Powder, Passion, and Precision: Behind the Scenes with Our Dance Ambassadors

Posted on July 10, 2026 by dabourphoto

There is nothing quite like the chaotic, exhilarating magic of a powder dance portrait session. It is high-stakes, incredibly messy, and requires split-second timing from both the photographer and the dancer.

Wednesday evening, I stepped into the outdoor studio with four of our incredible dance ambassadors—Sydney, Emma, Molly S, and our newest (and youngest!) ambassador, Claire. We had a game plan, a mountain of powder, and a lot of creative energy.

My wife managed to capture some incredible behind-the-scenes (BTS) photos that show exactly what goes into making these jaw-dropping images. Let’s take a look behind the curtain at how the magic happened!

Behind-the-scenes look at an outdoor powder dance portrait session, showing the photographer demonstrating a powder throw to dance ambassadors standing on a protective black tarp.

Four dance ambassadors in black leotards standing on a black tarp outdoors, listening to instructions and reviewing the setup before their powder dance photography session.

Before a single grain of powder flew, we huddled up. Powder sessions are high-energy and fast-paced, so communication is everything. I love this shot my wife caught of Sydney, Emma, Molly, and Claire locked in and ready for the game plan. Total professionals from minute one!

A behind-the-scenes shot of the photographer giving direction to dance ambassador Sydney before executing an outdoor powder dance pose.

Every dancer moves differently, which means the powder reacts differently. Here’s a peek behind the curtain of me and Sydney (@squidneykdancer_2012) brainstorming how to launch the powder to perfectly accentuate her lines. And wait until you see how the final shot turned out below…

Dance ambassador Sydney executing a graceful powder dance pose during an outdoor nighttime photoshoot on a black tarp. — Powder dance portrait session with four of my dance ambassadors on July 8, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Next up was Emma (@extendandelevate), who truly lived up to her social media handle. She brought an incredible mix of flexibility and power to the set, pushing through the dust clouds to deliver pure elegance.

Dancer Emma performing an inverted split on a black tarp outdoors at night, with dramatic clouds of white and blue powder exploding from her feet. — Powder dance portrait session with four of my dance ambassadors on July 8, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Welcoming Our Newest Ambassador: Claire

A special shout-out has to go to Claire. As our newest and youngest ambassador on set, stepping into a high-intensity powder session could have been intimidating. Instead, she completely crushed it! She took direction beautifully, showed amazing maturity, and delivered some of my favorite images of the night.

A dynamic nighttime portrait of dance ambassador Claire executing a mid-air leap while throwing bright yellow powder into the air against a dark background. — Powder dance portrait session with four of my dance ambassadors on July 8, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

The Split-Second: Capturing Molly S

A behind-the-scenes over-the-shoulder view of the photographer taking a picture of dancer Molly as she throws a dramatic cloud of powder into the air during an outdoor portrait session.

Timing a powder explosion requires split-second precision. My wife snapped this awesome perspective from right behind my shoulder just as Molly (@mollystinson7) launched into the air. Swipe down to see exactly what my sensor saw at this exact millisecond!

Dancer Molly gracefully posing and tossing bright blue powder during an outdoor night photography session on a black tarp. — Powder dance portrait session with four of my dance ambassadors on July 8, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Want to Create Your Own Magic?

A massive thank you to my wife for capturing the behind-the-scenes gold, and to Sydney, Emma, Molly, and Claire for leaving everything out on the dance floor (literally!).

Sessions like this are exactly why I love what I do. If you are ready to create epic, show-stopping portraits that celebrate your passion for dance, let’s chat. Click here to get in touch and book your unique portrait experience.

Capturing the Magic: Recital Portraits with West Jersey Youth Ballet

Posted on May 11, 2026 by dabourphoto

It was such a pleasure returning to work with the talented dancers of the West Jersey Youth Ballet for their annual recital portraits. Every year brings something special, but this season felt particularly energized.

The highlight of this year’s picture day was definitely the new studio space. Having a studio that is both wider and taller made a world of difference for the technical side of the shoot. The extra room allowed for more dynamic posing and better lighting angles, making the entire process smoother for both the dancers and the photography team.

It was also wonderful to see so many familiar faces; several of my Dance Ambassadors train here, and their professionalism and passion always shine through the lens. From the youngest performers to the most seasoned dancers, the dedication in the room was palpable.

I’m already looking forward to seeing these beautiful routines come to life on stage when I return to record their recital video next month!

