Samantha Fruhwirth is an American dancer, architectural designer, & fiber artist exploring the intersections between analytical and creative realms in order to foster alternative lifestyles and holistic human patterning through movement and the built environment.
She began her classical dance training under the mentorship of Jennifer Haltzman Tracy and Trinette Singleton at Dolly Haltzman Dance Academy in her hometown of Emmaus, PA at the age of seven. She spent two summers training at the Joffrey Ballet’s San Antonio summer intensive. She then joined her Academy’s company, Repertory Dance Theater, at the age of 14 where she had the fortune to dance in many roles, her favorites being Swanilda in Coppélia, Dorothy in Trinette Singleton’s The Wizard of Oz and Clara, Dew Drop, and Lead Spanish in The Nutcracker. Other highlights included performing in Bob fosse’s All that jazz, Trinette Singleton’s A Scrambled Fairytale, and George Balanchine’s Stars and Stripes.
Samantha went on to study Mechanical Engineering as an Honor’s Scholar at Lehigh Carbon Community College where she obtained an Associates in Mathematics. During her studies, Samantha took a two-year hiatus to be a professional trainee with the American Repertory Ballet under the direction of Douglas Martin and Mary Barton. Her performance highlights include Soloist in Viva Vivaldi by Gerald Arpino and Thistle Queen in Mary Barton’s A Gardner’s Fantasy.
Samantha continued her academic pursuits and has since graduated from Columbia University with a BA in Architecture with Departmental Honors in 2018. She has spent the last four years working as an architectural designer in New York City designing multi-family residential complexes and institutional buildings with GRO Architects as well as spas, saunas, and wellness spaces with Ecotone. She has independently studied natural building techniques and successfully completed The New School Parson's Certificate Program in Healthier Materials and Sustainable Building.
Samantha has maintained her dance career as a freelance dancer performing with ARCH Ballet and Silva Dance Company as well as choreographing, directing, and producing creative works. Most recently she co-created and performed "Flecks" with Allison Piccone which was selected to premiere at Dixon Place's Under Exposed series. "Flecks" explores the space and relationship between technology, movement, and archives utilizing projection techniques overlayed onto live performance. Samantha’s love of movement and adventurous spirit has led her to pursue training in capoeira, Afro-Brazilian, modern & experimental dance, as well as rock climbing.
Samantha has founded her own design studio, SHE FELT Studios, which focuses a creative force through the exploration of wool and other natural textiles using heritage techniques of needle felting and wet felting. Her goal is to imbue creations with love and intention for generations to enjoy and eventually return to the earth. Influenced by her studies of natural building and architectural practices, SHE FELT is a hands-on small-scale expression of those larger ideas which shape our world. Samantha is excited to continue her balance of artistic and professional pursuits and is thankful for her supportive family and mentors.