Please join me in welcoming Kayley (@kayleyinmotion) as our newest dance ambassador! Kayley dances at West Jersey Youth Ballet (@westjerseyyouthballet), and she comes from serious dance lineage — her older sister Sydney is a current dance ambassador, and another sister, Zoey, is a past dance ambassador who has also helped out as a photo assistant.
One thing that makes Kayley unique: alongside dance, she also performs with a local youth circus. You can spot her Lambertville Youth Circus t-shirt in a few of these shots, right before she traded it for her dance costume.
We even got a shot of Kayley with her sister Sydney together in the sunflower field — always a treat when siblings can share a session.
I’m so happy to have Elijah (@elijahinthearts) returning as one of my dance ambassadors this year. Elijah dances at West Jersey Youth Ballet, and on top of that, he’s also a model and an actor.
One nice thing about being a guy who dances: there’s always a long line of talented dancers ready to pair up for a duet. These images are some of our favorites from a recent sunflower portrait session with a few of my dance ambassadors — Sydney, Becky, and Lenora out in the sunflower field, and a bonus stop in the wooden gazebo next door with Kayley, once everyone was up for a bit more.
Sunflower Dance portraits for Dabour Photography dance ambassadors on August 9, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
My dance ambassador Rylea (@balletlifeofrylea) and her friend Becky, both dancers at West Jersey Youth Ballet, came in for a session built around duets. There were plenty of giggles along the way, but by the end we had some genuinely beautiful images of the two of them together.
I love it when more than one dancer is in the studio at once — they inspire each other, and you can watch them problem-solve a pose together in real time. It shows in the results.
One of my dance ambassadors, Rylea (@balletlifeofrylea), came back to the studio this summer for another session — this time bringing her friend Becky along for a set of duets. Rylea dances at West Jersey Youth Ballet, and it always shows in her lines and control, even in a still photograph.
While she was here, we also carved out time for a few solo portraits, with Rylea in a beautiful pale blue costume with soft floral detailing — something of a cupid-inspired look that suited her perfectly.
Look for the duet images in another blog post. Here are some of my favorites of Rylea alone:
Rylea and Becky for headshots and dance portraits on July 24, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Some dancers grow with you. You watch them evolve from session to session, year after year, and each time they step in front of your camera, they bring something new — a little more confidence, a little more artistry, a little more of who they’re becoming.
For me, Giules (@dancergiules) is one of those dancers.
As I continue my patriotic portrait series “250 in Motion,” celebrating America’s upcoming 250th birthday, it felt only natural to include her. She’s been part of my creative world for several years now, and every session with her reminds me why I love photographing dancers in the first place.
A Session Filled With Color, Motion, and Creative Freedom
The “250 in Motion” series is all about expressive movement — bold shapes, flowing fabric, and the energy of a country constantly in motion. Giules stepped into this theme with her signature blend of strength and elegance.
She moves with intention. She poses with instinct. And she brings a spark to every frame that makes the entire session feel alive.
Insert Giules Solo Image 1Insert Giules Solo Image 2
Her lines were clean, her transitions effortless, and her ability to shift from soft, lyrical shapes to bold, dynamic poses made her a perfect fit for this patriotic concept.
A Beautiful Creative Pairing: Giules & Emma
One of the highlights of this session was capturing Giules and Emma together. Their styles complement each other beautifully — Emma’s incredible flexibility and sculptural lines paired with Giules’ expressive movement and grounded strength.
Together, they created shapes that felt powerful, celebratory, and full of motion.
Their connection made the creative process effortless. They fed off each other’s energy, supported each other’s ideas, and brought a sense of joy and collaboration that fits perfectly with the spirit of the “250 in Motion” series.
Why Photographing Giules Is Always a Joy
Every time I work with Giules, I’m reminded of how much she’s grown — not just as a dancer, but as an artist. She brings:
Strong, expressive movement
A natural comfort in front of the camera
A willingness to try new ideas
A warm, positive energy that elevates every session
Her contribution to this series is vibrant, heartfelt, and beautifully aligned with the theme of celebrating movement and creativity.
There’s something special about photographing dancers who bring both artistry and authenticity to every frame — and that’s exactly what Jordin delivered during her first session as a Dabour Photography Dance Ambassador.
To celebrate America’s upcoming 250th birthday, I launched a new themed portrait experience called “250 in Motion.” It’s a project built around movement, color, and the spirit of celebration — and Jordin stepped into the concept with confidence, creativity, and a spark that made the entire session come alive. @jordincheyenne
Even better, she arrived with fellow ambassador Molly, and the two of them brought an energy that transformed the studio into a space filled with laughter, teamwork, and bold, expressive movement.
A Session Fueled by Friendship and Creative Momentum
Jordin has a natural presence — strong lines, expressive movement, and a sense of ease in front of the camera that makes every pose feel intentional. Whether she was creating sweeping shapes with patriotic fabrics or hitting powerful jumps that echoed the theme of celebration, she embraced the concept with enthusiasm.
250 in Motion dance portraits for new dance ambassadors Molly and Jordin on June 5, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography250 in Motion dance portraits for new dance ambassadors Molly and Jordin on June 5, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
But one of the highlights of this session was capturing Jordin and Molly together. Their friendship and shared excitement for this new ambassador year added a layer of connection that shines through in every duo shot.
250 in Motion dance portraits for new dance ambassadors Molly and Jordin on June 5, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography250 in Motion dance portraits for new dance ambassadors Molly and Jordin on June 5, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Their chemistry made the creative process effortless — two dancers moving in sync, supporting each other, and bringing the “250 in Motion” theme to life in a way that felt joyful and genuine.
Why Jordin Is a Perfect Fit for the Ambassador Team
This year’s ambassador group is all about passion, personality, and the willingness to explore new creative ideas. Jordin embodies all of that and more. She brings:
Strong technique and expressive movement
A collaborative spirit
A willingness to experiment with new concepts
A positive energy that elevates every session
Her debut in the “250 in Motion” series sets the tone for an exciting year ahead — and I can’t wait to see what we create together next.
About the “250 in Motion” Series
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, this project celebrates the idea of a country constantly moving forward — shaped by creativity, diversity, and the stories we tell through art. Dance is one of the most powerful ways to express that spirit, and this series highlights dancers who embody movement, freedom, and individuality.
Jordin’s session is a vibrant addition to the collection, blending patriotic color, expressive motion, and the joy of collaboration.
