IN CONVERSATION WITH SAM SALTER

interview by MAREK BARTEK

Sam Salter is a versatile British dancer celebrated for blending athleticism with artistry. From dazzling audiences in productions like ‘West Side Story’ and ‘Wicked’ to performing at iconic venues like the Royal Albert Hall, Sam’s work on stage radiates a rare blend of precision and emotional depth. On screen, Sam’s talent has shone through as a dance double for Timothée Chalamet in ‘Wonka’ and Jamie Dornan in ‘The Tourist’, with appearances in Disney’s ‘Disenchanted’ and Universal’s ‘Wicked’. Beyond the stage and screen, Sam has collaborated with luxury brands including Dior, Swarovski, and Armani Beauty, bringing their signature elegance to global campaigns.

jacket THE FRANKIE SHOP
crop top and trousers ALEC RHYS BIZBY

In collaboration with photographer Antonio Eugenio, you brought to life a stunning story inspired by circus entertainers of the 1950s—characters who traveled from town to town bringing joy to people. How did it feel stepping into these roles and channeling their spirit through your performance?

I love playing a character, so when Antonio presented the ideas for this story I was very much down for it. I love alternative, I love jumping into a character that isn’t myself, it’s all part of the creative fun. 

Fashion plays a key role in this shoot and in your work overall. How do you approach integrating fashion into your creative process, and what excites you most about using style as a storytelling tool?

I’m so passionate about fashion, it has so much power. An outfit can totally change up your energy, help with development of a character, similar to costumes in performance, they can make both the character and you feel complete once you put it on. Same with fashion and styling, I love the versatility it can bring to life. 

full look AGRO STUDIO

Your performances exude both precision and emotional depth. How did your early training influence your work and how would you describe your style?

I attended an incredible school for theatre in London from age 11-16 and we were essentially trained like adults. Very strict training, very intense. It was amazing though. I learnt a lot about conveying emotions at the Sylvia Young theatre school. 

top ALEC RHYS BIZBY
shoes TOGA VIRILIS

Though ‘Wicked’ just premiered, it is already a huge success. For those who haven’t had a change to see it yet, what would you say is so special about this production? 

The movie is spectacular, and I’m not being biased because I was in it. *laughs* The cinematography is stunning, the cast is beautiful, and that music really is extraordinary. I did the stage show 8 years ago and hearing that music 8 shows a week was an honour. I’m so proud of the movie's success. 

Apart from ‘Wicked’ you’ve performed in some of the most iconic productions, among them, for example, ‘The West Side Story’. What has been the most transformative stage experience in your career so far?

Great question. Last year I played ‘Clive’ in the NUTCRACKER (originally CLARA in previous productions). Being a leading man for the first time, getting to tell the character’s story in detail, pulling from my own struggles, growing up and transferring it into this young man I played was very transformative for me. 

full look AGRO STUDIO

Performing at venues as legendary as the Royal Albert Hall is a dream for many dancers. How do you prepare mentally and physically for such high-stakes performances?

A lot of rehearsals and making sure I’m on my shit. Haha. 

You have also appeared on screen as a dancing double for Timothée Chalamet in ‘Wonka’ or Jamie Dornan in ‘The Tourist’. Performances like these must have unique demands. How do you adapt your craft to embody another actor’s movement style?

You have to be selfless, it’s not about me, it’s about the actor. My job is to use my body to essentially become them, so I watch. I look at their shapes, their own style of movement and I replicate, similar to a dance style I’m learning, it’s all about being adaptable. 

tie waistcoat VIKTORIA ZUZIAK
top AGRO STUDIO

Having performed both on stage and on screen, how do you navigate between these two mediums?

Both so very different. Movies truthfully are usually not as intense on the body as theatre. The hours are more demanding - 18 hour days sometimes. Theatre is often 8 shows a week so that’s a different ball game. I’d say they are both demeaning, just in different ways. 

Apart from dancing, you are also known for your inventive choreography. How do you approach crafting movement and what are some important aspects you like to incorporate to create uniquely your style?

I tend to draw from my emotions. I listen carefully to lyrics, and I try to convert a message through my choreography so an audience member can understand what I’m saying without saying anything at all. 

full look AGRO STUDIO

From Dior or Swarovski to Armani Beauty, your career bridges dance and fashion. How do these collaborations expand your perspective as a performer and storyteller?

It’s just getting more and more exciting to collaborate in all areas of the creative industry. I’ve been so lucky to have freedom with these amazing fashion brands, I feel they trust me and my input, and it’s really special. A lot of the time dancers are trained to just be quiet and be at the right place at the right time, and so I’m thankful I am able to have a voice. 

As a trailblazer in your field, do you find yourself mentoring younger dancers? Who were some of your greatest inspirations when you began?

If I am an inspiration to young dancers out there I am truly honoured. I would grow up watching ‘so you think you can dance’ in USA and be so inspired. Some of the guys I used to see on tv actually follow me now online, and I swear it’s like Beyoncé following me on Instagram, I couldn’t believe it.

coat VIKTORIA ZUZIAK

Having achieved so much across stage, screen, and fashion, what new challenges or collaborations are you most excited to pursue in the future?

I’m starting another dance show in March, and I’m very excited to return to the stage after a year. I hope to continue working hard, pushing my creativity and enjoying my life without all of this stuff at the same time. I love what I do, but it isn’t ME. It’s important to remind myself who Sam is without the work and continue to work on myself as a human being not only as an artist.

TEAM CREDITS:
talent SAM SALTER
ad & photography ANTONIO EUGENIO
styling IGNACIO DE TIEDRA
makeup PIA GARNER
hair ALEX SZABO represented by CAROL HAYES MANAGEMENT using SAM MCKNIGHT HAIR CARE
photography assistant MITCHELL KEMP
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview MAREK BARTEK