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Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Sydney (@squidneykdancer)

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A dynamic dance portrait of Sydney in a monochromatic red theme. She is wearing a red bodysuit, red tights, and red sunglasses, posing in a deep lunge with one arm extended straight upward against a vibrant red background.
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

Some dancers grow into confidence over time, and others arrive already glowing with it. Sydney (@squidneykdancer) is firmly in the second category. Even though this is her first year as one of my dance ambassadors, she stepped into the role with a presence and individuality that’s unmistakably her own. She may look up to her older sister Zoey—also one of my ambassadors—but Sydney’s style, strength, and artistic voice are entirely unique.

Like several of my ambassadors, Sydney calls West Jersey Youth Ballet her dance home, and it shows in her technique, discipline, and the way she carries herself in front of the camera. She’s also close friends with Ellery, another ambassador, and the two of them bring out the best in each other during sessions—equal parts support, creativity, and just the right amount of mischief.

A dramatic action shot of a young dancer, Sydney, performing a wide split jump (grand jeté) in a rain machine. She is wearing a bright orange leotard, with her arms curved over her head, surrounded by thousands of frozen water droplets against a dark, moody background.
A high-action dance portrait of Sydney in a rain machine. She is performing a vertical leg extension (developpé) while wearing a bright orange leotard. Water splashes and droplets are frozen in mid-air around her against a dark, dramatic background.
A dancer, Sydney, in a purple floral leotard, performing a back-bending pose while leaning against a white wooden chair in a rain machine. Water is splashing and frozen in droplets around her against a dark background.

Sydney thrives in specialty sessions. She took to the rain machine like she’d been training for it, embracing the challenge and turning it into something cinematic. The powder session was no different—she handled it like a seasoned pro, shaping movement and expression with a confidence far beyond her years. Whether we’re outdoors with long, flowing fabric catching the wind or creating moody, spooky portraits in the studio, Sydney brings intention and artistry to every frame.

One of my favorite memories with Sydney happened last year during a proof‑of‑concept shoot. I had asked for one or two volunteers, and her sister Zoey jumped in immediately. Sydney tagged along, curious to see what this new session was all about. At one point, she stood off to the side with her arms crossed, giving me a look that said—without a single word—“When is it my turn?” And honestly, she was right. She earned that turn, and she’s made the most of every opportunity since.

As she heads into high school next year, Sydney plans to continue focusing on dance, and I have no doubt she’ll keep growing into an even stronger, more expressive artist. I’m grateful she joined the ambassador team this year, and I’m excited to see where her talent and determination take her next.

Some of my favorite images of Sydney:

A professional headshot of a young female dancer with her hair in a tight bun, wearing a black spaghetti-strap leotard, smiling against a plain white studio background.
A female dancer, Sydney, in a green leotard performing a dynamic pose. She is surrounded by layers of flowing, translucent white and mint green fabric that creates a sense of motion against a bright white background.
ance Ambassador Sydney performing on a stage with vibrant purple and blue brick-wall backdrop lighting. She is wearing a light blue long-sleeved dance dress and pointe shoes, captured in an elegant open-arm pose.
A young female ballet dancer in a wide white professional tutu and black bodice, smiling and posing with her hands on her chin. She is centered on a dark stage in front of closed blue velvet curtains.
A young female ballet dancer in a white professional pancake tutu with a black floral embroidered bodice. She is posing on a dark stage in front of deep blue velvet curtains, smiling with one arm extended and her feet in a ballet position.
A young dancer, Sydney, in a black leotard and white pointe shoes, posing next to a "Haunted Mansion" tombstone. She has a serious expression and is set against a textured magenta and smoky background with a black cat prop atop the gravestone.
A young dancer, Sydney, wearing a black hooded cloak, looking intensely at the camera. She is holding her hands over a glowing crystal ball on a pedestal, with a dramatic smoky purple and black textured background.
A high-fashion dance portrait of Sydney in a monochromatic red theme. She is wearing a red sleeveless bodysuit, red tights, and red sunglasses with her hair dyed bright red. She is sitting in a relaxed, thoughtful pose on white minimalist blocks against a deep red background.
A dynamic dance portrait of Sydney in a monochromatic red theme. She is wearing a red bodysuit, red tights, and red sunglasses, posing in a deep lunge with one arm extended straight upward against a vibrant red background.
A high-energy dance portrait of Sydney in a monochromatic red theme. She is wearing a red bodysuit, red tights, and red sunglasses, performing a high leg extension (arabesque) while balanced on one leg against a solid red background.
A conceptual dance portrait of Sydney in a monochromatic red theme. She is curled in a tucked, seated pose on the floor, wearing a red bodysuit, red tights, and red sunglasses. Her bright red hair falls over her face as she looks downward against a deep red background.
A conceptual dance portrait of Sydney in a monochromatic red theme. She is wearing a red bodysuit, red sunglasses, and a red top hat, posing in a deep squat with her hands on the floor, looking directly at the camera against a vibrant red background.
A young dancer, Sydney, posing with her arms crossed and a slight smile. She is wearing a dark, textured leotard that is dusted with white powder. She is captured against a solid black background with dramatic side-lighting that highlights the powder on her skin and clothing.
A dynamic dance portrait of Sydney performing a high leg extension (battement) while surrounded by an explosion of blue and green powder. She is wearing a black leotard against a solid black background, with the powder frozen in mid-air reflecting her movement.
A high-action dance portrait of Sydney performing a grand jeté (split jump) in mid-air. She is surrounded by a large, explosive cloud of purple powder that follows her movement against a solid black background.
A young dancer, Sydney, in a black leotard performing a deep lunge (second position) on a green grass field. A long, translucent light pink scarf is blowing dramatically in the wind behind her, framed by lush green trees and a bright sky.
A young dancer, Sydney, in a maroon velvet top and emerald green satin skirt, kneeling on a reflective floor. She is looking down with a smile into a decorative holiday gift box that is emitting a bright, magical white glow, surrounded by Christmas ornaments and fairy lights.
A young dancer, Sydney, in a floral leotard and pink dance skirt, crouching on a white studio floor. She is holding a large red tinsel heart, with a smaller heart made of red rose petals laid out on the floor in front of her.
A young ballet dancer, Zoey, sitting on a studio floor and smiling at the camera while tying the ribbons of her pointe shoes. She is wearing a white floral leotard and a white skirt against a light grey background.

Scarlet Sisters: Red‑y to Dance

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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.
Ellery and Sydney posing together in red wigs and red bodysuits against a bold red backdrop during their Scarlet Sisters dance portrait session.
Sydney performing an expressive dance pose in red wig and bodysuit during the Scarlet Sisters session.
Sydney performing an expressive dance pose in red wig and bodysuit during the Scarlet Sisters session.
Ellery and Sydney posing together in red wigs and red bodysuits against a bold red backdrop during their Scarlet Sisters dance portrait session.
Ellery and Sydney posing together in red wigs and red bodysuits against a bold red backdrop during their Scarlet Sisters dance portrait session.
Ellery and Sydney posing together in red wigs and red bodysuits against a bold red backdrop during their Scarlet Sisters dance portrait session.
Ellery and Sydney posing together in red wigs and red bodysuits against a bold red backdrop during their Scarlet Sisters dance portrait session.
Fine art dance portrait of Ellery in red, showcasing strong lines and dramatic lighting on a red backdrop.
Fine art dance portrait of Ellery in red, showcasing strong lines and dramatic lighting on a red backdrop.
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