“I’ve definitely matured into who i’ve always wanted to be”: samuel mena garcia reflects on how the industry has shaped him
Creative Direction & Styling JORDAN GARCIA // Photographer CLEMENTINE MORRIS // Nail Artist WERONIKA CYWINSKA
Quickfire questions
Open class or convention? OPEN CLASS
What song are you listening to on repeat right now? CRY UGLY BY FLO
Being on stage or being on camera? ON STAGE
Go-to night out to get you dancing in London? STORMZY’S HOUSE PARTY
Choreographing alone or with friends? WITH FRIENDS!
Best shoe to take class in? JORDAN 4s
latex shirt OLLY DYE // snake boots - NATACHA MARRO // jewellery ANNABEL B
full look OLLY DYE
Samuel Mena Garcia is back for another conversation with MOVES! This time, we spoke about what it’s like to evolve in the dance industry and how he stays inspired (plus a 10/10 recommendation for a good night out in London).
Words MIRANNE WATLEY
If there’s one person who embodies the coolest parts of London’s dance industry… It would be Samuel Mena Garcia. At only 22 years old, Samuel has danced for Jungle, Jade Thirlwall, Troye Sivan (The Sweat Tour had us all sweating), at Madison Square Garden, Primavera Sound, the BRITS, on tour, in music videos, and for a GAP campaign. The credits are enviable.
Yet, throughout these major career milestones, Samuel has remained grounded. Growing up, figuring out what else London has to offer. Entering your 20s on tour is definitely not your
average experience, but Samuel strikes the perfect balance between having an unstoppable dance career and remaining endearingly relatable. Last week, MOVES was lucky enough to speak to him for the second time to reflect on how he has matured over his career so far, as well as the intimate process of becoming more yourself within the dance industry. “I’m not scared to do as much anymore, I’m just excited to see what else comes”.
One crucial outlet that Samuel credits with keeping him inspired is fashion. “It’s my way of speaking before speaking”. And his outfits definitely speak. His instagram features chunky shoes, oversized bags, intricate nail designs, cut outs, co ords, and a new hat to match every outfit. Fitting for somebody who has the career every dancer fantasizes about, his wardrobe is the stuff of dreams.
Importantly, his interest in fashion, and desire to always learn something new, keeps him curious and humble. Likeable. Our conversation felt easy and warm, and his experiences of growing up within the dance industry echo those of early adulthood across many different walks of life. Samuel’s authenticity is an encouraging reminder to everyone. “I’m really proud that I stayed true to who I am”.
While having appeared on some of the biggest stages in the world, Samuel Mena Garcia has managed to remain rooted in the familiar milestones of being in your early 20s: working ridiculously hard, spending time with your friends, and feeling more secure in who you are. The kind of friend everyone wants. A very cool, and very relatable, 22-year-old (who just so happens to have danced on a world tour).
jacket - ALBRECHT OLLENDIEK // trousers - MILO MARIA // shoes - POSTER GIRL
You were born in Colombia but you’ve lived and trained in London since you were 5. How do you think your upbringing has inspired your dancing?
Music is very influential in Colombia, and Latina culture in general, so when I got here that was something that I gravitated towards. I didn’t start dance training until I was 15 so dance was really just about enjoyment and hearing the music. I definitely feel like that shows in everything I do.
And what inspired you growing up in London?
The biggest thing in London that stays inspiring me is fashion. It’s my way of speaking before speaking. There’s just so much to be inspired by, even little things down to nails. I always see people wearing cool stuff here.
What was the first dance class you took in London?
It was a hip hop class at Studio 68. My friend saw that I was really into dance videos, so she said I should go to class with her. I went to Primark and bought an outfit for the class. It was these red bottoms, white top, and a nike hat… awful…But I was like I’m ready, let’s go. I went in and loved everything about it, and since that day I have not stopped dancing.
How do you think you’ve changed since then?
I’ve definitely matured into who I’ve always wanted to be. Dance has been my outlet and allowed me to become super expressive.
And how has your approach to dance training changed since that first class?
I’ve definitely gained a lot of tools. I’ve learnt that I’m a visual learner so I’m really going to take it upon myself to look at how the choreo is supposed to be done. It helps me with my training because it just means that I can get things much quicker.
