Tag Archives: dance ambassador program

Dance Ambassador Applications Close August 1

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Applications for the 2026–2027 Dabour Photography Dance Ambassador Program close on August 1. This program is designed for dancers who demonstrate strong technique, performance experience, and a commitment to creative collaboration. If you intend to apply, please review the information below and submit your application before the deadline.

Program Overview

The Dance Ambassador Program highlights dancers throughout the season through creative portrait sessions, specialty shoots, and featured content. Ambassadors represent Dabour Photography in a professional and positive manner and participate in collaborative projects that showcase artistry, confidence, and performance skill.

Who Should Apply

This program is best suited for dancers who:

  • Demonstrate solid technique and training
  • Have performance or competition experience
  • Communicate professionally and respond reliably
  • Are comfortable in front of the camera
  • Are interested in creative collaboration throughout the season

If you have questions about eligibility, expectations, or scheduling, please refer to the links provided on the application page.

What Ambassadors Receive

Ambassadors may participate in:

  • Creative portrait sessions
  • Seasonal specialty shoots
  • Priority scheduling
  • Featured ambassador spotlights
  • Collaborative projects and promotional opportunities

Details about session types, scheduling, and expectations are available through the information links on the application form.

Important Dates

  • Applications Close: August 1
  • Selections Announced: Early August
  • Season Begins: Late August / Early September

How to Apply

To submit your application, please use the link below: https://dabourphoto.com/ambassador-program

If you have questions about the program, requirements, or scheduling, please refer to the resources linked on the application page.

Closing Note

Thank you for your interest in the Dabour Photography Dance Ambassador Program. Applications will be reviewed after the deadline, and selected dancers will be notified directly.

From Studio to Storefront: Elijah’s Creative World

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How cool is it when you’re walking through a store and suddenly see one of your dance ambassadors modeling the clothes on display? That’s exactly what happened with Elijah — or as you’ll find him online, @elijahinthearts. Elijah isn’t just a dancer; he’s an actor and a model, and he brings that same expressive, magnetic energy into every session we create together.

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Amelia (@ameliarosedancer)

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A young dancer, Amelia, performing an athletic contemporary pose on a white rectangular pedestal. She is leaning back with her arms curved over her head and one leg extended upward, wearing a navy blue lace leotard and a sheer patterned overskirt against a grey studio background.
Finding balance in the unexpected. Amelia proves that dance is as much about the space you occupy as the movement itself. I love how the clean lines of the pedestal contrast with her fluid, athletic grace in this fine-art studio session.

Every once in a while, a dancer comes into your life in a way that feels almost meant to be. Amelia (@ameliarosedancer) is one of those dancers. My connection with her family goes back years—long before she ever stepped into my studio for dance portraits. When they first moved to New Jersey, I photographed their family as part of a fundraiser with the local school. They signed up each year, and it was such a joy watching the kids grow and getting to know them a little more each time.

Fast forward a few years, and I began photographing dancers at West Jersey Youth Ballet. During one of those sessions, a mom mentioned that another family recognized my name—they told her I had photographed them in the past. That’s when it clicked: Amelia’s family had found their way back into my life. And I’m so glad they did.

This is Amelia’s first year as a Dabour Photography Dance Ambassador, and she has already brought so much poise, grace, and quiet strength to every session. She’s one of those dancers who carries herself with maturity beyond her years—thoughtful, expressive, and beautifully intentional in her movement. We’ve created several portrait sessions together already, including the ambassador‑only session at the State Theatre of the Arts in Easton, PA, where she absolutely shined.

Her younger sister, Maddie, tags along from time to time, and she’s quickly proving to be a “chip off the old block”—full of talent, personality, and the same spark that makes this family so special.

One of the most exciting parts of Amelia’s journey right now is that she has recently begun going en pointe. It’s a milestone every dancer dreams of, and seeing her step into this next chapter is inspiring. I can’t wait to create the next level of portraits with her as she grows stronger, more confident, and even more expressive.

Working with Amelia has been a highlight of this ambassador season, and I’m looking forward to creating many more beautiful images together.

