Samuel Shadows

Sacramento-Based Choreographer

Dance Educator

Artistic Director

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Get to know me.

Samuel Hall is a dance educator and choreographer based in Sacramento, CA. Sam has trained in many styles of dance and has specialized in Tap, Ballet, Contemporary and Modern dance. After finishing his youth years at his home studio Leighton Dance Project, he embarked on a journey working professionally as an assistant to industry choreographers, and traveled creating his own works for studios across the country. Now residing at LDP as an Artistic Director, he continues to work with dancers of all ages to push the boundaries of dance, cultivating an exciting and safe space for dancers to explore their own creative voice.

  • As a choreographer, my work is rooted in a deep exploration of movement, rhythm, and musical interpretation. With a foundation in tap dance, I am driven by a curiosity to make music visible, using sound, silence, and syncopation to shape the space.

    My tap exploration spans classic jazz-era styles, Broadway tap, rhythm tap, and my own evolving voice, which blends contemporary movement with percussive vocabulary to create something both grounded and experimental.

  • Tap

    My tap classes are rooted in strong fundamental technique, with an emphasis on music theory, rhythmic understanding, and improvisation. I guide dancers in developing a deep connection to sound, encouraging them to become both musicians and movers. We explore everything from traditional steps to contemporary phrasing, always with the goal of cultivating personal voice and confidence in improvisation. For more advanced dancers I emphasize the emotionality of phrasing, texture, and tone to reach a wider audience. 

    Ballet
    I approach ballet with a balance of discipline, joy, and challenge. My classes are designed to keep dancers of all ages engaged and inspired, building strength, clarity, and artistry. I fell in love with teaching ballet because of its power to transform both mindset and movement, and I strive to create a space where hard work is celebrated and progress is always within reach.

    Contemporary / Modern
    In my contemporary and modern classes, we dive into movement driven by flow, spiral, and gravity. I encourage dancers to explore unfamiliar and sometimes counterintuitive pathways, pushing past what feels comfortable to uncover new possibilities. Musicality and visual interpretation of sound are key elements, as we use contemporary technique to craft deeply personal, expressive movement.

  • My private coaching sessions are for serious dancers ages 10+ who are ready to go beyond. These sessions are not just about cleaning steps, they're about transformation. Whether you're preparing for competition, auditions, or refining your technique in ballet, contemporary, or tap, I work with dancers who are willing to dig deep, take risks, and commit to the process.

    This is for dancers who want to train with intention, who are curious, coachable, and brave enough to sit in discomfort, explore nuance, and do the work outside of the studio. Together, we’ll challenge physical habits, push artistic boundaries, and build a deeper understanding of the craft.

    Virtual and in-person sessions are available. Come prepared to work hard.

  • I offer customized teacher trainings for studios looking to strengthen their faculty, refine classroom practices, and elevate choreography across both recreational and competitive programs. With years of experience creating work for all ages and levels, and proven competition results, I provide practical tools and creative support that meet teachers where they are, and push them to grow.

    Training areas include:

    • Classroom Structure & Management: Strategies for creating disciplined, engaging, and well-paced classes.

    • Choreography Inspiration & Smart Choices:  Guidance on making age-appropriate, musically intelligent, and visually effective choreography for recital and competition.

    • Creative Voice Development: Support in helping teachers and choreographers develop and refine their own choreographic style.

    • Recreational Class Support: Practical advice for keeping young dancers focused, excited, and progressing week to week.

    • Feedback & Mentorship: Constructive coaching for teachers looking to evolve their craft, teaching approach, or classroom results.

    Whether your team needs help managing the classroom, crafting a standout competition routine, or developing consistency across levels, I’m here to offer grounded, proven, and personalized support.

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My Work

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