsey and Alayna’s mom was so thrilled with how everything turned out that she officially put her foot down regarding my career timeline:

“You absolutely cannot retire until you do Alayna’s senior portraits in a few years!”

Don’t worry, Mom—I’m not going anywhere! I am already counting down the years until Alayna is back in front of my lens for her own senior session.

Thank you so much to Lindsey, Alayna, and Eleanor for making the drive, bringing the energy, and helping me create some of my absolute favorite images of the year.

Want to see more of the action?

Scroll down to see some of my favorite highlights from this unforgettable, powder-filled day!

A dynamic dance portrait of a dancer mid-leap against a black backdrop, kicking up an explosive cloud of vibrant blue powder.
A dancer on pointe with yellow powder coming down
A dancer in a black leotard with green powder falling down
A dancer doing a hair flip with purple powder
A dancer doing a hair flip with blue and green powder
A dancer standing on one leg throwing white powder
A dancer doing a c jump and throwing pink powder
A dancer throwing blue powder while doing a ground pose
A dancer doing a c jump and having pink powder heading towards her
Two sisters doing a hair flip with powder at the same time
A dancer in passe' throwing orange powder
A dancer standing throwing pink and orange powder
A dramatic dance portrait of a dancer in a black leotard balancing on pointe in a dark studio, framed by an explosive, raining wave of bright yellow powder.
Powder dance portrait session on July 12, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A dramatic dance portrait of a dancer in a black leotard balancing on pointe and bending forward in a dark studio, framed by an explosive cloud of bright green powder.

Introducing the Mini Rain Experience

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A four-part photo collage featuring a dancer mid-leap and performing turns in a lawn-sprinkler rain setup, illuminated by dramatic flash lighting against a dark background, showcasing the new Mini Rain Experience at Dabour Photography

Introducing the Mini Rain Experience — a fresh, cinematic splash of movement and mood. A simple sprinkler setup, dramatic lighting, and your dancer’s artistry come together to create bold, water‑driven portraits without the full Rain Machine build. Perfect for dancers who want the magic of rain photography in a shorter, more accessible session. Let’s make a little rain… and a lot of impact.

There’s something magical about photographing dancers in the rain — the way droplets catch the light, the way movement becomes amplified, the way a simple step or turn suddenly feels cinematic. My full Rain Machine Experience has always been one of the most dramatic sessions I offer, but this year I wanted to create something more accessible, more flexible, and perfect for quick bursts of creativity.

That’s how the Mini Rain Experience was born.

Instead of building the full rain rig, this new setup uses a controlled lawn sprinkler paired with dramatic flash lighting to create a beautiful, moody rain effect. It’s smaller, simpler, and faster to set up — but still delivers the same sense of motion, atmosphere, and artistry dancers love.

And to bring this idea to life, I had the perfect collaborator: Dance Ambassador Molly H. @mollyy.in.motion

Molly has been in front of my camera for many years, and she’s always up for trying something new. When I told her I wanted to test a “mini rain” concept, she didn’t hesitate. She showed up ready to move, ready to experiment, and ready to help shape this new offering.

The water caught her jumps and turns in mid‑air. The droplets became part of the choreography. Even in a smaller setup, the results were bold, expressive, and full of energy — exactly what I hoped this experience could be.

Below are a few of my favorite images from Molly’s session. They capture everything I love about dance photography: movement, emotion, and the thrill of creating something unexpected.

Whether you’re a dance ambassador looking for a unique creative session or a dancer who simply wants to try something different, the Mini Rain Experience is now officially available. It’s quick, fun, and perfect for anyone who wants a splash of drama without committing to the full rain build.

Thank you, Molly, for helping bring this new concept to life. I can’t wait to see what other dancers create with it.

Welcome Our New Dance Ambassador: Jordin!

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I’m excited to welcome Jordin @jordincheyenne as one of the newest Dabour Photography Dance Ambassadors! Even though she’s just officially joining the ambassador team, she’s no stranger to my camera. I’ve had the pleasure of photographing her many times over the years — both inside Showbiz Kidz Dance Studio and on a variety of creative sessions elsewhere. Every time, she brings confidence, artistry, and that unmistakable spark that makes her images shine.

Jordin is a proud member of the Senior Competition Team at Showbiz Kidz, where she trains in a wide range of dance styles. She truly loves them all — but Jazz is where she feels most at home. It shows in her movement, her energy, and the way she lights up the frame the moment the music hits.

