Co-Creator/Mentor
Sammy started dancing before the age of 3. At 15, she danced at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in NYC and was chosen to attend the Governor’s School of the Arts at 17. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Towson University, and danced on the #1 collegiate dance team in the country. She also ran the Towson University Youth Dance Team, The Tigers 2 while in school.
After college she traveled to Beijing, China and danced with Team USA in the Olympic Village. She was a principal dancer in the movies STEP UP and STEP UP 2: THE STREETS. She is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION. She has been seen acting and dancing in dozens of national commercials, many soap operas and has had roles on TV shows such as LAW & ORDER: SVU, CRIMINAL MINDS and ANGER MANAGEMENT. Sammy lives bi-coastally. In LA, she choreographs and directs for a youth performance company, Theatre 31. In Philadelphia/NJ she teaches dance full-time and volunteers her time for many different charities and organizations.
Sammy started a charity event, DANCE 4a CAUSE, many years ago. She was so proud to expand it into the community. DANCE 4a CAUSE raised well over $150,000. Sammy is a Make-A-Wish Ambassador, donates blood every 56 days and volunteers in an LA hospital when she’s on the west coast. She has partnered with HOLTON’S HEROES, (a not-for-profit charity that provides for children affected by a post-birth brain injury) and CAMP CRANIUM, (a not-for-profit dedicated to providing a one-of-a-kind experiences for children with brain injuries) teaching dance classes for people with special needs. Sammy is proud to be newly certified in teaching Rhythm Works Integrative Dance.
Sammy cannot wait to continue to inspire people of all ages and abilities at ZZ DANCE!
What is your best dance memory as a kid?
There are just so many! I loved traveling around the country (and world) with my dance friends. Some of my favorite times are when we would lay around the hotel after a big competition or performance. We would all gather in someone’s room to eat, laugh and make more memories.
Why do you love to teach?
I love being a part of something that brings most people so much joy. I enjoy teaching all different levels and ages. There is almost nothing more perfect than when a dancer has been working on something difficult for so long and then they FINALLY get it. There is a sparkle that I see in that moment that I hope never dims.
What is the hardest stretch for you?
A pike is the hardest stretch for me, because I feel strain all over my body.
What is your favorite stretch?
I love splits. Call me crazy, but I do!
Who is the person who inspired you to dance?
My mom signed me up to dance before I was 3 years old. She has been a constant source of inspiration since then. May dad, too! They have watched every show with great pride. I feel so lucky to have them by my side.
What was your first dance routine?
Of Course, I’m a Horse!
What is your favorite TV show?
Grey’s Anatomy, Schitt’s Creek, The Nanny, Will & Grace and The Golden Girls
What is your favorite travel memory?
My favorite travel memory is honeymooning in Japan. I can’t get the trip out of my head. I cannot wait to go back.
Do you have a pet, if yes- tell us about it/them?
Yes, his name is Ozzie Turner-Zweben. He’s a rescue dog from Los Angeles. I don’t know exactly what kind of dog he is, but I think he’s a Chihuahua and Corgi mix. He’s a great dog and brings so much happiness to those around him.
Which SPICE GIRL are you?
Honestly, any of them on any given day. Isn’t everyone a little Baby, Sporty, Posh, Ginger and Scary?
You are stuck on an island. You can only choose only one: coffee, your dog, chocolate, French fries, hair dye, lip stick?
MY DOG…but, I’d also really want my lipstick….and chocolate…oooh, and coffee, too.
