Tag Archives: teen dancer photography

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Lily at Asbury Park — A Special Ambassador Session by the Shore

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Some portrait sessions feel like they were meant to happen — the right dancers, the right location, the right energy. That’s exactly how it felt photographing Lily (@lilyana.en_pointe) at Asbury Park for this special Dance Ambassador session.

This shoot is a perfect example of the unique creative opportunities available to my ambassadors. When they have a vision, a location, or a concept they’re excited about, we make it happen. And for Lily, this Asbury Park session was one she’d been looking forward to for a while.

Even better, she shared the experience with her good friend and fellow ambassador, Vivi, whose artistic energy always pairs beautifully with Lily’s grace and strength.

A Day of Color, Movement, and Ocean Air

Asbury Park is one of those locations that offers endless creative possibilities — bold murals, textured backdrops, and the soft, dreamy tones of the beach. Lily stepped into each setting with confidence and artistry, bringing her signature blend of elegance and expressive movement.

Dynamic outdoor dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring dance ambassador Lily performing an elegant, graceful leap on the boardwalk against the backdrop of the Asbury Park beach, NJ.
Dynamic outdoor dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring dance ambassador Lily performing a graceful pose on the Asbury Park boardwalk, NJ.

Her lines were clean, her shapes intentional, and her ability to adapt to each backdrop made the session flow effortlessly. Whether she was dancing against vibrant street art or creating soft, lyrical poses near the water, Lily brought the location to life.

A Creative Duo: Lily & Vivi

One of the highlights of this session was capturing Lily and Vivi together. Their friendship, trust, and shared love of dance made the duo portraits feel natural and full of joy.

Dynamic outdoor dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring dance ambassadors Lily and Vivi performing a synchronized pose on the Asbury Park boardwalk, NJ.
Dynamic outdoor dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring dance ambassadors Lily and Vivi performing a graceful, synchronized pose on the Asbury Park shoreline, NJ.
Dynamic outdoor dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring dance ambassadors Lily and Vivi performing an elegant, synchronized pose on the Asbury Park boardwalk, NJ.

They encouraged each other, laughed between shots, and created shapes that felt both powerful and playful. These moments are exactly what the ambassador program is all about — dancers inspiring each other, supporting each other, and creating something meaningful together.

Why Lily Continues to Shine

Lily has been part of my Dance Ambassador team since August, and every session with her reveals something new. She brings:

  • Beautifully controlled technique
  • A calm, focused presence
  • A willingness to explore creative ideas
  • A natural connection to the camera

Her Asbury Park portraits highlight not just her talent, but her growth, her confidence, and her ability to bring emotion into every frame.

A Special Kind of Ambassador Session

This shoot is a perfect example of the unique opportunities available to my ambassadors. When they have a location in mind — whether it’s a beach, a city, a sunflower field, or a place that inspires them — we work together to bring that vision to life.

Lily’s Asbury Park session is a reminder of why these creative collaborations matter. They’re not just photoshoots — they’re experiences, memories, and moments that dancers carry with them long after the session ends.

Spotlight Session: Giules in “250 in Motion” — Celebrating Movement, Artistry, and a Long Creative Journey

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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.

Dynamic "250 in Motion" dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring Giules performing a graceful pose in front of an American flag backdrop.
Dynamic "250 in Motion" dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring Giules performing a graceful, expressive pose in front of an American flag backdrop.

Insert Giules Solo Image 1 Insert 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.

Dynamic "250 in Motion" dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring dance ambassador Emma and Giules performing synchronized movement in front of an American flag backdrop.
Dynamic "250 in Motion" dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring dance ambassador Molly, Giules, and dance ambassador Emma performing a synchronized, powerful leap in front of an American flag backdrop.
Dynamic "250 in Motion" dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring dance ambassador Emma and Giules performing a synchronized infinity-shaped pose in front of an American flag backdrop.

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.

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Emma in “250 in Motion” — Flexibility, Power, and Pure Artistic Freedom

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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.

Dynamic 250 in Motion dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring ambassador Emma performing an elegant, flexible backbend pose in a red outfit in front of an American flag backdrop.
Dynamic "250 in Motion" dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring ambassador Emma performing a flexible, deep backbend pose over a red prop in front of an American flag backdrop.

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.

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Jordin in “250 in Motion” — A Dynamic Start to a New Creative Year

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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.

Dynamic 250 in Motion dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring ambassador Jordin posing elegantly in a dramatic, flowing blue skirt in front of an American flag backdrop.
250 in Motion dance portraits for new dance ambassadors Molly and Jordin on June 5, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Dynamic 250 in Motion dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring dance ambassador Jordin smiling and gracefully posing with a flowing white and blue gradient skirt in front of an American flag backdrop.
250 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.

Dynamic duo dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring ambassadors Molly and Jordin performing synchronized poses in front of an American flag backdrop for the 250 in Motion series.
250 in Motion dance portraits for new dance ambassadors Molly and Jordin on June 5, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Dynamic duo dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring ambassadors Molly and Jordin performing synchronized poses in front of an American flag backdrop for the 250 in Motion series.
250 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.