Our very first dance portrait session together as an official ambassador was my “250 in Motion” themed shoot, celebrating our country’s 250th birthday. It was the perfect way to kick off her ambassador year — bold, creative, and full of movement. Jordin brought so much energy and personality to the concept, and it set the tone for all the exciting sessions we’ll be creating together throughout her senior year.

This coming year is a big one for her as she steps into her senior year of high school, and I’m thrilled to be part of that journey. We’ll be creating her senior portraits along with a variety of unique dance portrait concepts throughout the year — the kind of sessions that let her personality, technique, and creativity take center stage.

Welcome to the ambassador team, Jordin. It’s going to be an incredible year ahead.

Dynamic powder dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring ambassador Jordin performing a high-flying leap surrounded by a vibrant cloud of yellow powder during an SBK session.
Powder dance portraits on June 23, 2025 at Dabour Photography.
Dynamic studio dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring an ambassador performing a dramatic braided hair flip in black dancewear during an SBK session.
Powder dance portraits on June 23, 2025 at Dabour Photography.
Dynamic 250 in Motion dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring ambassador Jordin posing elegantly in a dramatic, flowing blue skirt in front of an American flag backdrop.
Dynamic 250 in Motion dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring dance ambassador Jordin smiling and gracefully posing with a flowing white and blue gradient skirt in front of an American flag backdrop.
Dynamic 250 in Motion dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring dance ambassador Jordin performing a flexible backbend pose over a red prop in a white top and red skirt against an American flag backdrop.
Dynamic 250 in Motion dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring dance ambassador Jordin performing a flexible floor extension pose in blue dancewear against an American flag backdrop.
Dynamic 250 in Motion dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring dance ambassador Jordin performing a striking lunge pose in blue dancewear against an American flag backdrop.
250 in Motion dance portraits for new dance ambassadors Molly and Jordin on June 5, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Senior Dance Portraits with Mia — A Full‑Circle Moment

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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:

A senior high school dancer named Mia performing an inverted headstand pose on a white studio floor; she is wearing a dark blue athletic outfit and white sneakers with her legs extended in a wide, symmetrical split.
A senior high school dancer named Mia in a blue contemporary dance outfit performing a floor pose with one hand on the ground and her other arm extended gracefully; she is looking directly at the camera with a focused expression.
A high school senior dancer named Mia performing an artistic floor pose in a cream-colored contemporary outfit and red socks; she is arching her back with her head tilted back and arms supporting her weight on the studio floor.
An artistic dance portrait of Kylie from the ShowBiz Kidz Senior Dance Team; she is performing a dramatic backbend in a tan top and sheer black pants against a clean white studio background.
Dance portraits for ShowBiz Kidz Studio Wednesday April 22, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A young female dancer from ShowBiz Kidz performing a powerful stag jump in mid-air; she is wearing a black costume with blue fringe details against a white studio background.
Dance portraits for ShowBiz Kidz Studio Wednesday April 22, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A young female dancer from ShowBiz Kidz in a black fringe leotard and long red gloves performing a dramatic backbend over a white chair; she is wearing fishnet tights and black character shoes against a white studio background.
Dance portraits for ShowBiz Kidz Studio Wednesday April 22, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A young female dancer from ShowBiz Kidz in a black leotard with a gold sequined sash performing a technical hand-balance pose; she is supporting her weight on her hands with her legs extended in a wide vertical split.
Dance portraits for ShowBiz Kidz Studio Wednesday April 22, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Senior Dance Portraits with Maddy — A Session Filled with Artistry and Intention

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Some sessions feel less like a photoshoot and more like a collaboration — a shared creative rhythm where everything just clicks. My senior dance portrait session with Maddy, a dancer at West Jersey Youth Ballet, was exactly that kind of experience.

If you know Maddy, you know she’s one of those dancers who naturally draws people in. She’s admired by the younger dancers, trusted by her peers, and respected for her work ethic. But what makes photographing her truly special is her artistic eye. She doesn’t just do a pose — she shapes it, breathes into it, and elevates it.

A Session That Showed Every Side of Her

We started with a quiet, grounded moment: Maddy lacing up her pointe shoes, relaxed and smiling. It set the tone for the entire session — calm, focused, and full of intention.

From there, she moved effortlessly into bold, sculptural shapes. Deep lunges, dramatic backbends, and long, extended lines that filled the studio with energy. She has this rare ability to make strength look effortless and artistry look instinctive.

