Ms. Sam is a student at American University studying Criminal Justice with a minor in Dance. She has been dancing since the age of three and spent 10 years as a member of a competitive dance team. She is currently a member of Artist United in Motion, a student-run dance organization at American University. Sam is trained in contemporary, modern, and jazz techniques and brings a diverse background of performance and dance education to her teaching.
With extensive experience teaching dancers of various ages and skill levels, Sam is passionate about creating a positive and encouraging environment where dancers can grow both technically and personally. She hopes that each dancer not only expands their knowledge and appreciation of dance, but also develops confidence, creativity, and a strong sense of self through movement.
Joseph Mckensie is a Houston, Texas–based dancer and creative artist currently training at George Mason University School of Dance. He is a graduate of Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and has trained with Vitacca Ballet School, Discover Gymnastics, Moda’s Pre-Professional Intensive. His performance experience includes work with Limón Dance Company, George Mason University, and HSPVA, performing works by José Limón, Alejandro Cerrudo, Christopher D’Amboise, Yue Yin, Betsy McMillan, and Roderick George. Beyond performance, his creative interests include choreography, dance photography, modeling, video editing, content creation, gymnastics, and musical theater.
Daria began dancing at the age of 3 in Los Angeles, California. After studying Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, and Chinese Fan Dance, she went on to attend Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA), with a concentration in dance. There, she studied Ballet, Horton Technique, Graham Technique, Limón Technique, , Contemporary, Afro-Cuban, House, and Composition under the direction of Natasha Diamond Walker. Daria choreographed and produced three pieces there: Stiff ( Like Porcelain), Hunter/Hunted, and The Purification Process. At LACHSA, she performed works by Christopher Huggins, Don Martin, Jim Vincent, José Limón, Martha Graham, Yuka Fukuda, and Jordyn Santiago. Following high school, Daria began attending George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, where she now resides, on her way to getting a BFA in Dance under the direction of Susan Shields. Daria has a special interest in working with young dancers, finding joy in their creativity, inspiration, and growth. Her expertise include Ballet, Lyrical, Jazz, Contemporary, and Acro.
Legacy Dance Institute 