Dancer Feature: Kennedy Perez | Los Angeles Dance Photographer
As a Los Angeles dance photographer, I love highlighting the artistry and individuality of the incredible dancers I have the privilege of photographing. Today, I’m excited to introduce what may become a new series on my blog—The Dancer Feature—a space where I celebrate dancers I’ve had the joy of working with, share their stories, and offer advice for others preparing for their own dance photoshoots.
Meet Kennedy Perez, a beautiful and fearless dancer whose journey I’ve been lucky enough to witness from the time she was just eight years old.
Kennedy’s Story
Kennedy and I first crossed paths at Encore Performing Arts Centre in San Dimas, CA, where I taught dance for over 20 years. She was one of my students from the time she was a child until she graduated high school. Around the time Kennedy was 14, I also began my photography journey. That means we’ve grown together—not only in the studio but also in front of and behind the camera.
Since then, Kennedy has blossomed into a professional dancer with an impressive list of credits. Most recently she spent the summer at Sacramento Music Circus in Footloose, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and West Side Story. Recently before that, Kennedy made her off Broadway debut in Empire the Musical at New World Stages. “Empire was a new work, so I got to be a part of making it come to life for the first time. We had new pages and scenes every day and even recorded a cast album. Now I’m back on the grind auditioning in New York and continuing to train.”
Whether on stage or in front of my lens, her dedication, artistry, and willingness to take risks always shine through.
Why I Love Photographing Kennedy
The thing I admire most about Kennedy is her openness to experiment. When I toss out an idea, usually beginning with, “Riddle me this…”, her immediate response is an enthusiastic, “Let’s try it!” That spirit has allowed us to create some of my favorite dance images over the years.
Together, we’ve captured:
Studio sessions filled with dynamic poses.
Cloudy morning beach shoots, where the moodiness of the sky framed her movement beautifully.
Glowing golden hour sessions, where every jump and turn was bathed in light.
Pre-dawn hikes, where Kennedy danced before the sun had fully risen.
Downtown Los Angeles creative sessions (where we may have dodged traffic on the bridge)
And even her COVID-era high school graduation session, which turned a difficult time into a memorable celebration.
Kennedy (and her wonderful mama) are truly some of my favorite people to hang out with while I am photographing.
Tips from Kennedy for Dancers Preparing for a Photoshoot
I asked Kennedy to share her advice for dancers preparing for a dance photoshoot, and here’s what she had to say:
“I would say to have an idea of what you want to capture, but also stay open to new ideas that may come along the way. Trust yourself and trust Joelle. Sometimes images look different than they feel.”
I always know when I come to shoot with you that I am going to leave fulfilled and inspired. I always feel encouraged to step outside of my comfort zone and take risks. Because of that, I feel like the best and most authentic version of myself ends up in the lens. You always would say “The best shots happen right before you fall” and it is so true.”
Thank Kennedy, I love having you in my lens!
Some common advice I’ve heard dancers echo, and that Kennedy embodies in every session, includes:
Come Prepared, but Stay Open – Have a few poses and movements ready, but allow yourself to experiment in the moment.
Wardrobe Matters – Bring options that you can move in, including something flowy to play with light and motion.
Trust the Process – Dance photography is collaborative. Trust your photographer’s eye, and don’t be afraid to try new things.
Tips for Dancers and Photographers
If you’re a dancer preparing for your session—or a photographer looking to capture dancers more effectively—here are a few reminders inspired by Kennedy’s sessions:
Experiment Freely: Some of the best shots happen when dancers go beyond “safe” poses and try something new.
Use the Environment: Beaches, fields, urban walls, and sunrise hikes all bring unique energy to a session. Don’t limit yourself to a studio.
Capture Emotion, Not Just Technique: A technically perfect arabesque is beautiful, but what makes a photo unforgettable is the emotion behind it.
Finishing the show
Featuring Kennedy Perez here feels like the perfect way to start this series. She is a dancer who embodies passion, experimentation, and artistry—the very qualities that make dance photography such a joy to create.
If you’re a dancer in Los Angeles looking for a dance photographer who understands movement and collaborates to bring your vision to life, I’d love to create something beautiful with you.
