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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.