Scarlet Sisters: Red‑y to Dance

Posted on February 18, 2026 by dabourphoto

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. — 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

🌿 Dance Meets Stone: Outdoor Portraits at Columcille Megalith Park 🩰📸

Posted on October 29, 2025 by dabourphoto

New Jersey Dance Photographer

🌿 Dance Meets Stone: Outdoor Portraits at Columcille Megalith Park 🩰📸

Dance ambassadors visit Columcille Megalith Park on Oct. 16, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

There’s something magical about blending movement with nature—and our recent outdoor dance portrait session at Columcille Megalith Park was the perfect canvas for that magic. With ancient stones, winding paths, and a forested backdrop, the setting offered a timeless stage for three of my incredible dance ambassadors: Vivi, Lily, and Elijah.

The morning started off chilly, but spirits were high and layers came off as the dancers warmed up—both physically and creatively. Each ambassador brought their own energy to the session:

✨ Vivi danced with quiet grace and strength, her lines echoing the natural curves of the landscape.

🌬️ Lily embraced the wind and the wild, moving with fluidity and fierce emotion that made every frame feel alive.

🪨 Elijah grounded the session with bold shapes and confident presence, creating contrast against the ancient stones and soft moss.

Together, we created portraits that feel like they belong to another era—timeless, earthy, and full of soul. Columcille’s mystical energy paired beautifully with the dancers’ artistry, and the results speak for themselves.

Stay tuned for more ambassador spotlights and behind-the-scenes stories as we continue to explore new locations and push creative boundaries.

💖 Thank You for Making Dance Dads for a Cure Unforgettable

Posted on October 7, 2025 by dabourphoto

New Jersey Dance Photographer

What an incredible day.

To everyone who participated in Dance Dads for a Cure—thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your energy, your smiles, and your support helped turn a creative idea into something truly meaningful.

Together, we raised over $500 toward breast cancer research. That’s not just a number—it’s a step forward in the fight, powered by dance, family, and community.

From the first pose to the final laugh, the joy was contagious. Dancers brought their artistry. Dads brought their spirit. And every single person brought heart. I saw so many smiles, shared stories, and moments of connection that reminded me why we do this.

Even the dads—some of whom were stepping in front of the camera for the first time—embraced the moment with humor and love. You showed up, you danced, and you made a difference.

📸 A full gallery of images has been sent to everyone who participated. I hope they bring back the magic of the day and remind you of the impact we created together.

This was more than a photo shoot. It was a celebration of resilience, family, and hope.

Let’s keep dancing. Let’s keep showing up. And let’s keep fighting—for a cure.

With gratitude,
Dave

Behind the Curtain: A Dance Ambassador Session at the Historic State Theatre 🎭

Posted on October 2, 2025 by dabourphoto

New Jersey and Lehigh Valley Dance Photography

Dabour Photography photographs his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre — Dabour Photography dance ambassadors at the State Theatre of the Arts on September 23, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

There are moments in photography when everything aligns — the setting, the energy, the people — and magic happens. This past week, I had the privilege of creating one of those moments with my incredible Dance Ambassadors inside the iconic State Theatre of the Arts in Easton, PA.

Thanks to a few well-placed favors and generous support from the Theatre team, we gained exclusive access to this stunning venue. For those unfamiliar, the State Theatre isn’t just a performance space — it’s a living piece of Easton’s history, with ornate architecture, dramatic lighting, and a palpable sense of legacy that elevates every frame.

From the moment we stepped inside, the energy was electric. My ambassadors brought their A-game — leaping, twirling, and posing with the kind of grace and power that makes this program so special. We explored the velvet-lined aisles, the grand stage, and even some tucked-away corners that offered unexpected visual gems.

📸 Behind-the-Scenes Moments
Here are a few candid shots from setup and rehearsal — the laughter, the prep, and those spontaneous moments that remind me why I love what I do. These dancers aren’t just performers; they’re collaborators, storytellers, and community builders. Special thanks to Jordyn at the State Theatre for capturing these.

Dabour Photography photographing his dance ambassadors at the State Theatre — Dabour Photography dance ambassadors at the State Theatre of the Arts on Sepember 23, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

✨ Final Images
The final portraits are something else. Think dramatic spotlighting, sweeping motion, and the kind of theatrical flair that only a venue like the State Theatre can provide.

To my ambassadors: thank you for your trust, your talent, and your spirit. This session was a celebration of everything we’ve built together — and a reminder that when art meets opportunity, incredible things happen.

— Dave

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