Some of my favorite images of Amelia so far:

A young dancer in a jazz-style costume consisting of a black and white pinstriped vest, matching wide-leg trousers with a side stripe, white gloves, and a fedora, posing seated on a grey studio floor.
A young ballet dancer, Amelia, performing a pose on center stage at the State Theatre. She is wearing a white classical tutu with a light blue bodice, positioned against a backdrop of purple stage lighting and exposed brick.
A young dancer, Amelia, performing a dynamic contemporary or jazz-ballet pose on a theater stage. She is wearing a black leotard with a dark purple or navy blue sheer skirt, positioned in a deep lunge with one arm raised against a backdrop of blue stage curtains.
A young ballet dancer, Amelia, in a white and blue tutu performing on a grand stage at the State Theatre. She is captured in a graceful profile pose with one arm extended toward a bright overhead stage light, set against a dark, atmospheric theater interior with glowing wall sconces.
A young dancer, Amelia, performing an athletic pose in a rain simulator. She has one foot balanced on a white wooden chair and her arms out for balance while water falls around her, creating a dramatic splashing effect against a dark background.
A young dancer, Amelia, performing a professional dance pose while lying on her back in a shallow pool of water. Her legs are extended straight up in a vertical split, and her reflection is visible in the water as rain falls around her against a dark, dramatic background.
A young dancer, Amelia, posing barefoot on a sandy lakeshore. She is wearing a white top and a flowing navy blue skirt, captured in a joyful movement with one arm raised toward the sky against a background of water, trees, and a cloudy blue sky.
A young dancer, Amelia, posing on a large rock in an outdoor park setting. She is wearing a light blue and grey ballet bodice with a white classical tutu, looking off to the side with one arm gracefully extended. The background features lush green trees and a clear blue sky.
A young dancer, Amelia, performing a graceful ballet pose in front of large red and gold Christmas ornament props. She is wearing a dark red top and a shimmering emerald green skirt, holding a long, flowing red and gold silk veil that arcs over her head against a dark studio background.
A young dancer, Amelia, in a navy blue leotard with lace detailing and a sheer white skirt, posing with her arms gracefully framed around her face. She is illuminated by a soft spotlight against a dark grey background, creating a dramatic, fine-art portrait style.
A silhouette of a ballet dancer, Amelia, performing a graceful pose with one arm raised and one leg slightly bent. She is wearing a classical white tutu, standing against a vibrant, saturated red circular spotlight on a dark stage.
A silhouette of a ballet dancer, Amelia, performing a graceful pose with arms rounded and one leg in a soft plié. She is wearing a classical white tutu and stands against a vibrant, saturated blue circular spotlight on a dark background.

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Olivia Klein (@oliviaklovesballet)

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Young ballerina Olivia Klein wearing a purple leotard and a long, flowing sheer white skirt, performing a dynamic dance pose in a studio.
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:

Young dancer in a red velvet and white tulle holiday dress, sitting gracefully on the floor in front of glowing gold and green oversized ornaments and festive lights.
Young ballerina Olivia Klein in a red and white holiday dance costume, sitting gracefully on the floor surrounded by glowing gold and green Christmas ornaments and festive studio lights.
Two young sisters, Olivia and Brielle Klein, dressed in matching red and white holiday dance outfits, hugging and smiling together in a festive Christmas-themed studio set.
Ballerina Olivia Klein posing in a black leotard and floral skirt in the middle of a vibrant yellow sunflower field, reaching one arm up gracefully.
Ballerina Olivia Klein posing in a black leotard and floral skirt in the middle of a vibrant yellow sunflower field, reaching one arm up gracefully.
A creative dance portrait of a ballerina in a dark leotard, with white powder forming a glowing heart shape around her as she poses in a studio.
A creative dance portrait of a ballerina in a dark leotard, with white powder forming a glowing heart shape around her as she poses in a studio.
Ballerina Olivia Klein performing a graceful dance pose on an elevated stone ledge at the historic Simon Silk Mill in Easton, PA.
Ballerina Olivia Klein performing a graceful dance pose on an elevated stone ledge at the historic Simon Silk Mill in Easton, PA.
Ballerina Olivia Klein performing a graceful dance pose on an elevated stone ledge at the historic Simon Silk Mill in Easton, PA.
Ballerina Olivia Klein performing a graceful dance pose on an elevated stone ledge at the historic Simon Silk Mill in Easton, PA.
Ballerina Olivia Klein performing a graceful dance pose on an elevated stone ledge at the historic Simon Silk Mill in Easton, PA.
Young dancer in a dramatic black gothic-style gown and a witch's hat, posing against a dark background with vibrant purple smoke effects.
Young dancer in a dramatic black gothic-style gown and a witch's hat, posing against a dark background with vibrant purple smoke effects.
Young dancer in a dramatic black gothic-style gown and a witch's hat, posing against a dark background with vibrant purple smoke effects.
Young ballerina in a light blue and white tutu performing a graceful pose with one arm extended, set against a soft blue and white painterly studio backdrop.
Young ballerina in a light blue and white tutu performing a graceful pose with one arm extended, set against a soft blue and white painterly studio backdrop.
Young ballerina in a light blue and white tutu performing a graceful pose with one arm extended, set against a soft blue and white painterly studio backdrop.
Young ballerina Olivia Klein wearing a purple leotard and a long, flowing sheer white skirt, performing a dynamic dance pose in a studio.
Skirt and Scarves dance portraits at West Jersey Youth Ballet on Sunday September 8, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Vivi Taggart