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Molly in “250 in Motion” — Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday Through Dance

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As we approach our nation’s 250th birthday, I wanted to create something special — a portrait experience that blends artistry, movement, and the spirit of celebration. That vision became “250 in Motion,” a themed dance portrait series honoring the creativity, freedom, and resilience that define our country.

And who better to help launch this new series than our newest Dance Ambassador, Molly @mollyy.in.motion

I’ve photographed Molly and her sisters for many years, and watching her grow into a confident, expressive, and versatile dancer has been one of the great joys of my work. She brings a spark to every session — a mix of grace, athleticism, and pure heart — and she stepped into this patriotic concept with the same energy and dedication she brings to every style she dances.

A Session Filled With Movement, Color, and Celebration

For this special “250 in Motion” photo session, Molly and I explored dynamic shapes, bold lines, and expressive motion that echoed the theme of celebration. Whether she was leaping with power, creating elegant lines with flowing fabric, or striking strong silhouettes against the backdrop, Molly embodied the spirit of the project beautifully.

Dynamic 250 in Motion dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring ambassador Molly in a flowing red and white skirt posing in front of an American flag backdrop.
Dynamic 250 in Motion dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring a new dance ambassador striking a beautiful balancing pose in a white top and blue shorts in front of an American flag backdrop.
Dynamic 250 in Motion dance portrait by Dabour Photography featuring a new dance ambassador striking a beautiful balancing pose in a white top and blue shorts in front of an American flag backdrop.

Each pose and movement was designed to honor the idea of America in motion — a country shaped by creativity, diversity, and the stories we continue to write together. Molly’s artistry brought that concept to life in a way that felt both timeless and fresh.

Why “250 in Motion”?

As a dance photographer, I’m always inspired by the way movement tells a story. With the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, I wanted to create a portrait experience that celebrates:

  • Freedom of expression
  • The beauty of American arts and culture
  • The next generation of dancers shaping our future
  • The power of movement to unite and inspire

Molly’s session is the first in this new series — and she set the bar incredibly high.

A Dancer Who Brings Heart to Every Frame

Beyond her talent, Molly is a joy to work with. This year alone, I’ve photographed her Sweet 16 celebration, her junior varsity volleyball team, and now her first ambassador session of 2026. She brings enthusiasm, creativity, and a willingness to try new ideas — the perfect combination for a themed portrait experience like this.

I’m excited to continue creating with her throughout the year and to see how she helps shape the “250 in Motion” series as it grows.

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Amelia (@ameliarosedancer)

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A young dancer, Amelia, performing an athletic contemporary pose on a white rectangular pedestal. She is leaning back with her arms curved over her head and one leg extended upward, wearing a navy blue lace leotard and a sheer patterned overskirt against a grey studio background.
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.

Some of my favorite images of Amelia so far:

A young dancer in a jazz-style costume consisting of a black and white pinstriped vest, matching wide-leg trousers with a side stripe, white gloves, and a fedora, posing seated on a grey studio floor.
A young ballet dancer, Amelia, performing a pose on center stage at the State Theatre. She is wearing a white classical tutu with a light blue bodice, positioned against a backdrop of purple stage lighting and exposed brick.
A young dancer, Amelia, performing a dynamic contemporary or jazz-ballet pose on a theater stage. She is wearing a black leotard with a dark purple or navy blue sheer skirt, positioned in a deep lunge with one arm raised against a backdrop of blue stage curtains.
A young ballet dancer, Amelia, in a white and blue tutu performing on a grand stage at the State Theatre. She is captured in a graceful profile pose with one arm extended toward a bright overhead stage light, set against a dark, atmospheric theater interior with glowing wall sconces.
A young dancer, Amelia, performing an athletic pose in a rain simulator. She has one foot balanced on a white wooden chair and her arms out for balance while water falls around her, creating a dramatic splashing effect against a dark background.
A young dancer, Amelia, performing a professional dance pose while lying on her back in a shallow pool of water. Her legs are extended straight up in a vertical split, and her reflection is visible in the water as rain falls around her against a dark, dramatic background.
A young dancer, Amelia, posing barefoot on a sandy lakeshore. She is wearing a white top and a flowing navy blue skirt, captured in a joyful movement with one arm raised toward the sky against a background of water, trees, and a cloudy blue sky.
A young dancer, Amelia, posing on a large rock in an outdoor park setting. She is wearing a light blue and grey ballet bodice with a white classical tutu, looking off to the side with one arm gracefully extended. The background features lush green trees and a clear blue sky.
A young dancer, Amelia, performing a graceful ballet pose in front of large red and gold Christmas ornament props. She is wearing a dark red top and a shimmering emerald green skirt, holding a long, flowing red and gold silk veil that arcs over her head against a dark studio background.
A young dancer, Amelia, in a navy blue leotard with lace detailing and a sheer white skirt, posing with her arms gracefully framed around her face. She is illuminated by a soft spotlight against a dark grey background, creating a dramatic, fine-art portrait style.
A silhouette of a ballet dancer, Amelia, performing a graceful pose with one arm raised and one leg slightly bent. She is wearing a classical white tutu, standing against a vibrant, saturated red circular spotlight on a dark stage.
A silhouette of a ballet dancer, Amelia, performing a graceful pose with arms rounded and one leg in a soft plié. She is wearing a classical white tutu and stands against a vibrant, saturated blue circular spotlight on a dark background.