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.
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!
A Tradition of Artistry at Mary Help There is a beautiful sense of continuity in returning to a school year after year. This season marked my fourth time photographing the dancers at Mary Help of Christians Academy. As an all-girls Catholic school with a deep commitment to the arts, the atmosphere is always one of focused talent and wonderful school spirit.
The After-School “Elite” Sessions While we capture every dancer during the day, my absolute favorite part of this residency is the special after-school session we offer. This is a time specifically set aside for the “best of the best”—those dancers who live and breathe their craft.
Away from the hustle of the school day, these performers truly have the space to shine. It is a joy to work with dancers who are so technically proficient and eager to push their creative boundaries in front of the camera. The resulting portraits are always among the most striking of the year.
A Tribute to Miss Hannah The high caliber of dance at Mary Help is no accident. These students are truly blessed with a wonderful and talented teacher in Miss Hannah. Her dedication to her students and her eye for choreography make my job behind the lens so much easier. It’s clear that her guidance helps these young women find their confidence and their “light.”
View Your 2026 Portraits The professional galleries for this session are finished! If you are a parent or student at Mary Help, reach out to me or Miss Hannah if you didn’t receive the link view and purchase your portraits.
A Decade of Dance Excellence There is a unique energy that fills a dance studio, and at ShowBiz Kidz Dance Center, that energy is truly something special. For over 10 years, I’ve had the honor of serving as their official photographer, and every season I am blown away by the growth, discipline, and pure joy these performers bring to the lens.
Three Days, Hundreds of Dancers The sheer talent at ShowBiz Kidz is so vast it takes us three full days to capture every solo, duo, and troupe! From the youngest tiny tots to the advanced competitive dancers, the dedication from both the students and the fantastic teachers at this studio is evident in every frame.
Whether it’s the intricate details of a costume or the perfect lines of a seasoned performer, these sessions are about more than just a photo—they are a celebration of the hard work put in all year long.
View and Purchase Your Photos The wait is over! Photographs from our most recent sessions are officially available for viewing and purchase.
Gallery Access: If you have not yet received the link to your dancer’s professional gallery, please reach out to me directly.
Prints & Digital: A variety of high-quality prints and digital downloads are available to commemorate this season.
Thank you to the staff, parents, and of course, the incredible dancers of ShowBiz Kidz for another fantastic year behind the lens!
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.
Molly perfectly capturing the “Spooky Season” vibe with this theatrical silhouette! Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography.
Some dancers bring a spark you recognize long before they ever step into your ambassador program. Molly (@mollystinson7) is one of those dancers. This is her first year as a Dance Ambassador, but I’ve known her for much longer thanks to her love of theater. She was part of the middle school theater group my wife used to direct, and even back then she stood out—fearless, expressive, and always ready to throw herself into a character.
Molly dances at Showbiz Kidz in Lopatcong, NJ, where she’s found her groove in tap, musical theater, and anything with a little dramatic flair. She has that rare combination of precision and personality—clean technique paired with a performer’s instinct to tell a story with every movement.
And then there’s her love of all things spooky.
As soon as she joined the ambassador team, she made it very clear she was counting down the days until my annual spooky portrait sessions. Once she stepped in front of the camera, it all made sense. Molly doesn’t just pose—she transforms. A tilt of the head, a shift in her expression, a perfectly timed gesture… suddenly the whole mood changes. She knows how to lean into the eerie, the dramatic, and the theatrical in a way that feels effortless.
Watching her work during that session was one of those moments where everything clicks. You see a dancer not just performing steps, but creating a character—bringing a little story to life in a single frame. It’s exactly why spooky portraits are her favorite, and exactly why she shines in them.
I’m excited to share some of my favorite images of Molly in this spotlight. Her first year as an ambassador has already been full of creativity, personality, and that unmistakable Molly energy. I can’t wait to see what she brings to the rest of the year.
Some dancers step in front of the camera and immediately feel like they’ve been there for years. Ellery (@its_ellevalentine) is one of those rare talents. Even though this is her first year as one of my Dance Ambassadors, she carries herself with a natural ease and artistic instinct that makes every session a joy.
Ellery isn’t just a dancer; she’s a true performer. She also shines onstage with ShowKids Invitational Theatre (SKIT), a community theater I’ve had the privilege of photographing for many seasons. Whether she’s dancing, acting, or blending the two, she brings a presence that fills the frame and elevates every image.
I first remember photographing Ellery during picture day at West Jersey Youth Ballet, the studio she calls home. Picture day moves fast — dozens of dancers, quick poses, limited time. But when I got to her images during editing, I found myself wishing I had more. Every single shot was strong. That’s when I reached out to her mom about doing a dedicated dance portrait session, and the rest is history.
Since then, Ellery has proven she can create magic anywhere — onstage, outdoors in a park, or in a specialty fashion session in my studio. She adapts, explores, and brings her own spark to every concept. Watching her grow as both a dancer and a young artist has been incredibly rewarding.
