Sam is the flamenco dancer on BBC Strictly Come Dancing. She began dancing professionally in London’s West End, aged eleven. Sam went on to perform internationally and over a decade in productions at London’s Royal Opera House. She performed and choreographed Carmen UK tours, Leeds Castle and Moldova Royal Opera House. Her screen work includes BBC documentary Manet, film and 3D movie Carmen. 

 

Sam is also author of Reading Dance in the Musical and guest artist alongside Darcey Bussell and Akram Khan in BBC Radio 3 Sounds of Dance, with Katy Derham. Scholar of Royal Academy of Dancing and London Contemporary, Sam holds MA Dance (distinction) from Laban and Specialist Arte Flamenco (distinction), Fundacion Heeren, Sevilla. Her teaching awards include: Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), Ascend Tutor of Excellence, HAFLS Excellence in Teaching and Grade 1 Outstanding from five UK Boroughs.

 

Particularly interested in the impact of dance on physical and mental health, Sam’s recent CPD in Dance for Stroke, Dance for Parkinson’s. YMCA Exercise for Older Adults and Exercise Prescription informs her pedagogy.

 

Sam has delivered dance projects, classes and shows to a range of clients: community and celebrity over a period of 18 years. She has seen flamenco engage participants cognitively, emotionally, physically and socially. Her projects have broken down barriers and bonded people of different age, ability, class, and culture while individually aiding posture, mobility, balance, mental health and physical difficulties. Sam shares flamenco as adaptable and inclusive dance form for all to enjoy.