American Repertory Ballet (ARB) | Princeton Ballet Faculty (PBS) has appointed Samantha Dunster as its subsequent Creative Director, efficient November 2025.
“It’s my super honor to be appointed Creative Director of ARB | PBS,” says Dunster. “I’m deeply humbled by the belief positioned in me and impressed by the chance to assist form the group’s subsequent chapter with ardour, integrity, and a heartfelt love for this artwork kind. Ballet has the ability to remodel, to attach, and to uplift, and ARB | PBS has demonstrated this optimistic impression on college students, audiences, artists, and neighborhood members for over 70 years. I’m dedicated to carrying the group’s legacy ahead whereas discovering new methods to make ballet, and the inventive excellence of ARB | PBS, much more accessible.”
Samantha Dunster joined ARB | PBS as Director of Creative Operations for the 2024/25 season, and has been on this management function as an integral a part of the inventive crew which incorporates Ethan Stiefel (Artist in Residence), Gillian Murphy (Creative Affiliate), and Nanako Yamamoto (Assistant Rehearsal Director). As Creative Director, Ms. Dunster will assume inventive oversight of the skilled Firm, the Princeton Ballet Faculty, and all Entry & Enrichment packages corresponding to DANCE POWER and Dance for Parkinson’s lessons.
“We’re thrilled to have Samantha on board!” says Daphne Jones, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Her inventive management is decisive, collaborative, and collegial. She has a eager eye, subtle artistry, and is a transparent communicator who connects with dancers of all ages. The synergy between Sam, Ethan and Gillian within the studios is thrilling; collectively they honestly are an all-star inventive crew. Our dancers have been enthusiastically absorbing this world-class route, bringing our productions and studio instruction to inspiring new heights.”
Along with curating packages and training for each the Faculty and Firm, Ms. Dunster will create new work as properly. American Repertory Ballet will current Ms. Dunster’s Cinderella from March 6-8, 2026 on the New Brunswick Performing Arts Heart (NBPAC). Then, Princeton Ballet Faculty will current Snow White, additionally choreographed by Ms. Dunster, on the New Brunswick Performing Arts Heart from Could 9-10, 2026.
“At American Repertory Ballet | Princeton Ballet Faculty, Samantha has already made an indelible mark on the inventive high quality of the group,” says Julie Diana Hench, Govt Director. “She is teaching skilled dancers in main-stage productions, refining curriculum for younger college students, and creating alternatives for much more neighborhood members to expertise the artwork kind. Her imaginative and prescient for the group is strongly targeted on inventive excellence and neighborhood entry, which builds on our distinctive 71-year legacy. I sit up for our continued partnership!”
