Samantha Italiano

Samantha Italiano grew up in Colorado, at a studio that emphasized artistic expression and exploration. Studying under Danielle Heller, Sam’s passion for tap dance evolved, alongside ballet, ballroom, jazz, and modern. At Elon University, Sam studied with Gene Medler, the Founder and Artistic Director of the North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble, working alongside him to co-direct the university’s annual tap dance showcase. Post college, she has spent time studying with incredibly talented folks, finding mentorship from Brenna Kuhn and Ellen Keane. She has performed as a guest artist with Untapped in Little Rock and Kaleena Miller Dance in Minneapolis. Sam has taught in various fields including: recreation center dance programs; dance studios; public & private schools; non-profits; after-school programs; workshops; and most recently choreographing for musicals. No matter the setting, she emphasizes dance history, rhythmic intricacies, and performance skills hoping to ignite a fire in her students as Sam’s teachers have done for her.