Tag Archives: hunterdon hills ballet

Capturing the Magic: Hunterdon Hills Ballet Presents Sleeping Beauty

Posted on by
Reply

I have had the pleasure of photographing and recording video for Hunterdon Hills Ballet for several years now, and every season, I am struck by the same thing: the talent on that stage is absolutely first-class.

While the spring season usually brings a variety of different performances, this year the school “changed it up” by staged the timeless classic, Sleeping Beauty. It was a magnificent production, filled with vibrant costumes, intricate choreography, and the high-level artistry I’ve come to expect from these dedicated dancers.

Below are some of my favorite highlights from the recent production:

Three ballet dancers on stage during a performance of Sleeping Beauty; two dancers in the background hold a large, circular floral arch over a lead dancer in a light blue and grey costume performing a graceful pose.
A male and female ballet dancer performing a dramatic lift on stage during Sleeping Beauty; the female dancer is in a white and pink feathered tutu being supported in a graceful pose by her partner, while other dancers in blue tutus watch from the background.
A group of young ballet dancers in various colorful tutus—purple, blue, yellow, and pink—performing a synchronized pose on stage during a production of Sleeping Beauty.
A group of six ballet dancers in colorful tutus performing on stage; the central dancer in a purple tutu has her arms raised in a graceful pose while others in blue, yellow, and red costumes kneel or pose around her.
The colorful “Fairies” ensemble from Hunterdon Hills Ballet’s 2026 production of Sleeping Beauty.
A young male and female ballet dancer performing a partnered sequence on stage; the ballerina is in a white classical tutu and tiara, while her partner is in a light blue tunic.
Hunterdon Hill Ballet presents Sleeping Beauty Saturday Mainee May 9. 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Looking Ahead: Auditions and The Nutcracker

Partnering with Hunterdon Hills Ballet is always a highlight of my year, and I’m already looking forward to our future collaborations. Whether it’s capturing the grandeur of a full production or working one-on-one with students, I am constantly inspired by their grace.

With fall just around the corner, The Nutcracker will be here before we know it! Now is the perfect time for dancers to update their portfolios. If you are in need of:

I would love to work with you to capture your best light. Feel free to reach out to book your session!

Show Photography for Hunterdon Hills production of the 2024 ‘Clinton Nutcracker’

Posted on by
Reply

New Jersey Dance Photography

Hunterdon Hills Ballet Nutcracker 2024 show photographs Thursday Dec. 19, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Hunterdon Hills Ballet organization for the past several years. Each year they produce a special version of the Nutcracker called the ‘Clinton Nutcracker.’ This of course is very appropriate since they are located near Clinton, New Jersey

Hunterdon Hills Ballet Nutcracker 2024 show photographs Saturday Matinee Dec. 21, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

In 2024 I had the opportunity to create show photography for their production. I photographed one of their tech rehearsals and two of their productions. I always prefer photographing tech rehearsals as I can control where I photograph more than shows.

Hunterdon Hills Ballet Nutcracker 2024 show photographs Thursday Dec. 19, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Even though I’ve been photographing theater, dance and productions for over 30 years, one thing I learned this year is the importance of not over shooting. I was a little nervous as this was the first time I was photographing a Nutcracker, so I wanted to make sure I captured the moments. I certainly did that but put a lot of stress on storage, my camera and the amount of time needed to cull and edit the photographs. Next year I will curtail.

Hunterdon Hills Ballet Nutcracker 2024 show photographs Thursday Dec. 19, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Capturing dance through photography is important. A dancer works months to achieve a level of excellence that deserves to be captured and preserved. While video also does that, the impact of a still image is stunning.

Hunterdon Hills Ballet Nutcracker 2024 show photographs Saturday Matinee Dec. 21, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

If you ever get an opportunity to attend one of their performances, I highly encourage you do so.

Are you a dance studio, high school drama club or community theater in need of photography or videography? Please contact me for more information and services that are available.