#daretobeyou
TMP Dance Ambassadors
Each winter I invite an exclusive group of exceptional young dancers to represent Tanja Melone Photography for the coming year. This isn't your typical ambassador program - Yes, there are photoshoots, discounts and perks....but it is so much MORE. The 12-month program is a mix of team building, community service, and friendship-cultivating chaos...all while challenging you to be UNAPOLOGETICALLY you! Oh....and you absolutely get TONS of freaking amazing photos!
Applications open Dec 5 and close Jan 5
What and Why?
The TMP Dance Ambassador Program was born out of my desire to both celebrate young dancers and market my studio in an organic and personal way. You see, I'm a small business by choice. I don't mass market. I don't have associate photographers. I don't want hundreds of clients a year. I am obsessed with showing dancers how talented and beautiful they are - but I can't do that unless I have the time to give each client the personalized, not-a-number experience that I'm known for. To do that, I needed an alternative way to spread the word about TMP Dance Photography - and what better way to do that than through dancers who have first-hand knowledge of what it's like to work with me?
In exchange for sharing their photos and experiences with friends, family and on social media, TMP ambassadors get a year's worth of SUBSTANTIALLY discounted photo shoots, products, and more! They also get to be a part of a team from all different studios, age groups, and backgrounds that truly support and encourage one another - celebrating achievements and lifting each other up!
Each year, the program just gets better and the 2026 season is no different - in fact, some BIG exciting changes mean even MORE opportunities for young dancers to join the tribe. I'm adding more dates, more shoot opportunities, and more fun...but space will be more limited this year so don't dilly dally.
The 2026 Ambassador Season is going to be spectacular. So what are you waiting for?
Join the Tribe
For 2026, there are two options - one for pre-pro and competitive dancers - one for pros! The information for our pro team will be released in January.
Team 2026 Requirements
+ Must be a competitive, pre-pro or pro dancer
+ Must be 10+ years of age
+ Must be committed to and EXCITED about promoting TMP on social media
+ Must follow @tanjamelonedance on Instagram
+ Must have an active Instagram account
+ Can join at Basic and Deluxe Levels (see below)
+ No audition necessary
+ MUST have permission from a parent to apply for this incredible experience (if under 18).
+ Ambassador Perks listed below
LIMITED TO 25 DANCERS
Multiple Participation Levels
If there is one thing I know for certain after years of photographing dancers - your schedules are INSANE! To accommodate those crazy schedules (and different budgets), I have created different participation levels for the ambassador program...choose the one that is right for you! Just scroll down to see those!
Monthly Photo Sessions
The core of the program are our monthly Spotlight Sessions. Each month, I dedicate two days for solo ambassador sessions - called "spotlight sessions". Two days are based on a monthly theme/location.
Alternatively, ambassadors can participate in the Color of the Month shoot - and we can schedule that on a day that works for us both. Depending on your Ambassador level, you'll participate in 4, 6, or 12 of these sessions (with the option of adding on others at reduced rates).
*The number of spotlight sessions you will participate in is determined by your ambassador level.
Quarterly Group Shoots
Every quarter, there will be a group photo shoot - and this isn't a "show up and have your photo taken" situation --- we're talking themes - fun locations, crazy outfits...definitely not basic!
Priority Booking
Our Ambassadors receive priority booking status so that they get first dibs on exclusive mini-sessions throughout the year, our annual holiday sessions, and any other event that pops up!
LOTS of photos
As an ambassador, you get LOTS of photos - at least 12 from each solo spotlight shoot, mulitple images from each group shoot, and a selection of photos from all pop-up shoots!
Exclusive Discounts
As an Ambassador, you receive exclusive discounts on full sessions/ products, and more! Discounts range from 25-50% off depending on your ambassador level.
Bonus Shoots & Events
Who knows what might pop up!
Complimentary Family Session
All of my ambassadors receive one complimentary family session during their Ambassador year. The session includes 3 complimentary photos with options for purchasing additional photos.
Spotlight Sessions
monthly photoshoots
Each month I set aside two days for solo ambassador sessions (called spotlight sessions). Each month has a theme - some are in studio some are on location. Alternatively, if the spotlight dates don't work for you, or if you simply love the color of the month - you can book a COTM session on a date that works for you.
SPOTLIGHT SESSIONS INCLUDE:
30-minute photo session
single outfit
at least 12 digital image files (but often MORE)
All images added to your online gallery for easy access
$350+ value
ambassador program levels
BASIC - $75/mo
4 (quarterly) spotlight sessions
2 group photoshoots
25% discount on full sessions/products
save $1000
$1900 value
DELUXE - $100/mo
6 (bi-monthly) spotlight sessions
3 group photoshoots
40% discount on full sessions/products
save $1650
$2850 value
ELITE - $150/mo
12 (monthly) spotlight sessions
4 group shoots
50% discount on full sessions/products