Samantha Canty-Gardner is a New York City based professional dancer, choreographer, teacher, and adjudicator. She has a BA in Musical Theatre from James Madison University, where she graduated Cum Laude.

Sam grew up dancing and competing in Michigan. After graduating from JMU, she headed straight to NYC and began teaching and choreographing throughout the tri-state area. She has over 15 years of dance teaching experience in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, kickline, acro, musical theatre, and pom. Her work has received numerous judges awards, both regionally and nationally.

Sam’s favorite performance credits are Gershwin! (Off-Broadway), Mary Poppins, 42nd Street, and The Addams Family. Additional credits include Show Boat, Happy Days, Urinetown, Madagascar, Kiss Me, Kate! and more.

Sam’s teaching experience is not limited to competition students, but also includes professional performers, as well as absolute beginners of all ages. She has been an Instructor-Counselor at ADTC in Vermont & Maryland since 2022. Sam wants campers to learn that above all else, dance is FUN.

Outside of dance, Sam is obsessed with her cat, Snow White. She also practices her Italian Duolingo every day – her streak is over 300 days!