ˈTƏR-NƏR ˈTRĀ-NIŊ
An approach facilitating growth
through progressions and the development of sound technique from principles rooted in the classical foundations.
WHO I AM
Dancer • Educator • Choreographer • Director
With a foundation in both music and dance, I began my training at the Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts, the Academy of Ballet Florida, and Boston Ballet, where I had the opportunity to perform works by Jan Hanniford Goetz, Marie Hale, Gerri Houlihan, Gina Buntz, Jeff Satinoff, and Kathryn Posin. I went on to study at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, earning a Bachelor of Science with dual concentrations in Ballet Performance and Kinesiology. There, I studied and was mentored by dance legends including Violette Verdy, Julie Kent, and Guillaume Graffin, performing leading roles in classical, contemporary, and African diaspora repertory.
As a professional dancer, I toured throughout the U.S., Canada, Italy, France, and Greece with companies including Chicago Dance Theatre, Roxey Ballet, American Repertory Ballet, and Elisa Monte Dance. I’ve performed works by Mark Morris, Twyla Tharp, Elisa Monte, Jennifer Archibald, Tiffany Rea-Fisher, Linda Haberman, Graham Lustig, and Lisa de Ribere. My stage credits include The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Cirque du Soleil at Radio City, Iphigénie en Tauride at Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Orfeo ed Euridice at The Metropolitan Opera. As a member of the xodus dance collective, I performed original works by Karen Gayle at Jacob’s Pillow Inside/Out Festival, DUMBO Dance Festival, and the International Association of Blacks in Dance Festival in Toronto.
My artistry and pedagogy were finessed by these experiences. Now an educator, coach, choreographer, and program leader, I bring over 15 years of experience across pre-professional conservatories, academic institutions, and competitive studios—including Bay Ridge Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet School, STEPS on Broadway, Ballet Tech, American Youth Dance Theater, and The Harlem School of the Arts. I am a certified Fellow of the ABT® National Training Curriculum (Pre-Primary through Level V), and I’ve successfully presented students for examination across multiple levels.
I currently direct the Upper School Dance Program at Poly Prep Country Day School, where I lead a comprehensive, standards-based curriculum rooted in ballet, modern, jazz, and dance composition. My work includes choreographing and directing seasonal showcases, mentoring student choreographers, and preparing students for collegiate auditions and professional training programs.
“The language of dance allows students to create structured phrases through movement vocabularies—phrases they can articulate to make a statement, tell a story, or express their emotions.”
As the founder of Turner Training LLC, I offer private coaching, choreograph original work, and coordinate performances at venues such as The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College and The Richard Perry Theater at the Poly Arts Center.
Grounded in my studies of kinesiology and anatomy, my teaching prioritizes physical awareness, alignment, and injury prevention—tools I believe are essential for sustainable training and lifelong artistry. My work reflects a commitment to nurturing confident, capable dancers through mentorship, artistic excellence, and culturally responsive programming that honors both tradition and innovation in the field of dance.
Not Quite Yet
Sam Turner and Jolina Javier
Choreography by Barrington Hinds
Music - Show Beth Gibbons · Rustin Man
In the Moment
Sam Turner and Amy Schulster
Collaboration by Sam Turner & Amy Schulster
Music - Bibo no Aozora · Ryuichi Sakamoto
"Through discipline, strength, versatility and refinement an enhanced experience
and efficiency of movement is an evident outcome."
PHILOSOPHY
CURRICULUM
DIRECTION
ENRICHMENT
PHILOSOPHY & PEDAGOGY
"A student-centered approach rooted in anatomical awareness, somatic intelligence, and cultural literacy. Tailored to students of all ages and levels."
As a dance educator, I believe in cultivating artist-citizens through rigorous technique, culturally responsive pedagogy, and care-centered mentorship. My teaching is grounded in anatomical and somatic intelligence, with an emphasis on alignment, injury prevention, and sustainable physical practice. I draw from a wide range of codified techniques—ballet, modern, jazz, and African diaspora forms—while honoring the roots and evolution of each.
Central to my work is a commitment to student voice and individual artistry. I foster learning environments where dancers are invited to explore, take risks, and refine their craft with thoughtfulness and accountability. Whether training future professionals or nurturing creative exploration, I guide students toward becoming versatile, articulate, and self-aware movers prepared for both collegiate and professional pursuits.
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