There was also a point in time where I was in dance college. Monday to Friday would be school, and that consisted of ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, all the curriculum stuff. Then I had training on Sundays with LXD. It was quite literally Monday to Sunday, and my body was going through it. It was quite intense but I think that also allowed me to gain a lot of the skills I have now.
Shot by EMILY ALMDOVAR for MOVES Artist Spotlight (July 2025) - Wearing all ADIDAS
When you think through your dance career so far, what are you most proud of?
Aw, I love this question! There’s definitely jobs I feel super proud to have been a part of, but the reason I feel proud is because I know that I’ve managed to stay true to who I am throughout everything I’ve done (and am doing)... and in the end things have worked out in ways I could never have imagined.
For a while it felt like that might be my downfall, because there was a point in time where I didn’t see much representation of my community working professionally in the spaces I aspired to be in. Thankfully, that’s changed so much since I first started out, and I’m really proud that I stayed true to who I am regardless.
One incredible opportunity you’ve had so far in your career was dancing on tour with Troye Sivan. What’s a moment you won’t forget from the tour?
Performing at Madison Square Garden was incredible. It was such a privilege and honour to perform there, and it was such great energy. You walk around and see all the past performers and you realize what kind of opportunity you’ve been given.
There’s also one specific day that I do remember because it was a nightmare for me. It was towards the beginning of the tour, so we were in Stockholm. I learnt how to do makeup on tour and this day was early on so, because I was still a beginner, it took me ages to do my makeup. I had gotten ready just in time and the runner said I had to go to the stage. I went into the dressing room to get changed but the shower in the dressing room was on a sensor, so it turned on and got the whole side of my body wet. I came out and half of my face had melted off, but I just had to pack it in and push through. It was still a great show though.
“There’s definitely jobs I feel super proud to have been a part of, but the reason I feel proud is because I’ve been myself the whole time. I’m really proud that I’ve gone against the grain a little bit.”
hat - BENNY ANDALO // shorts - MINGA LONDON // jewellery - ANNABEL B
What was your favourite moment with the rest of the dancers?
I loved the in-between moments. We connected on such an intimate level as a unit, and that unit also included Troye. We’d have off days, go out together, eat together, chill together. Connecting with everyone really made it special.
You also work as a choreographer (recently for Saint Satine and MISSU). Talk us through your choreography process.
I get sent the song and I’m usually given a perspective on where the team wants the creative to go. So I’ve got that idea in my head and then I’m hearing the music out over and over again. Like over and over, you can only imagine. Then I get in the studio and just allow myself to do random things, some probably super weird, but I allow everything to come out so I can understand what pocket I want to sit in. My biggest focus is staying true to what the song is actually asking of me.
With Saint Satine I only had three days to get it done, and for me that is working under pressure, so I just had to trust my instincts and not overthink. I’m definitely a perfectionist but I think trusting my gut worked out which I was happy about.
How do you know when your choreography is finished?
Instinct I think. And flow… I’m really big on pathways.
What is the biggest life lesson that dance has taught you?
To always have yourself in mind, and that is in the most humble way. The dance industry teaches you so much, but it also comes with a lot of outside noise. I think it’s important not to lose sight of what you truly want, and to keep reminding yourself of the goals and dreams you set out to achieve. At the end of the day, it’s your journey. You have to stay true to yourself and the vision you have for your own life.
How do you spend your time outside of dance?
As a kid it was always something new… gymnastics, martial arts, swimming. In my spare time now, I go back to fashion. If I’m not looking at dance, I’m looking at fashion influencers.
And I recently bought some books. They were recommended by my mum, and a couple of other people. I think it’s good to educate yourself and learn new things. Also reading is really good for you.
Which books are they?
I think all of these are classics.
Atomic Habits, The Psychology of Money, Don't Believe Everything You Think, The Courage to Be Disliked, and The Let Them Theory.
jacket - ALBRECHT OLLENDIEK // trousers - MILO MARIA // shoes - POSTER GIRL
“I make sure I’m consistently reminding myself of why I’ve decided to take this career. I make sure to always choose myself and be intentional with how I move.”
What’s your next step?
I’m hoping to move out of home next year, while also working towards travelling and working more in the States. As well as opportunities for exciting professional projects, I’m joining the team of incredible teachers at Playground Los Angeles. I think being in new environments can be super inspiring, both personally and creatively, so I’m excited to see where that takes me!