Meet the Instructors

• Samantha Puleo is a proud native of the Mt. Washington Valley. Her dance training began in North Conway at the age of five. Jeanne Limmer was the first to teach Samantha about the beauty and simplicity of body, space, force, and time. Over the course of 13 years Samantha danced, trained, apprenticed and taught at the Jeanne Limmer Dance Center, as well as spending the latter years as an active member of Axis Dance Company. Upon graduating from Kennett High School in 1998, Samantha attended Keene State College. Under the direction of Marcia Murdock and William Seigh, she spent four years training, performing, and choreographing in the tri-state area. In 2002 Samantha received the Alta Lu Townes Memorial Dance Scholarship, a prestigious award granted to a senior pursuing a career in the performing arts. Throughout her stay at KSC Samantha was fortunate to study with present day dance greats such as David Dorfman, Peter Pucci, Pearson/Widrig, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and Rennie Harris. With a BA in Theatre and Dance as well as a BS in Elementary Education, Samantha set out to experience dance training in New York City! For the next four years she trained at Peridance Center, Dance New Amsterdam, and the Merce Cunningham Dance Studio. While expanding and improving her dance technique, Samantha was introduced to Pilates training and educated as to its direct link to the dance world. In 2005 she received her certification as a Pilates instructor from Sal Anthony’s School for Developmental Dexterity. She then went on to establish her own Pilates business, Personal Pilates Plus. She privately trained fellow dancers and movers alike in the New York and New Jersey area. Upon her relocation to the valley, Samantha helped to co-found the White Mountain Dance Ensemble, performing throughout Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire areas. In 2007 Samantha found the space of her dreams above a small laundromat in Conway Village. With much renovating and many finishing touches, this space became Creative Sole Studio! Samantha feels honored to live her passion each day with dancers young and old!

 Kareina Foss is an accomplished dancer with over 20 years of training  and performance experience. Throughout her competitive career, she  dedicated as many as 35–40 hours each week to developing her technique,  artistry, and versatility across a wide range of dance styles. Her  dedication to excellence earned her numerous overall awards and special  recognitions, including being named Dancer of the Year in 2016.

Over  the years, Kareina has received numerous awards and accomplishments at  regional and national competitions, including American Dance Awards,  Kids Artistic Revue (KAR), Dancers Inc., and many others. These  experiences helped shape her into a well-rounded performer with a strong  appreciation for both technical excellence and artistic expression.

Kareina  had the privilege of performing with a professional tap company under  the direction of internationally renowned tap artist Aaron Tolson, where  she expanded her passion for rhythm, musicality, and performance. She  also trained and performed with Creative Steps under the direction of  Sue Harrington, further strengthening her technical foundation and love  for dance.

Her training includes tap, hoofer tap, jazz, lyrical,  contemporary, ballet, open, and other styles, allowing her to bring  versatility and creativity into every class she teaches.

As an  instructor, Kareina is passionate about helping dancers build  confidence, strong technique, and a genuine love for the art of dance.  She believes in creating a positive, supportive environment where  students are encouraged to challenge themselves, express their  individuality, and grow both as dancers and as people. Kareina is  excited to share her knowledge, passion, and experience with the next  generation of dancers and looks forward to inspiring each student to  reach their fullest potential.    

Dominique  Cinque, a native of Philadelphia, holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in  Ballet Performance from the University of the Arts. A versatile,  classically trained dancer and aerialist, her career spans over a decade  at sea with Celebrity Cruises. Dominique has had the pleasure of  performing across the United States, Canada, Japan, India, and Peru.  Currently based in the Mount Washington Valley, Dominique teaches all  ages and levels. She has choreographed for the Mount Washington Valley  Teen Pageant, M&D Playhouse, and works as a Fitness Expert for  Signature Cruise Experiences. She brings a wealth of global stage  experience and a passion for technique into every class.

Karen Richardson grew up in East Wakefield, NH and brings her small town values, love of children, and her management experience to Creative Sole. Her first job was babysitting, followed by over 15 years of retail management, and she now runs her own Thirty-one business. She loves interacting with the public, especially as ‘Studio Mama’ to all of the Creative Sole dancers. Karen has two Creative Sole dancers of her own, while her husband has been in the military since 2014. Not only does she keep the Creative Sole family going, she’s also the foundation for her own loving family.