Movement, Visibility, Purpose: The World of Samantha Barriento
- Asia Diamond
- 2 hours ago
- 6 min read
In the world of dance, there are artists who perform — and then there are artists who transform. Samantha Barriento is the artist who turns performance into purpose
A proud Queens native with Dominican roots, Samantha’s journey has been shaped by passion, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to storytelling through movement.
Trained at LaGuardia Performing Arts High School and the prestigious Ailey/Fordham BFA program, she went on to dance with the internationally acclaimed Ailey II from 2014–2016 — a pivotal moment that positioned her as a force within modern and contemporary dance.
Samantha has performed globally with Step One Dance Company, toured with the Lion King Rafiki Tour, and captured national attention through commercial work with major brands like Old Navy, Bimzelx, and Smirnoff, where she embraced the role of “Spicy Tam” for the brand’s bold Tamarind campaign. She was also spotlighted by Zoe Saldana’s BESE as a Latinx artist to watch — a testament to her cultural influence and creative voice.
Today, Samantha continues to expand her artistic identity, blending technique, culture, and charisma into performances that inspire, uplift, and captivate.
This is her story — a journey of movement, visibility, and purpose.
Growing up in Queens, what first sparked your love for dance and performing arts?
“I believe I was born loving music, but dance came later. My Mom and Dad met dancing at Studio 54 and the CopaCabana in the 80s. My sister was put into dance when she was 3 years old and when I was about that age I followed suit. I was raised on a lot of funk and disco music and always felt rhythm in my soul. But my love for dance felt really ignited at the age of 9 when I performed a solo in a Michael Jackson tribute. When I felt the excitement of the audience supporting me doing what I enjoyed, I had really caught the bug. From then on, my life easily revolved around dance. ”
How did your experience at LaGuardia Performing Arts High School shape your foundation as an artist?
“High School was the best educational experience of my life. I was able to fully be myself: a young, talented, slightly nerdy girl who LOVED to move. Best of all, I was surrounded by driven teens like myself. I felt like I found my people for once. And last, but certainly not least, the faculty was incredibly supportive of each of us and our individual dreams. I couldn't have asked for a better foundation for what would become my life."
What was the transition like entering the Ailey/Fordham BFA program — and what did you learn about yourself during that time?
“Entering the Ailey/ Fordham BFA program was a bit of a shock to the system. I had been training there as a junior division scholarship student from the age of 15 and suddenly I was being treated like an adult and professional. There was no hand holding. There was no accepting of any performance that wasn't my best, whether in class or on stage. I also felt quite a bit of pressure because I came from the program as a highschool student. Everyone looked at me and believed that I was treated with privilege, but they had no idea how hard I worked to achieve each of the level placements or castings I was given.”
Dancing with Ailey II is a major accomplishment. What was the most transformative part of that experience?
“Ailey II was a two year career jump starter for me. Fresh out of college, I was in a company, learning repertory alongside some of the most talented dancers in our field. I was being connected to choreographers that were just beginning to make a major mark in the industry. I was overwhelmed with insecurity my first year and left feeling like I had achieved so much more than I could have imagined. Being 23 years old touring around France and Germany as part of a company is so rare and so special. It was and will forever be a favorite time in my life.”
What were some challenges or defining moments during your time with Ailey II from 2014–2016?
“Getting sick overseas was so scary! I remember feeling so helpless and having a performance one night in France. I didn't know if I would make it through. But I did! There were many moments when I didn't quite know if I would make it through, but I did. It was the beginning of my own understanding of my resilience."
Ailey is known for blending emotional storytelling with athletic movement. How has that influenced your artistic voice today?
“Everything I do has Ailey training in it. I am so proud to have training rooted in modern dance from Ailey because it has always set me apart in rooms with many technicians. It is a special place and a home of the cultural ambassador that is Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. I learned to blend soul with strength in that building by training but also by watching the powerhouses of dancers that continue to cycle through their companies.”
You were featured in a Zoe Saldana BESE film as a Latinx artist to watch. How did that recognition impact you as a dancer and public figure?
“The feature with BESE was such a surprise and came at a time when I thought no one was watching me. It was a reminder that someone is always watching what you are creating, especially now in the world of social media. Now, it is up to you to create work that showcases who you are authentically because people WILL see you and you never know the good that can come of it..”
What does representation in dance and media mean to you, especially for Latina performers?
“Seeing Latinas in the dance, theater, and television industry was life changing for me. It allowed me to believe that my possibilities were endless if I worked hard enough. I believe strongly in the idea that children need to see themselves in every way because it affirms that they can do whatever they dream of.”
Touring with the Lion King Rafiki Tour is an iconic experience. What was that journey like on and off the stage?
“The Lion King tour, especially after Covid, was a gift from God. I was at such a low in every way and the industry was just starting to come back. When I booked the job, I remember crying and thanking God because I sincerely knew I couldn't keep going at the pace I had been trying to afford living in New York. And the performance aspect was so warm and sweet to be a part of each night. This production is timeless and is an important story for families, for sons, for fathers, for daughters, for everyone.”
You’ve starred in commercials for Old Navy, Bimzelx, and played “Spicy Tam” for Smirnoff. How do you approach commercial work differently from stage performance?
“Commercial work actually feels more natural to me because often you are just a human being, as in you are just meant to be yourself. I enjoy on camera work so much and see myself moving strictly in that direction very soon.”
As someone who has crossed dance, film, commercial work, and touring productions — what does versatility mean to you as an artist?
“Versatility means longevity in this career. It means giving yourself many outlets to explore who you are as an artist. It means having fun rediscovering yourself in many ways and putting work into honing new aspects of your craft. It means being a curious and explorative creature through life.”
What new artistic goals or dream collaborations are on your horizon?
“I see myself on camera in a movie soon. It is a big scary goal of mine, but I think it is meant for me. I also see myself in a fitness collaboration with Nike or Apple Fitness, maybe both. I am a fitness professional and have been working on my brand for years now, so it is definitely part of my plan in the next 5 years.”
What has been the most important lesson dance has taught you about life, confidence, and discipline?
“Dance has taught me that you can't go around the difficulty. You have to go through it to achieve beauty. The most challenging lines, steps, choreographic pieces...they all require embodying and surrendering. There is no halfway, in between, or maybe...there is only committing or not committing.”
How do you hope your artistry impacts the next generation of performers watching you today?
“I hope to be an example that hard work and persistence is actually STILL important in a world of instant gratification. I want the next generation to see what I have done and know that time and effort were used, not Chat GPT.”
From concert stages to international tours, commercial campaigns to cultural storytelling, Samantha Barriento continues to rise — not just as a performer, but as a voice for authenticity, representation, and artistic brilliance. Her journey reminds us that where you begin is only part of the story; it’s the passion, discipline, and heart you bring to every opportunity that truly sets you apart.
At YV Media, we celebrate artists like Samantha who use their gifts to inspire, empower, and boldly take up space in rooms where their presence matters.
Follow Samantha’s journey, support her work, and stay tuned — her next chapter is only getting bigger, bolder, and more electrifying.
— Written By Asia DiAmond
Your voice. Your vibe. Your vision.
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