One of my favorite parts of the session was exploring more conceptual imagery. The umbrella pose — whimsical, elegant, and full of personality — felt like a perfect reflection of her creative spirit. And the green dress moment? Pure magic. The way the fabric caught the air as she turned created a sense of motion you could feel even in a still frame.

Preparing for What Comes Next

Alongside her dance portraits, we created a polished headshot for her upcoming summer internship auditions. Maddy has an exciting season ahead, and it was important to craft something that reflects not just her technique, but her maturity, confidence, and the thoughtful artist she’s becoming.

A Dancer With a Bright Future

Photographing seniors is always meaningful, but photographing a senior who brings this level of artistry is something I don’t take for granted. Maddy’s session was a celebration of everything she’s accomplished — and everything she’s stepping into next.

Below are a few of my favorite images from our time together. Each one captures a different facet of who she is: strong, expressive, creative, and deeply dedicated to her craft.

Senior portrait of Maddy in a dance pose; her arms are gracefully extended as a soft trail of teal and purple powder sweeps around her against a dark, high-contrast background.
A senior dancer in a light green prom dress performing an arched pose against a black background.
A senior dancer in a vibrant multicolor leotard posing playfully with sunglasses.
Dancer reclining over a white block with arms extended overhead and legs stretched out in pointe shoes.
Ballet dancer seated on a white block holding a lace umbrella overhead, posed gracefully on pointe.
Dancer balancing on pointe with one leg extended vertically upward, supported by a white pedestal.
Ballet dancer standing en pointe with one leg lifted behind and both arms curved overhead.
Ballet dancer in a dramatic lunge on pointe with one arm lifted overhead in a studio setting.
Senior dancer sitting on the studio floor, smiling softly while putting on her pointe shoes.
headshot for Maddy a high school senior who dances
Artistic dance portraits for Maddy Gilleland on March 15, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

If you’re a dancer looking to create your own senior portraits — or preparing for auditions and need updated headshot — I’d love to help you craft something that feels authentically you. Contact me today.

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Rylea (@balletlifeofrylea)

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Some dancers make an impression the moment you meet them — not because they’re the loudest in the room, but because of the quiet confidence they carry with them. Rylea (@balletlifeofrylea) is one of those dancers. This is her first year as one of my dance ambassadors, and from the very beginning she’s shown me exactly why she belongs here.

My first impression of Rylea was that she was soft‑spoken but approachable — the kind of dancer who listens, observes, and then surprises you with thoughtful conversation when you least expect it. In between locations during sessions, she’s always willing to chat, and not with one‑word answers either. She shares what she likes, what she’s working on, what inspires her. Those moments matter to me. They help me understand the dancer behind the technique.

I first met Rylea when she came to me for a headshot session for some summer intensives she wanted to apply to. Even then, I noticed her attention to detail. That trait showed up again during picture day at West Jersey Youth Ballet, her home studio. She reached out afterward because she noticed one of her poses wasn’t included in the final delivery. She wasn’t upset — she was curious. Was it blurry? Was something off? She genuinely liked the pose and wanted to understand. I checked, and she was absolutely right: it was a great image that somehow didn’t make the cut. That level of awareness is rare, especially in a younger dancer.

Fast forward to this year’s ambassador program. I put out a call looking for one or two volunteers to help me test a new location. Within 30 minutes, I had six replies. I figured that was more than enough… and then Rylea messaged me asking if it was too late. I told her I already had more dancers than I needed. Then she mentioned she lived in the town where the shoot was happening. That sealed it — of course she had to come. I invited her to join me the next evening while I was photographing senior portraits, and she fit right into the flow. But then she surprised me and showed up that night not expecting to be photographed – but to support her dance friends!

A young ballet dancer, Rylea, wearing a pale pink tutu and leotard with floral embellishments. She is posing gracefully with her arms raised and a soft smile on a dark stage, illuminated by warm stage lights and sparkling chandeliers at the State Theatre.
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors at the State Theatre of the Arts on September 23, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A ballet dancer, Rylea, performing an athletic leap across a wide, dark stage. She is wearing a purple tutu and is captured in a graceful split mid-air, with warm stage lights and a large chandelier visible in the background of the historic theatre.
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors at the State Theatre of the Arts on September 23, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

One of the moments that truly solidified her ambassador status happened at the State Theatre of the Arts in Easton, PA. Most of my ambassadors attended the invite‑only session, but Rylea’s mom let me know she had school picture day and could only stay for the first hour. So we made it work. We started with group portraits on the stage, and then I photographed Rylea first. She may be one of my younger ambassadors, but when she stepped onto that stage, she owned it. Her first few solo portraits were exactly the images I had envisioned when planning the entire event. She didn’t just rise to the occasion — she defined it.

