Tag Archives: west jersey youth ballet

Senior Dance Portraits with Maddy — A Session Filled with Artistry and Intention

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Some sessions feel less like a photoshoot and more like a collaboration — a shared creative rhythm where everything just clicks. My senior dance portrait session with Maddy, a dancer at West Jersey Youth Ballet, was exactly that kind of experience.

If you know Maddy, you know she’s one of those dancers who naturally draws people in. She’s admired by the younger dancers, trusted by her peers, and respected for her work ethic. But what makes photographing her truly special is her artistic eye. She doesn’t just do a pose — she shapes it, breathes into it, and elevates it.

A Session That Showed Every Side of Her

We started with a quiet, grounded moment: Maddy lacing up her pointe shoes, relaxed and smiling. It set the tone for the entire session — calm, focused, and full of intention.

From there, she moved effortlessly into bold, sculptural shapes. Deep lunges, dramatic backbends, and long, extended lines that filled the studio with energy. She has this rare ability to make strength look effortless and artistry look instinctive.

One of my favorite parts of the session was exploring more conceptual imagery. The umbrella pose — whimsical, elegant, and full of personality — felt like a perfect reflection of her creative spirit. And the green dress moment? Pure magic. The way the fabric caught the air as she turned created a sense of motion you could feel even in a still frame.

Preparing for What Comes Next

Alongside her dance portraits, we created a polished headshot for her upcoming summer internship auditions. Maddy has an exciting season ahead, and it was important to craft something that reflects not just her technique, but her maturity, confidence, and the thoughtful artist she’s becoming.

A Dancer With a Bright Future

Photographing seniors is always meaningful, but photographing a senior who brings this level of artistry is something I don’t take for granted. Maddy’s session was a celebration of everything she’s accomplished — and everything she’s stepping into next.

Below are a few of my favorite images from our time together. Each one captures a different facet of who she is: strong, expressive, creative, and deeply dedicated to her craft.

Senior portrait of Maddy in a dance pose; her arms are gracefully extended as a soft trail of teal and purple powder sweeps around her against a dark, high-contrast background.
A senior dancer in a light green prom dress performing an arched pose against a black background.
A senior dancer in a vibrant multicolor leotard posing playfully with sunglasses.
Dancer reclining over a white block with arms extended overhead and legs stretched out in pointe shoes.
Ballet dancer seated on a white block holding a lace umbrella overhead, posed gracefully on pointe.
Dancer balancing on pointe with one leg extended vertically upward, supported by a white pedestal.
Ballet dancer standing en pointe with one leg lifted behind and both arms curved overhead.
Ballet dancer in a dramatic lunge on pointe with one arm lifted overhead in a studio setting.
Senior dancer sitting on the studio floor, smiling softly while putting on her pointe shoes.
headshot for Maddy a high school senior who dances
Artistic dance portraits for Maddy Gilleland on March 15, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

If you’re a dancer looking to create your own senior portraits — or preparing for auditions and need updated headshot — I’d love to help you craft something that feels authentically you. Contact me today.

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Rylea (@balletlifeofrylea)

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Some dancers make an impression the moment you meet them — not because they’re the loudest in the room, but because of the quiet confidence they carry with them. Rylea (@balletlifeofrylea) is one of those dancers. This is her first year as one of my dance ambassadors, and from the very beginning she’s shown me exactly why she belongs here.

My first impression of Rylea was that she was soft‑spoken but approachable — the kind of dancer who listens, observes, and then surprises you with thoughtful conversation when you least expect it. In between locations during sessions, she’s always willing to chat, and not with one‑word answers either. She shares what she likes, what she’s working on, what inspires her. Those moments matter to me. They help me understand the dancer behind the technique.

I first met Rylea when she came to me for a headshot session for some summer intensives she wanted to apply to. Even then, I noticed her attention to detail. That trait showed up again during picture day at West Jersey Youth Ballet, her home studio. She reached out afterward because she noticed one of her poses wasn’t included in the final delivery. She wasn’t upset — she was curious. Was it blurry? Was something off? She genuinely liked the pose and wanted to understand. I checked, and she was absolutely right: it was a great image that somehow didn’t make the cut. That level of awareness is rare, especially in a younger dancer.

