Emma (@extendandelevate) is one of my dance ambassadors, and I’ve photographed her in more sessions than I can count — but this was her very first time at the Powder Experience. As always, she showed up and made it look easy, bringing the flexibility and control she’s known for into every burst of color.
Emma catches air and color in the same frame.
Emma trains at A.C.I. (@a.c.i.dance_), and it shows — every shape she hit tonight, from the mid-air leaps to the inverted holds, had that trained precision that makes powder photography actually work. The color doesn’t do the work; the dancer does.
Powder dance portrait session with four of my dance ambassadors on July 8, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
If you’re a dancer curious about trying a Powder Experience session of your own, reach out — I’d love to create something like this with you.
Some dancers bring a level of artistry that feels instantly recognizable — a signature style that shows up in every leap, extension, and line. For me, Emma (@extendandelevate) has always been one of those dancers.
Even though she’s an established member of my Dance Ambassador team, she continues to surprise me with her creativity, her strength, and her unbelievable flexibility. So when it came time to continue my new patriotic portrait series, “250 in Motion,” I knew Emma would bring something extraordinary to the concept.
And she did.
The “250 in Motion” series celebrates America’s upcoming 250th birthday through expressive dance portraits — bold shapes, flowing motion, and the freedom to move with intention. Emma stepped into this theme with the same instinctive artistry she brings to every session.
Her flexibility is always a highlight, but in this themed shoot, it became a storytelling tool — long, sweeping lines that echoed the idea of a country constantly moving forward, evolving, and celebrating its own creative spirit.
Her control, her extensions, and her ability to transition from soft, elegant poses to powerful, dynamic shapes made this session feel electric.
A Familiar Face, A Fresh Creative Direction
I’ve photographed Emma for years, and each time she brings something new — a new level of maturity, a new spark of confidence, a new willingness to push herself creatively.
This session was no exception. She embraced the patriotic color palette, the motion‑driven concept, and the expressive shapes that define the “250 in Motion” series. Her experience in front of the camera made the entire process flow effortlessly.
If you’ve followed my ambassador series, you already know Emma is the dancer who starts doing the pose before I finish asking. That instinct was on full display here — she moved with purpose, precision, and a joy that made every frame feel alive.
Why Emma Continues to Inspire
Emma is the kind of dancer who elevates every session. She brings:
Unmatched flexibility and control
A natural sense of artistry
A fearless approach to creative concepts
A warm, positive energy that makes every shoot a joy
Her contribution to the “250 in Motion” series is powerful, expressive, and beautifully representative of the project’s theme.
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors at the State Theatre of the Arts on September 23, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Some dancers grow in front of your lens year after year, and watching that evolution is one of the best parts of what I do. Emma (@extendandelevate) is absolutely one of those dancers. Even though this is her first year as one of my dance ambassadors, I’ve been photographing her for years—and every session reminds me just how much talent, drive, and personality she brings to her art.
Emma is known for many things, but her incredible flexibility is always front and center. She gets into poses that make my back hurt, and I’m not even the one doing them! What amazes me most is how effortless she makes it all look. One moment she’s a poised, elegant young woman; the next she snaps into a bold, sassy pose like she flipped a switch from 0 to 100.
This past season, Emma stepped into the iconic role of Clara in her studio’s production of The Nutcracker. I had the chance to create some beautiful, artistic portraits of her in those costumes, and she brought such grace and storytelling to every frame. It’s a role that demands both technique and heart, and she delivered both with maturity beyond her years.
Emma is also one of those dancers who starts doing the pose before I even finish asking. She listens, interprets, and moves with instinct—and that makes every session with her a creative joy. Whether we’re working on clean classical lines, dramatic lighting, or something playful and expressive, she brings her whole self to the moment.
I’m grateful to have Emma in this year’s ambassador team, and I’m excited for all the portraits, ideas, and creative adventures still ahead. Watching her grow as both a dancer and an artist has been a privilege, and I look forward to photographing her for many more years to come.
Know a dancer or studio looking for artistic dance portraits? I’d love to help bring their vision to life—feel free to share my work or send them my way!