A young male dancer, Elijah, dipped-posing a female dancer, Rylea, on a downtown sidewalk at night. Rylea is wearing a teal and white ombre dance dress, and Elijah is in a blue shirt and white pants. The background features warm glowing bistro lights and a street scene in Easton, PA.
Dance portraits during a photo walk in Easton, PA on Oct 26, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A young dancer, Rylea, performing a technical ballet pose while balancing on the stone edge of a large water fountain. She is wearing a teal-to-white ombre dance dress and is captured against the backdrop of the historic Soldiers and Sailors Monument and the cityscape of downtown Easton, PA.
Dance portraits during a photo walk in Easton, PA on Oct 26, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Since then, we’ve created even more together: studio sessions, artistic concepts, specialty portraits, and a photo walk in Easton with Elijah that turned into one of those perfect evenings — golden light, great energy, and portfolio‑level images at every stop.

Rylea is thoughtful, dedicated, and quietly powerful in a way that makes you pay attention. I’m grateful she’s part of this ambassador team, and I’m excited for the years ahead — especially the duets I already see forming in my mind.

Here’s to many more sessions, more creativity, and more beautiful art together.

Some of my favorite images created together so far:

Dabour Photography dance ambassadors at the State Theatre of the Arts on September 23, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A young dancer, Rylea, performing a technical leg extension while standing on a rustic wooden stool. She is wearing a teal leotard and purple skirt, posed against a red brick wall with a large industrial window and a "Seven Sirens" logo in the background.
A young dancer, Rylea, performing an elegant ballet pose in a narrow industrial alleyway. She is wearing a teal leotard and purple skirt, with her arms extended and one foot on pointe, framed by the historic red brick walls and large windows of the Silk Mill.
A young dancer, Rylea, in a dusty rose lace dance top, holding a bouquet of pink roses close to her chest. She has her eyes closed with a peaceful expression and one arm gracefully arched above her head against a soft grey studio background.
A young dancer, Rylea, laughing while wrapped in a large, colorful silk scarf that transitions from blue to pink and purple. She is standing in a studio with a white floor and grey background, surrounded by scattered rose petals.
A young dancer, Rylea, performing a dynamic leap in a white and red lace costume. She is surrounded by a large, flowing red silk fabric that creates a circular frame around her as she jumps against a deep red studio background.
A young dancer, Rylea, sitting gracefully on the floor in a large, pale pink tulle skirt and a black lace bodice. She is holding a bouquet of red roses and looking away thoughtfully against a deep red studio background.
A young dancer, Rylea, performing a technical ballet pose on a bright red studio floor. She is wearing a black and white patterned leotard with a large, voluminous white tulle skirt, looking upward with her arms gracefully extended.
A young dancer, Rylea, performing a technical pose while seated on a white wooden cube. She is wearing a black dance leotard and tan pointe shoes, with one leg extended vertically and her gaze directed upward against a neutral grey studio background.
A young dancer, Rylea, performing an athletic contemporary pose using white wooden cubes as props. She is wearing a black leotard and tan pointe shoes, balancing with one foot on a tall cube and her body arched forward in a dynamic, sharp-angled position against a grey studio background.
A young dancer, Rylea, performing a technical ballet pose using two white wooden cubes of different heights. She has one foot on pointe on a lower cube and her other leg bent in a passé position, with one arm extended gracefully against a neutral grey studio background.
A professional headshot of a young girl, Rylea, with her hair in a neat ballet bun. She is wearing a black dance leotard and smiling softly, captured against a bright, high-key white studio background.

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Emma (@extendandelevate)

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A young ballet dancer in a white tutu performing a grand jeté leap across a dark stage. Her arms are extended gracefully, and she is framed by warm stage lights and deep blue theater curtains in the background.
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors at the State Theatre of the Arts on September 23, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Some dancers grow in front of your lens year after year, and watching that evolution is one of the best parts of what I do. Emma (@extendandelevate) is absolutely one of those dancers. Even though this is her first year as one of my dance ambassadors, I’ve been photographing her for years—and every session reminds me just how much talent, drive, and personality she brings to her art.