Fast forward to this year’s ambassador program. I put out a call looking for one or two volunteers to help me test a new location. Within 30 minutes, I had six replies. I figured that was more than enough… and then Rylea messaged me asking if it was too late. I told her I already had more dancers than I needed. Then she mentioned she lived in the town where the shoot was happening. That sealed it — of course she had to come. I invited her to join me the next evening while I was photographing senior portraits, and she fit right into the flow. But then she surprised me and showed up that night not expecting to be photographed – but to support her dance friends!

A young ballet dancer, Rylea, wearing a pale pink tutu and leotard with floral embellishments. She is posing gracefully with her arms raised and a soft smile on a dark stage, illuminated by warm stage lights and sparkling chandeliers at the State Theatre.
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors at the State Theatre of the Arts on September 23, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A ballet dancer, Rylea, performing an athletic leap across a wide, dark stage. She is wearing a purple tutu and is captured in a graceful split mid-air, with warm stage lights and a large chandelier visible in the background of the historic theatre.
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors at the State Theatre of the Arts on September 23, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

One of the moments that truly solidified her ambassador status happened at the State Theatre of the Arts in Easton, PA. Most of my ambassadors attended the invite‑only session, but Rylea’s mom let me know she had school picture day and could only stay for the first hour. So we made it work. We started with group portraits on the stage, and then I photographed Rylea first. She may be one of my younger ambassadors, but when she stepped onto that stage, she owned it. Her first few solo portraits were exactly the images I had envisioned when planning the entire event. She didn’t just rise to the occasion — she defined it.

A young male dancer, Elijah, dipped-posing a female dancer, Rylea, on a downtown sidewalk at night. Rylea is wearing a teal and white ombre dance dress, and Elijah is in a blue shirt and white pants. The background features warm glowing bistro lights and a street scene in Easton, PA.
Dance portraits during a photo walk in Easton, PA on Oct 26, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A young dancer, Rylea, performing a technical ballet pose while balancing on the stone edge of a large water fountain. She is wearing a teal-to-white ombre dance dress and is captured against the backdrop of the historic Soldiers and Sailors Monument and the cityscape of downtown Easton, PA.
Dance portraits during a photo walk in Easton, PA on Oct 26, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Since then, we’ve created even more together: studio sessions, artistic concepts, specialty portraits, and a photo walk in Easton with Elijah that turned into one of those perfect evenings — golden light, great energy, and portfolio‑level images at every stop.

Rylea is thoughtful, dedicated, and quietly powerful in a way that makes you pay attention. I’m grateful she’s part of this ambassador team, and I’m excited for the years ahead — especially the duets I already see forming in my mind.

Here’s to many more sessions, more creativity, and more beautiful art together.

Some of my favorite images created together so far:

Dabour Photography dance ambassadors at the State Theatre of the Arts on September 23, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A young dancer, Rylea, performing a technical leg extension while standing on a rustic wooden stool. She is wearing a teal leotard and purple skirt, posed against a red brick wall with a large industrial window and a "Seven Sirens" logo in the background.
A young dancer, Rylea, performing an elegant ballet pose in a narrow industrial alleyway. She is wearing a teal leotard and purple skirt, with her arms extended and one foot on pointe, framed by the historic red brick walls and large windows of the Silk Mill.
A young dancer, Rylea, in a dusty rose lace dance top, holding a bouquet of pink roses close to her chest. She has her eyes closed with a peaceful expression and one arm gracefully arched above her head against a soft grey studio background.
A young dancer, Rylea, laughing while wrapped in a large, colorful silk scarf that transitions from blue to pink and purple. She is standing in a studio with a white floor and grey background, surrounded by scattered rose petals.
A young dancer, Rylea, performing a dynamic leap in a white and red lace costume. She is surrounded by a large, flowing red silk fabric that creates a circular frame around her as she jumps against a deep red studio background.
A young dancer, Rylea, sitting gracefully on the floor in a large, pale pink tulle skirt and a black lace bodice. She is holding a bouquet of red roses and looking away thoughtfully against a deep red studio background.
A young dancer, Rylea, performing a technical ballet pose on a bright red studio floor. She is wearing a black and white patterned leotard with a large, voluminous white tulle skirt, looking upward with her arms gracefully extended.
A young dancer, Rylea, performing a technical pose while seated on a white wooden cube. She is wearing a black dance leotard and tan pointe shoes, with one leg extended vertically and her gaze directed upward against a neutral grey studio background.
A young dancer, Rylea, performing an athletic contemporary pose using white wooden cubes as props. She is wearing a black leotard and tan pointe shoes, balancing with one foot on a tall cube and her body arched forward in a dynamic, sharp-angled position against a grey studio background.
A young dancer, Rylea, performing a technical ballet pose using two white wooden cubes of different heights. She has one foot on pointe on a lower cube and her other leg bent in a passé position, with one arm extended gracefully against a neutral grey studio background.
A professional headshot of a young girl, Rylea, with her hair in a neat ballet bun. She is wearing a black dance leotard and smiling softly, captured against a bright, high-key white studio background.