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Vivi Taggart, dance ambassador for Dabour Photography, posing in a black leotard and pointe shoes for a fine art dance portrait.

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Vivi Taggart (@balletvivi)

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:

Vivi Taggart performing a graceful ballet pose among the ancient-style stone megaliths at Columcille Megalith Park.
Vivi Taggart performing a graceful ballet pose among the ancient-style stone megaliths at Columcille Megalith Park.
Young ballerina Vivi Taggart posing in front of a glowing Christmas tree and holiday lights at West Jersey Youth Ballet.
Ballerina Vivi Taggart performing a graceful pose
Ballerina Vivi Taggart performing a graceful pose outdoors near a body of water
Ballerina Vivi Taggart performing a graceful pose outdoors in a body of water
Dynamic action shot of a dancer performing a jump with white flour or powder exploding around her for a high-contrast creative effect.
Dance ambassador Vivi Taggart posing in a vibrant yellow sunflower field wearing a black leotard.
Silhouette of a ballerina performing a pose against a dramatic orange and purple sunrise sky.
Fine art dance portrait of Vivi Taggart using dramatic low-key studio lighting to highlight her form and technique.
Fine art dance portrait of Vivi Taggart using dramatic low-key studio lighting to highlight her form and technique.
Fine art dance portrait of Vivi Taggart using dramatic low-key studio lighting to highlight her form and technique.
Vivi Taggart in a classical Nutcracker ballet costume and headpiece, posing for a holiday-themed studio portrait.
Vivi Taggart in a classical Nutcracker ballet costume and headpiece, posing for a holiday-themed studio portrait.
Ballerina Vivi Taggart performing a graceful pose with a valentine theme
Ballerina Vivi Taggart performing a graceful pose with a valentine theme
Ballerina Vivi Taggart performing a graceful pose in the studio with a blue and white tutu
Dancer Vivi Taggart performing a graceful pose in the studio on a posing block
Dancer Vivi Taggart performing a graceful pose in a studio in black and white
Dancer Vivi Taggart showing her flexibility in the spider dance pose inside my studio
Ballerina Vivi Taggart performing a graceful pose with a long red skirt

For more information on my dance ambassador program please go here. Accepting applications for next year starting June 2026.

Amelia’s Artistic Dance Session

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Dancer in navy leotard performing expressive pose on white cube with dramatic lighting.
Amelia balanced strength and grace in this contemporary pose — a striking moment of control and emotion.

Amelia and I recently collaborated on an artistic dance portrait session, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the results. She’s one of my dance ambassadors, and every time we work together, she brings poise, creativity, and a willingness to explore new ideas.

Ballet dancer silhouetted against red background with arms extended and head tilted back.
Amelia’s silhouette radiates drama and strength — a bold moment in motion.

This session included both silhouette work and dramatic lighting setups. I probably asked her to try poses she’d never done before — but you wouldn’t know it. She moved with the confidence and grace of a seasoned pro, adapting instantly and making each frame feel intentional and expressive.

Ballet dancer in arabesque silhouette against vibrant blue background, wearing white tutu.
A classic arabesque captured in silhouette — elegance and precision in perfect balance.

From bold shapes to quiet emotion, Amelia delivered a range of looks that highlight not just her talent, but the power of dance to tell a story. These portraits are a testament to what happens when trust, artistry, and light come together.

Dancer in navy leotard and sheer skirt posing with raised arms under studio lighting.
Emotion in motion — Amelia’s expressive pose brings storytelling to the forefront.