I’m excited to continue working with Ellery and to see where her talent, passion, and creativity take her next.
Artistic movement meets bold color: Giules’ Valentine-inspired artistic dance portrait in the studio.
There’s something special about photographing a dancer you’ve worked with for years — the trust, the creativity, and the freedom to push ideas a little further each time. This past weekend’s dance portrait session with Giules (@dancergiules) was the perfect example of that magic.
We started the session on a clean white backdrop, focusing on movement, lines, and the artistic flare that Giules brings so naturally. From there, we shifted into a Valentine‑themed series — soft reds, expressive shapes, and a mood that blended elegance with emotion. To finish, we moved onto a bold red backdrop, creating a dramatic contrast that highlighted her strength, control, and presence.
As a New Jersey dance photographer, these are the sessions I love most — the ones where a dancer’s personality and artistry shine through every frame. Giules always brings that spark, and this session was no exception.
Below are seven of my favorite images from the day, each capturing a different facet of her movement and style.
Artistic and Valentine Dance Portraits for Giules on February 14, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
If this session inspires you, now is the perfect time to book your own. My Winter Fine Art Dance Portraits are available for a limited time, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Reserve your spot here:
Brother and Sister Bryan and Addy pose for some portraits before Bryan deploys. January 31, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Some photo sessions are carefully planned. Others are carefully felt.
Steel and Silk became both.
This personal project began as a fine art portrait concept exploring two very different disciplines—military service and dance—through siblings who embody commitment, structure, and quiet strength in their own ways. One wears a United States Marine Corps uniform earned through service and sacrifice. The other trains her body daily in pursuit of grace, control, and artistry.
On paper, it was simple. In practice, it became something much more personal.
The Plan (and the Pivot)
Going into the session, I was told that Addy, the dancer, was no longer on pointe this year. The concept shifted naturally toward training, growth, and becoming rather than arrival. As a dance photographer, I’ve learned that some of the most meaningful images live in that in-between space.
Then came one of those unplanned moments that personal projects seem to invite.
Addy discovered she fit into an extra pair of pointe shoes I had in the studio—and offered to wear them for a few images.
Those photographs weren’t about technique or proving readiness. They were about choice. About possibility. About meeting the moment when it presents itself. Silk, quite literally, meeting steel.
Brother and Sister Bryan and Addy pose for some portraits before Bryan deploys. January 31, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Meeting Bryan
This was my first time meeting Addy’s older brother, Bryan, who recently became a United States Marine.
From the start, Bryan carried himself with intention. Polite, composed, and focused, he knows exactly what he wants and how to work toward it—while still keeping a sense of humor along the way. As he moved through the session, transitioning from his Service Charlies to his Blues cover, you could see the shift from brother to Marine, from approachable to iconic.
Both were authentic. Both mattered.
Family in the Spaces Between
What stood out most during this session wasn’t just the contrast between military precision and dance discipline—it was the ease between them.
The way they stood shoulder to shoulder. The way Bryan instinctively grounded himself as Addy balanced nearby. The way both relaxed once the formality dropped.
It was immediately clear this is a close family. The kind of closeness that doesn’t need explanation—it reveals itself in posture, glances, and shared laughter once the camera lowers.
Those are always my favorite frames. The ones that can’t be forced.
Brother and Sister Bryan and Addy pose for some portraits before Bryan deploys. January 31, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Winter Fine Art Dance Portraits
In addition to the sibling portraits, I also created a series of solo dance images of Addy that aligned with the fine art aesthetic of my Winter Fine Art Dance Portrait Sessions.
These portraits focus on artistry over performance—clean lines, expressive movement, and a timeless visual style that allows dancers to be seen not just as students, but as artists. Winter light, controlled movement, and minimal styling create space for emotion and form to take center stage.
The result is a body of work that complements Steel and Silk while standing on its own—quiet, intentional, and deeply personal.
Why “Steel and Silk” Still Fits
Even with the unexpected pointe shoes, the title never changed.
Because Steel and Silk isn’t really about footwear or uniforms. It’s about balance. Contrast. Mutual respect.
It’s about two paths that demand discipline, resilience, and sacrifice—expressed through very different languages. One sharp and structured. One fluid and expressive. Both asking everything of the people who choose them.
This session didn’t go exactly as planned.
It went better.
Closing Thoughts
Personal projects have a way of reminding us to stay open. To trust the people in front of the lens. To understand that deviations aren’t failures—they’re invitations.
I’m grateful to Addy and Bryan for trusting me with their story, and to their family for allowing me to witness a small piece of what clearly runs much deeper.
Steel and Silk will always be about that balance.
Interested in a Fine Art Dance Portrait Session?
My Winter Fine Art Dance Portrait Sessions are designed for dancers who want images that go beyond technique—portraits that highlight artistry, expression, and the discipline behind the movement.
These sessions are intentionally limited and tailored to each dancer, creating work that feels timeless, personal, and worthy of both portfolio and print.
If you’re interested in learning more or reserving a session, I’d love to talk.
