Samantha Gartley began her training at DDC at the age of 4 and was a member of the Performing Company from 2006–2012. A 2015 graduate of the University of Delaware, with a major in Food Science and a minor in Dance, Samantha has now completed a Master’s degree in Microbial Food Safety and works for the UDairy Creamery as their Lab Coordinator. She is a member of Ignite: A Company of Dancing Artists.

Samantha has performed in numerous DDC productions, UD dance minor, and Ignite concerts, including every DDC Nutcracker since 1998. She is currently one of the directors of Act 1 of DDC’s Nutcracker. She has taught at DDC since 2009 and is pleased to begin her sixth year directing the Youth Dance Ensemble. Samantha enjoys sharing her love of dance with her students and encouraging them to achieve their best.