We recently connected with Sammie Denham and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sammie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

There are so many projects I’ve gotten to work on throughout my career, both as a performer and choreographer that are meaningful to me, but the one that stands out the most has to be the most recent project I worked on. From November 2021-May 2022 I was hired to work as an Associate Choreographer on a brand new show creation for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. An Aqua show called “inTENse” on board their newest ship in the fleet, Wonder of the Seas. I had the pleasure of assisting Director and Choreographer Shay Kuebler, and working alongside Dance Choreographers Teddy Forance and Dazl St.Louis, Aerial Choreographer Brie Dias, and Dive Choreographer Felix Hirt, to help create a very complex production that pushed the limit of anything we’ve ever created before.

As you can imagine, like any other company in the entertainment industry right now, post the pandemic shutdown there have been and continue to be many challenges and setbacks as we navigate what it means to be able to produce shows again. In creating this show we found ourselves dealing with quarantine time, last minute change of rehearsal spaces, cast joining late due to visa delays, and even having to work over video conference in order to teach material.

Despite everything thrown our way, we still managed to create an amazing production that has been rated the best in the fleet. Our creative team and our very talented and unique cast of dancers, divers, synchronized swimmers, aerialist, slackliners and martial artist made every minute of enjoyable! I truly believe that these extra and unusual challenges made all the hard work that we put into creating the show feel even more meaningful.

Sammie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

A little bit about myself: I began dancing at the age of 3 and instantly fell in love with it! I started with ballet and very quickly added multiple other styles to my repertoire over the years. I learned at a very young age there’s nothing quite like the feeling you get when you’re on stage in front of an audience, and for me this has recently expanded to include the feeling of seeing my creations executed by others on a live stage.

I have been lucky to work professionally in all fields of the entertainment industry for over 15 years and counting. I’ve worked both in live production and television and film, and have been fortunate to travel the world as a performer, and instruct classes in Canada, USA and Europe.. I have worked with many amazing companies and artists along the way, including Moment Factory, Joffrey Ballet School, Royal Caribbean, Miss World Pageant, L’Oreal and many more.

I am happiest when my world bounces between performing, creating, and getting the opportunity to share my knowledge with younger dancers.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Like most artists and creatives, I had to majorly pivot during the 2020 pandemic. I never imagined in my lifetime I would experience a complete shutdown of not only our industry, but for a significant time the world around me. I live in New York City, and to see Times Square completely deserted and all of Broadway’s lights turned off was a strange thing to experience. It took some time to accept the situation was going to last longer than the two weeks, but eventually I knew I had to find other creative outlets. On top of taking class online and dancing in my living room like everyone else in order to keep up my training and physical strength, I knew my mental health needed something to focus on. I had always been interested in photography and decided to dive in! After months of dedicating my time to learning the fundamentals of photography and applying them, I started to get work as a photographer. This led to blending my love of dance and photography together, and in fall of 2020 I launched my own dance and portrait photography company “Feather Foot Photography”, which I now operate alongside my dance career.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

There are many aspects of this career that are rewarding. As a performer, it was knowing the impact I have on an audience’s experience and their lasting impression of the arts. As a choreographer, seeing my creations come to life on stage, knowing I’ve put something unique and original out into the universe is a feeling like no other. And as an educator, helping shape the lives and careers of young dancers by passing on the knowledge I’ve gained as an experienced artist in the industry is very rewarding. But more than anything, knowing that I did not settle when it came to choosing my career path, and that I get to spend my days doing what I love most is the most rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sammiedenham.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sammiedenham/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sammie-denham

Image Credits
Laura Zeke Photography Ian Shiff Photography