Emma is known for many things, but her incredible flexibility is always front and center. She gets into poses that make my back hurt, and I’m not even the one doing them! What amazes me most is how effortless she makes it all look. One moment she’s a poised, elegant young woman; the next she snaps into a bold, sassy pose like she flipped a switch from 0 to 100.

A young dancer, Emma, sitting on a stage floor in a white Clara ballet dress and a sparkling tiara. She is smiling while holding a wooden Nutcracker doll, captured against a blue and black smokey background with professional studio lighting.
A young dancer, Emma, in a white Clara ballet dress and pointe shoes, performing a graceful arabesque while holding a Nutcracker doll. She is captured in profile against a dark, smokey background with a bright rim light highlighting her silhouette.
A young ballet dancer, Emma, sitting gracefully on the floor in a white Clara costume with blue trim and a bow in her hair. She is smiling and leaning toward a tall wooden Nutcracker doll, set against a dark, atmospheric studio background with cool-toned floor lighting.

This past season, Emma stepped into the iconic role of Clara in her studio’s production of The Nutcracker. I had the chance to create some beautiful, artistic portraits of her in those costumes, and she brought such grace and storytelling to every frame. It’s a role that demands both technique and heart, and she delivered both with maturity beyond her years.

Emma is also one of those dancers who starts doing the pose before I even finish asking. She listens, interprets, and moves with instinct—and that makes every session with her a creative joy. Whether we’re working on clean classical lines, dramatic lighting, or something playful and expressive, she brings her whole self to the moment.

I’m grateful to have Emma in this year’s ambassador team, and I’m excited for all the portraits, ideas, and creative adventures still ahead. Watching her grow as both a dancer and an artist has been a privilege, and I look forward to photographing her for many more years to come.

Know a dancer or studio looking for artistic dance portraits?
I’d love to help bring their vision to life—feel free to share my work or send them my way!

A ballet dancer in a white leotard and a voluminous white tulle tutu stands on pointe on a dark stage. She has her arms crossed over her chest in a graceful pose against a backdrop of deep blue velvet theater curtains.
A young dance ambassador, Emma, performing an athletic stag jump in an open field at Spruce Run. She is wearing a seafoam green long-sleeved dance top and a black tutu, captured mid-air with a lake and sunlit trees in the background.
A young dancer, Emma, standing confidently on a rock in the middle of a lake. She is wearing a black sleeveless dance top and blue shorts, posing with hands on her hips against a background of sparkling water at Spruce Run.
A young dancer, Emma, performing a graceful leg extension (arabesque) while balancing on one leg on a sandy shore. She is wearing a black dance leotard and a light purple wrap skirt, with the blue water and a cloudy sky of Spruce Run in the background.
A young dancer, Emma, performing an advanced leg extension (scorpian pose) while balancing on one foot. She is wearing a dark, sequined costume with a fringe, captured against a dramatic black background with yellow backlighting and atmospheric fog.
A young dancer, Emma, performing a full straddle split on a reflective studio floor. She is wearing a black sleeveless dance top and leggings, smiling with one arm arched over her head, captured against a misty grey background with soft studio lighting.
A young dancer, Emma, performing a deep lunge on a reflective studio floor. She is wearing a black dance outfit and is captured in a silhouette-style pose with a bright white light shining from behind her, creating a glow through the atmospheric fog.
A young female dancer in a grey top and black leggings performing a one-handed floor balance on a stage. She has one arm on the ground and one leg extended horizontally in a "needle" or tilted scale position, set against a rustic brick wall and colorful blue and red stage lighting.

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Lily (@lilyana.en_pointe)

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Some dancers step in front of the camera with a quiet confidence that grows stronger every time you work with them. Lily (@lilyana.en_pointe) is one of those dancers. This is her first year in my Dance Ambassador program, and I’m genuinely glad she joined. She also happens to live very close to me—so when inspiration strikes or I need someone to test a new idea, she’s often the first person I reach out to. And if she’s available, she’s always up for it.

My earliest sessions with Lily were at her home studio, West Jersey Youth Ballet, where her technique and discipline were immediately clear. But it was our first out‑of‑studio session—sunflower portraits—that really showed me her dedication. Even in a completely different environment, she carried herself with the same focus and artistry she brings to the studio.