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.

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Lily (@lilyana.en_pointe)

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Some dancers step in front of the camera with a quiet confidence that grows stronger every time you work with them. Lily (@lilyana.en_pointe) is one of those dancers. This is her first year in my Dance Ambassador program, and I’m genuinely glad she joined. She also happens to live very close to me—so when inspiration strikes or I need someone to test a new idea, she’s often the first person I reach out to. And if she’s available, she’s always up for it.

My earliest sessions with Lily were at her home studio, West Jersey Youth Ballet, where her technique and discipline were immediately clear. But it was our first out‑of‑studio session—sunflower portraits—that really showed me her dedication. Even in a completely different environment, she carried herself with the same focus and artistry she brings to the studio.

A young ballet dancer, Lily, performing a graceful pose on a wooden bench in a vibrant sunflower field. She is wearing a light green leotard and white pointe shoes, with one leg extended and an arm raised, surrounded by tall yellow sunflowers under a clear blue sky.
Sunflower dance portraits with Lily and Vivi on Aug. 9, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Her mom has been an incredible presence as well. As the Executive Director at WJYB and a dance teacher with over 30 years of experience, she brings a deep understanding of movement, lines, and artistry. Having her nearby during sessions is always a bonus.

One of the moments that stands out most for me was our outdoor dance session at the Silk Mill. Lily absolutely shined there. One of the portraits from that day remains one of my favorites of her—full of strength, grace, and that spark that makes her unique.

Dance portraits with some of my dance ambassadors at the Silk Mill in Easton, PA. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Because Lily is homeschooled, she has a flexibility in her schedule that many dancers don’t. That opened the door for several outdoor dance portrait sessions this year, taking full advantage of the beautiful weather. One of those sessions took us to Columcille, where she blended seamlessly into the natural, almost mystical landscape.

A young ballet dancer, Lily, posing against a towering, narrow standing stone at Columcille Megalith Park. She is wearing a floral patterned leotard and a light purple skirt, standing on pointe with one arm reaching up the textured rock face and the other extended gracefully toward the forest path.
Dance ambassadors visit Columcille Megalith Park on Oct. 16, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Most recently, we wrapped up an artistic dance portrait session that highlights her growing talent and expressive ability. Each time we work together, she brings more confidence, more creativity, and more of her own voice to the images.

An artistic studio dance portrait of Lily posing on white geometric blocks against a solid deep red background. She is wearing a maroon leotard and standing on pointe with one foot on a block, creating sharp, angular lines with her arms and legs in a high-fashion, contemporary dance pose.
Artistic Dance Portraits for Lily with some Valentine theme too! Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

I’m excited to share several of my favorite images of Lily in this spotlight. She’s had a fantastic first year as an ambassador, and I’m looking forward to seeing how she continues to grow as both a dancer and an artist.

