Samantha Matsumoto began dancing in Elk Grove, CA and continued her dance training at UC Irvine, where she received a BFA in Dance Performance and a BFA in Choreography. There she worked with the late Donald McKayle with his Etude Ensemble and Sheron Wray’s Insight Jazz Ensemble. She also worked with choreographers such as Pavel Zustiak, Chad Michael Hall, Patrick Corbin, and Israeli choreographer, Idan Cohen with Noa Shilo. Samantha spent summers training with Backhausdance, LA Contermporary Dance Company, and travelled to Spain with DTM2 performing/collaborating through improvisation of movement and live music. Upon returning to Sacramento, Samantha joined CORE Contemporary Dance for 2014-2018 seasons, under the direction of Kelli Leighton. During her time with CORE, she also had the opportunity to work with choreographers such as Mia Michaels, Teddy Forance, Amy Berokoff, Will Johnston, and Jared Baker. Samantha has taught a variety of workshops and classes for dance companies, high schools, and studios in the Sacramento area. Samantha recently graduated Saint Mary’s College of California earning her MFA in Dance – Creative Practice and graduating with the Embodied Engagement Award. Her work has been presented at the American College Dance Association Screen Dance Festival, San Francisco Dance Film Festival, Portland Dance Film Festival, and the Outlet Project. Her research has also been presented at Body-Mind Centering Association's annual conference. She is also certified in STOTT Pilates and Body Harmonics Pilates where she continues to teach movement. Samantha is excited to share her passion of movement and continue to grow as an artist while contributing to the community.