A young ballet dancer, Lily, performing a graceful pose on a wooden bench in a vibrant sunflower field. She is wearing a light green leotard and white pointe shoes, with one leg extended and an arm raised, surrounded by tall yellow sunflowers under a clear blue sky.
Sunflower dance portraits with Lily and Vivi on Aug. 9, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Her mom has been an incredible presence as well. As the Executive Director at WJYB and a dance teacher with over 30 years of experience, she brings a deep understanding of movement, lines, and artistry. Having her nearby during sessions is always a bonus.

One of the moments that stands out most for me was our outdoor dance session at the Silk Mill. Lily absolutely shined there. One of the portraits from that day remains one of my favorites of her—full of strength, grace, and that spark that makes her unique.

Dance portraits with some of my dance ambassadors at the Silk Mill in Easton, PA. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Because Lily is homeschooled, she has a flexibility in her schedule that many dancers don’t. That opened the door for several outdoor dance portrait sessions this year, taking full advantage of the beautiful weather. One of those sessions took us to Columcille, where she blended seamlessly into the natural, almost mystical landscape.

A young ballet dancer, Lily, posing against a towering, narrow standing stone at Columcille Megalith Park. She is wearing a floral patterned leotard and a light purple skirt, standing on pointe with one arm reaching up the textured rock face and the other extended gracefully toward the forest path.
Dance ambassadors visit Columcille Megalith Park on Oct. 16, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Most recently, we wrapped up an artistic dance portrait session that highlights her growing talent and expressive ability. Each time we work together, she brings more confidence, more creativity, and more of her own voice to the images.

An artistic studio dance portrait of Lily posing on white geometric blocks against a solid deep red background. She is wearing a maroon leotard and standing on pointe with one foot on a block, creating sharp, angular lines with her arms and legs in a high-fashion, contemporary dance pose.
Artistic Dance Portraits for Lily with some Valentine theme too! Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

I’m excited to share several of my favorite images of Lily in this spotlight. She’s had a fantastic first year as an ambassador, and I’m looking forward to seeing how she continues to grow as both a dancer and an artist.

A young ballet dancer, Lily, performing a high leg extension (developpé) while standing on a forest path at Columcille Megalith Park. She is wearing a purple dance skirt and floral leotard, surrounded by tall trees and stone monuments.
A professional close-up headshot of Lily, a young ballet dancer, with a soft, natural smile. She has light hair and is wearing a dark dance leotard against a simple studio background.
Head shot for Lily on February 10, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Artistic dance portrait of Lily kneeling on a white studio block against a deep red background. She is wearing a maroon velvet leotard and looking toward the camera with a focused, dramatic expression.
Artistic dance portrait of Lily kneeling on a white studio block against a deep red background. She is wearing a maroon velvet leotard and looking toward the camera with a focused, dramatic expression.
Artistic dance portrait of Lily kneeling on a white studio block against a deep red background. She is wearing a maroon velvet leotard and looking toward the camera with a focused, dramatic expression.
A high-fashion dance portrait of Lily leaning back against a white block on a reflective studio floor. The monochromatic red background highlights her maroon leotard and athletic silhouette.
A high-fashion dance portrait of Lily leaning back against a white block on a reflective studio floor. The monochromatic red background highlights her maroon leotard and athletic silhouette.
Lily performing a graceful ballet pose on a wooden bridge at the Easton Silk Mill. She is on pointe, wearing a maroon leotard, with one arm extended toward the industrial brick architecture in the background.
Lily posing at the Easton Silk Mill. She is on pointe, wearing a maroon leotard
A young ballet dancer, Lily, performing a standing pose with one foot on pointe on a white studio barrel. She is wearing a maroon leotard and creating a striking vertical line against a deep red background, with her other leg in a high retiré position.
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors, including Lily, posing together in the ornate lobby of the State Theatre of the Arts. The dancers are in various ballet poses against the gold-leaf and velvet decor.
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors, including Lily, posing together in the ornate lobby of the State Theatre of the Arts. The dancers are in various ballet poses against the gold-leaf and velvet decor.
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors, including Lily, posing together in the ornate lobby of the State Theatre of the Arts. The dancers are in various ballet poses against the gold-leaf and velvet decor.
Ballet dancer Lily performing a standing pose among tall sunflowers. She is on pointe with her arms in an elegant fifth position, wearing a green leotard that complements the natural greenery of the sunflower field under a bright sky.
Ballet dancer Lily performing a standing pose among tall sunflowers. She is on pointe with her arms in an elegant fifth position, wearing a green leotard that complements the natural greenery of the sunflower field under a bright sky.

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