A young ballet dancer, Lily, performing a high leg extension (developpé) while standing on a forest path at Columcille Megalith Park. She is wearing a purple dance skirt and floral leotard, surrounded by tall trees and stone monuments.
A professional close-up headshot of Lily, a young ballet dancer, with a soft, natural smile. She has light hair and is wearing a dark dance leotard against a simple studio background.
Head shot for Lily on February 10, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Artistic dance portrait of Lily kneeling on a white studio block against a deep red background. She is wearing a maroon velvet leotard and looking toward the camera with a focused, dramatic expression.
Artistic dance portrait of Lily kneeling on a white studio block against a deep red background. She is wearing a maroon velvet leotard and looking toward the camera with a focused, dramatic expression.
Artistic dance portrait of Lily kneeling on a white studio block against a deep red background. She is wearing a maroon velvet leotard and looking toward the camera with a focused, dramatic expression.
A high-fashion dance portrait of Lily leaning back against a white block on a reflective studio floor. The monochromatic red background highlights her maroon leotard and athletic silhouette.
A high-fashion dance portrait of Lily leaning back against a white block on a reflective studio floor. The monochromatic red background highlights her maroon leotard and athletic silhouette.
Lily performing a graceful ballet pose on a wooden bridge at the Easton Silk Mill. She is on pointe, wearing a maroon leotard, with one arm extended toward the industrial brick architecture in the background.
Lily posing at the Easton Silk Mill. She is on pointe, wearing a maroon leotard
A young ballet dancer, Lily, performing a standing pose with one foot on pointe on a white studio barrel. She is wearing a maroon leotard and creating a striking vertical line against a deep red background, with her other leg in a high retiré position.
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors, including Lily, posing together in the ornate lobby of the State Theatre of the Arts. The dancers are in various ballet poses against the gold-leaf and velvet decor.
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors, including Lily, posing together in the ornate lobby of the State Theatre of the Arts. The dancers are in various ballet poses against the gold-leaf and velvet decor.
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors, including Lily, posing together in the ornate lobby of the State Theatre of the Arts. The dancers are in various ballet poses against the gold-leaf and velvet decor.
Ballet dancer Lily performing a standing pose among tall sunflowers. She is on pointe with her arms in an elegant fifth position, wearing a green leotard that complements the natural greenery of the sunflower field under a bright sky.
Ballet dancer Lily performing a standing pose among tall sunflowers. She is on pointe with her arms in an elegant fifth position, wearing a green leotard that complements the natural greenery of the sunflower field under a bright sky.

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.

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Ellery

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Skirts and Scarves dance portraits on October 19, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Ellery (@its_ellevalentine)

Some dancers step in front of the camera and immediately feel like they’ve been there for years. Ellery (@its_ellevalentine) is one of those rare talents. Even though this is her first year as one of my Dance Ambassadors, she carries herself with a natural ease and artistic instinct that makes every session a joy.

Ellery isn’t just a dancer; she’s a true performer. She also shines onstage with ShowKids Invitational Theatre (SKIT), a community theater I’ve had the privilege of photographing for many seasons. Whether she’s dancing, acting, or blending the two, she brings a presence that fills the frame and elevates every image.

I first remember photographing Ellery during picture day at West Jersey Youth Ballet, the studio she calls home. Picture day moves fast — dozens of dancers, quick poses, limited time. But when I got to her images during editing, I found myself wishing I had more. Every single shot was strong. That’s when I reached out to her mom about doing a dedicated dance portrait session, and the rest is history.

Since then, Ellery has proven she can create magic anywhere — onstage, outdoors in a park, or in a specialty fashion session in my studio. She adapts, explores, and brings her own spark to every concept. Watching her grow as both a dancer and a young artist has been incredibly rewarding.

I’m excited to continue working with Ellery and to see where her talent, passion, and creativity take her next.

Here are some of my favorite images of Ellery:

Dance Ambassador Ellery posing in a white dress in a wooded park setting, New Jersey dance photography
Action shot of dancer Ellery with pink powder effect during a dance portrait session.
Action shot of dancer Ellery with pink powder effect during a dance portrait session.
Dance ambassador Ellery performing a leap in a rain machine at Dabour Photography studio
Dance ambassador Ellery performing a leap in a rain machine at Dabour Photography studio
Dance ambassador Ellery performing a leap in a rain machine at Dabour Photography studio
Ellery in a red fashion dance outfit posing on a white block, NJ dance photography
Ellery in a red fashion dance outfit posing on a white block, high-fashion dance photography
Ellery in a red fashion dance outfit posing on a white block, high-fashion dance photography
Ellery performing with flowy fabrics during a 'Skirts and Scarves' dance portrait session by Dave Dabour
Ellery performing with flowy fabrics during a 'Skirts and Scarves' dance portrait session by Dave Dabour
Ellery performing with flowy fabrics during a 'Skirts and Scarves' dance portrait session by Dave Dabour
Ellery performing with flowy fabrics during a 'Skirts and Scarves' dance portrait session by Dave Dabour
Ellery performing onstage, captured by Dave Dabour, theater and dance performance photography
Ellery performing onstage, captured by Dave Dabour, theater and dance performance photography

