Dancer Models at
Pas de Deux Photo Events
Pas de Deux Photo offers unique modeling opportunities for dancers at our workshops and conferences. Selected dancer models receive photographs from the photographers with whom they work while gaining valuable experience in a creative, educational, and supportive environment.
Our events bring together dancers and photographers from around the world, creating a collaborative community where artistry, learning, and connection take center stage. Dancers participate in a positive atmosphere that values collaboration over competition, making the experience both rewarding and memorable.
The Modeling Experience
Throughout the weekend, dancer models may participate in:
-
Morning warm-up classes
-
Master classes
-
Workshops on posing and movement for photography
-
Guidance on using professional photographs for auditions and social media
-
Opportunities to connect with industry professionals
Each selected dancer receives a personalized conference schedule that includes five modeling sessions with conference attendees and guest speakers.
Dancers participate independently in warm-ups, master classes, and dancer-only social events, allowing them to build confidence and connections within the dance community.
Philosophy of Dancer Models
At Pas de Deux Photo, we are committed to supporting dancers' physical, emotional, and artistic well-being.
We foster a body-positive culture that emphasizes respect, collaboration, and age-appropriate costuming and posing. Our goal is to create an environment where dancers feel valued, supported, and empowered.
Throughout the conference, dancers work with both conference speakers and photographer attendees in indoor and outdoor settings. They also connect with fellow dancers from across the country, building friendships and professional relationships within a welcoming community.
We believe dance photography is a collaborative art form. Dancers are encouraged to arrive prepared with poses, movement ideas, and a willingness to work independently and creatively with photographers.
Information for Parents & Guardians
Parents and guardians play an important role in helping dancers have a positive and successful conference experience. The best support often comes from encouraging dancers to embrace the opportunity as a chance to learn, grow, and explore new creative experiences.
We encourage families to discuss communication and personal boundaries with their dancers before the conference. Dancers should feel confident communicating respectfully and assertively with photographers and conference staff throughout their modeling sessions.
Required Information Session
Families of dancers selected through the 2027 Priority Application process should plan to attend a virtual information session on September 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Central Time. Dancers accepted through the regular application will have a separate information session.
During this webinar, Conference Directors and Creative Directors will provide important information about the dancer model experience, conference expectations, safety practices, scheduling, and opportunities available throughout the event.
This session is designed to help dancers and their families feel informed, prepared, and excited for the conference experience.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend the conference alongside their dancers by purchasing an Observer Badge.
For dancer models who will be 16 years of age or younger during the conference, a parent or guardian is required to purchase an Observer Badge and accompany their dancer to all modeling assignments throughout the event.
Observer Badges identify verified conference participants and help support a safe and secure environment for everyone attending the conference.
Observer Badges
Who Can Apply?
Pas de Deux Photo welcomes dancers of all ages and experience levels. Our dancer models range in age from 10 to 99 years old. There are limited spaces available to dancers ages 10-13.
Dancers do not need to dance en pointe to be considered, and all dance styles are welcome.
Application Information
The Priority Dancer Model Application for the 2027 Conference in Tampa is now open. Dancers wishing to be considered for the All Stars performance during the Conference Closing Session must apply using the Priority Application and submit a one-minute video.
Priority Application
-
Application is currently open
-
Application Deadline: August 1, 2026
-
Invitation Date: September 1, 2026
Regular Application
-
Application opens: September 2, 2026
-
Application Deadline: November 15, 2026
-
Inviation Date: December 6, 2026
Safety Practices
Please share any concerns related to the safety and well-being of Pas de Deux Photo Dancer models at our events using this form.
The safety and well-being of our dancers is a top priority.
All conference attendees are required to complete a criminal background check prior to attending the event. In addition, photographers must complete training on safe and professional practices before participating in the conference.
Pas de Deux Photo provides ongoing education for photographers, staff, volunteers, and speakers regarding communication, professionalism, and safety. These measures help ensure a positive and respectful experience for everyone involved.
Dancer Education and Support
Dancer models are selected and supported by our Creative Directors, Jessica Garrett and Alexa Culclasure.
In addition to modeling opportunities, dancers receive educational experiences designed to support their artistic growth, including:
-
Morning warm-up classes
-
Master classes
-
Workshops on posing and movement for photography
-
Guidance on using professional photographs for auditions and social media
-
Opportunities to connect with industry professionals
Dancers participate independently in warm-ups, master classes, and dancer-only social events, allowing them to build confidence and connections within the dance community.
Creative Directors
Our Creative Directors are experienced dance professionals who play an active role throughout the conference experience. Our Creative Directors:
-
Review and select dancer model applications
-
Lead dance classes and workshops
-
Educate dancers about safety and professionalism
-
Teach conference sessions for photographers
-
Build supportive relationships with dancers and families
Their guidance helps create an environment where dancers can thrive artistically while feeling safe, respected, and encouraged.
Jessica Garrett
Miss Jessica began her love for dance while being a part of the competitive show choir ‘Swingsations’ Her love grew while attending Lincoln College on a dance scholarship and being a part of their dance company, Dance Force. Jessica graduated from Lincoln College with her A.A. in Liberal Arts and was awarded the Dance award for outstanding achievements in dance. She then went on to graduate from Columbia College Chicago with her B.A. in Dance. While attending Columbia, Jessica worked for Youth Guidance of America teaching dance at an inner city school in Chicago. Miss Jessica has been sharing her love for dance in the Chicagoland area for over 10 years. She also travels to various high schools throughout the country to choreograph show choirs and musicals, including: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Wiz, The Music Man, Grease, Cinderella Jr., Annie, Seussical, Totally 80’s and Once on This Island. Jessica’s choirs have won numerous awards including Best Choreography in 2011. Jessica continues to share her love for show choir by adjudicating competitions in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
Jessica spent her summers performing at Six Flags Great America for 7 seasons where she served as the Dance Captain for 6 years. Jessica opened Dynamic Perception Dance Company in October of 2012, and has been sharing her love ever since. She has led the DPDCo Dancers to multiple first overall awards, best choreography, best use of staging and props, and a very special award given by one of the stars from "Dance Moms" for Best Sportsmanship & backstage etiquette. DPDC was also awarded the prestigious Top Studio award for receiving the overall highest scores in attendance in 2014 & 2016. DPDC was also awarded the ADCC studio of excellence award in 2015. Miss Jessica is thrilled to begin her 14th year with DPDC, and can't wait to see what the future brings.
Alexa Culclasure
Miss Alexa began dancing at age three and never wanted to stop! In the early years, she trained at various studios in central Georgia. She was a company member of the Middle Georgia Youth Ballet and participated in the Nutcracker of Middle Georgia for nine years. Alexa consistently traveled during the summers to train at various programs such as: South Carolina Summer Dance Conservatory, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Orlando Ballet, North Carolina School of the Arts, Nashville Ballet, and Bates Dance Festival. She earned her BFA in Ballet and Modern Dance from Texas Christian University, where she graduated magna cum laude and performed in works by established artists, such as Carrie Hanson, Susan Jaffe, Loretta Livingston, Sarah Gamblin and many others. While studying at TCU, Alexa served as the Co-Director of Community Outreach and Public Relations for the Chi Tau Epsilon Dance Honor Society.
She performed professionally as a company member of Kim Robards Dance and served a guest choreographer for Life/Art Dance Ensemble. She is a certified Purre Barre instructor and certified Personal Trainer, as well. Alexa is thrilled to continue to be a part of the Dynamic Perception Dance Company faculty and the wonderful Chicagoland dance scene!