There’s a special kind of magic that happens when you mix golden hour light, blooming roses, and a dancer who’s full of joy. That’s exactly what I got to capture with Everly at the Mesa Community College Rose Garden.
As an Arizona dance photographer in Gilbert, Arizona, I get to work with so many talented dancers, but Everly is extra special—she’s part of my Content Crew and we’ve been creating together for a while now.
Watching Everly grow has been such a gift. Not just in her skill, though she’s learned some amazing tricks, but in her confidence. Every time we work together, I see more of her personality shine through. She’s bold, she’s creative, and she’s not afraid to have fun in front of the camera.
It’s dry and hot out, so we headed to the MCC rose garden for a green oasis in the middle of the summer heat. The soft light wrapped around Everly like a warm hug, and she danced among the roses with so much joy.
Everly told me she loves dance because she gets to do tricks, perform with her team, and express herself on stage. Some of her favorite memories include attending her first nationals and dressing up for the banquet, as well as achieving her firebird—a moment she felt so proud of. Dance hasn’t been without challenges, like learning new choreography, but it’s also helped her become more confident and flexible. Her big dreams? To become a protégé and a tiger cub.
One of my favorite parts about hearing Everly’s story is how much she truly loves the community she dances with. She shared that one summer they had two full weeks of all-day dance camp, and in the middle of it, the older girls would walk them to Sonic for slushes during lunch break. It’s little moments like that—friendship, laughter, and shared memorie that make dance so much more than just movement.
Sessions like this remind me why I love what I do. Getting to capture a dancer’s heart, growth, and personality is such a joy.
If you have a dancer in your life, I’d love to help you capture their story too. Let’s create something beautiful together.