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Olivia Klein (@oliviaklovesballet)

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Young ballerina Olivia Klein wearing a purple leotard and a long, flowing sheer white skirt, performing a dynamic dance pose in a studio.
Skirt and Scarves dance portraits at West Jersey Youth Ballet on Sunday September 8, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Some dancers grow in quiet, steady ways — the kind of progress you only notice when you’ve photographed them over many seasons. Olivia Klein (@oliviaklovesballet) is one of those dancers. She has been with me since the very beginning of my ambassador program, and every time she steps in front of my camera, she brings a little more strength, artistry, and confidence than the time before.

Olivia currently dances with West Jersey Youth Ballet (@westjerseyyouthballet), where her dedication shows in every rehearsal and every performance. What amazes me most about Olivia is how consistently she improves. She shows up ready to work, ready to grow, and ready to give her all — whether we’re shooting something classic, creative, or completely new.

She’s also closely connected to several of my other ambassadors. Olivia and Vivi are great friends and often join forces for dance portrait sessions, feeding off each other’s energy and artistry. And her younger sister, Brielle, has become a familiar face at specialty sessions — often jumping in with Olivia for portraits together. It’s been a joy watching Olivia’s world expand through dance, friendships, and family.

Olivia always makes an impact when she’s in front of my camera. She brings a quiet determination, a thoughtful presence, and a genuine love for dance that shines through every image we create together. I’m grateful to have her as one of my original ambassadors and look forward to seeing where her dedication takes her next.

Some of my favorite images of Olivia:

Young dancer in a red velvet and white tulle holiday dress, sitting gracefully on the floor in front of glowing gold and green oversized ornaments and festive lights.
Young ballerina Olivia Klein in a red and white holiday dance costume, sitting gracefully on the floor surrounded by glowing gold and green Christmas ornaments and festive studio lights.
Two young sisters, Olivia and Brielle Klein, dressed in matching red and white holiday dance outfits, hugging and smiling together in a festive Christmas-themed studio set.
Ballerina Olivia Klein posing in a black leotard and floral skirt in the middle of a vibrant yellow sunflower field, reaching one arm up gracefully.
Ballerina Olivia Klein posing in a black leotard and floral skirt in the middle of a vibrant yellow sunflower field, reaching one arm up gracefully.
A creative dance portrait of a ballerina in a dark leotard, with white powder forming a glowing heart shape around her as she poses in a studio.
A creative dance portrait of a ballerina in a dark leotard, with white powder forming a glowing heart shape around her as she poses in a studio.
Ballerina Olivia Klein performing a graceful dance pose on an elevated stone ledge at the historic Simon Silk Mill in Easton, PA.
Ballerina Olivia Klein performing a graceful dance pose on an elevated stone ledge at the historic Simon Silk Mill in Easton, PA.
Ballerina Olivia Klein performing a graceful dance pose on an elevated stone ledge at the historic Simon Silk Mill in Easton, PA.
Ballerina Olivia Klein performing a graceful dance pose on an elevated stone ledge at the historic Simon Silk Mill in Easton, PA.
Ballerina Olivia Klein performing a graceful dance pose on an elevated stone ledge at the historic Simon Silk Mill in Easton, PA.
Young dancer in a dramatic black gothic-style gown and a witch's hat, posing against a dark background with vibrant purple smoke effects.
Young dancer in a dramatic black gothic-style gown and a witch's hat, posing against a dark background with vibrant purple smoke effects.
Young dancer in a dramatic black gothic-style gown and a witch's hat, posing against a dark background with vibrant purple smoke effects.
Young ballerina in a light blue and white tutu performing a graceful pose with one arm extended, set against a soft blue and white painterly studio backdrop.
Young ballerina in a light blue and white tutu performing a graceful pose with one arm extended, set against a soft blue and white painterly studio backdrop.
Young ballerina in a light blue and white tutu performing a graceful pose with one arm extended, set against a soft blue and white painterly studio backdrop.
Young ballerina Olivia Klein wearing a purple leotard and a long, flowing sheer white skirt, performing a dynamic dance pose in a studio.
Skirt and Scarves dance portraits at West Jersey Youth Ballet on Sunday September 8, 2024. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography