I identify with the energy of contemporary dance, and the artist notes that the journey wouldn’t be the same without the influence of a key partner. This partnership formed part of a classic formation that opened up a world of learning and personal growth, a sentiment echoed by many who have trained in this field.
In Alicante, a dancer named Samuel Olariaga Moya is a sixth-year student at the José Espadero Professional Dance Conservatory. Although still early in his career, he has earned several scholarships through competitions in Castellón and through the Davalos-Fletcher Foundation Translation Award, which came with four thousand euros to support his contemporary interpretations.
These scholarships often cover dormitory stays. He has benefited from opportunities such as fellowships and programs that support interpretation and choreography across classical and contemporary styles, enabling continued study at esteemed institutions and residencies in cities like Heidelberg.
That Davalos-Fletcher Foundation Award holds significant meaning for him; with twenty-four nominations reaching the semi-finals and four advancing to the finals, the experience marks a pivotal moment. He presented three choreographies, including two of his own and one by Asun Noales, and performed one of his own pieces in the finale. He describes the award as a gift and a stroke of luck, noting the guidance of mentors like Asun Noales, Mamen Garcia, and Carmela Garcia, who have supported him in recent months, along with encouragement from Angel Juarez to grow as an artist and dancer.
The blend of classic and contemporary forms fuels his artistic power. Born in 19 years ago in Xàbia, he discovered his passion for dance early while watching a cousin perform, which set him on a path to global exploration through movement. He recalls being signed up for many activities before discovering his true calling in dance.
Urban, classical and contemporary dance
He began with urban dance in Dénia, earning a string of awards, and judges of those competitions encouraged him to pursue a more academic, traditional training. This transition helped shape a versatile artist capable of moving between styles with ease.
Between the ages of thirteen and sixteen, he balanced classical and contemporary training, receiving multiple scholarships to study at various institutions, including Tzahala Dance School in Tel Aviv and Ballet Jeune Europe in Paris. Upon returning, he joined the Dance Center of Catalonia under Joan Boix and Roser Muñoz, though an injury briefly paused his journey. He then shifted focus to the Alicante Professional Dance Conservatory, enrolling in January 2020.
What seemed like a small step became a larger leap after a quarantine period. He joined the Royal Professional Conservatory of Dance Mariemma for a time, but another injury led him back to Alicante to continue sixth-year classical training. In November 2021, he auditioned for the Young Company Gerard Collins Contemporary Dance in Valencia, led by Mamen García. He joined as a cover and soon earned a place in the company’s broader repertoire.
In December he attended another audition for the GOOD Project led by Asun Noales in Elche. Since January, he has balanced the sixth year of classical training in the mornings with the GOOD Project in the afternoons and Gerard Collins performances on weekends at the Alicante Conservatory. He passed examinations for the Valencian Advanced Dance program in April, directed by Joan Crespo, and joined the cast as a dancer. This next chapter is set to begin in July, marking an ongoing expansion of his professional journey.