Photo by Cathryn Farnsworth

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Samiyah Norris is a professional dancer, choreographer, model, and teacher from Baltimore, Maryland. Her dance journey began in 2008 at Mid Atlantic Center for the Performing Arts, where she trained in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, modern, and hip hop. She later continued her training at E Street Dance Academy and Dance Conservatory of Maryland.

Samiyah currently studies at the University of Southern California Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, while also pursuing a Master of Studies in Law at USC Gould School of Law. At Kaufman, she has performed works by artists including Houston Thomas, Caili Quan, Tyce Diorio, Bruce McCormick, Martha Graham, and Roderick George. Her professional experience includes modeling campaigns, commercials, and short films. She has also choreographed works such as Koyaanisqatsi, remember when, and Move in Kaufman Composition Showcases.

As an artist, Samiyah is interested in exploring the experiences of Black communities in America through the intersection of Eurocentric and Black vernacular movement and music. She uses dance as a form of social activism, creating work that highlights Black womanhood, challenges traditional expectations, and brings new perspectives to ballet and contemporary dance.