Samara D. Tillman M.Ed
Founder/Artistic Director
Dance E.L.I.T.E. Performance Academy (DEPA)
Founder/Executive Director
Young E.L.I.T.E. International
Samara D. Tillman is Evolving Live Into Total Excellence - ELITE
Samara Tillman is the Founder and Artistic Director of Dance E.L.I.T.E. Performance Academy better known as DEPA. She has over 35 years in dance, education and fashion. Although dance was always a passion of hers, she never thought she would be teaching, directing and choreographing dancers for a living.
Before venturing into dance, Samara explored the worlds of fashion and education. Samara began her career as a fashion designer, owned and operated her own fashion boutique, E.L.I.T.E. Studios for nearly a decade; with the goal of empowering, teaching and training professional working women self-love through beauty and fashion. She has been featured on NBC Channel 4 where she served as the fashion expert for its monthly makeovers. Her designs have been spotlighted on BET and the Daytime Emmys Red Carpet.
It was while working with older women, that Samara saw the need to teach young girls about the benefits of self-care. Samara transitioned into the world of education and founded a non-profit. While pursuing her Masters in Educational Leadership. Samara founded the non-profit Young E.L.I.T.E International, an empowerment and leadership program for young girls ages 5 to 18.
This program focuses on developing the participant’s self-esteem as well as helping them define and embrace their individual personality and gifts, and ultimately giving them the confidence needed to achieve all their goals and dreams. During this time, Mrs. Tillman became a school administrator, implementing the Young E.L.I.T.E. International program and an after school dance program. From this endeavor, Dance E.L.I.T.E. Performance Academy (DEPA) was born.
Samara has been a lover of dance since the age of 5. Her passion for the discipline and art of dance is what helps create a nurturing environment conducive for endless learning. Dance E.L.I.T.E Performance Academy has become a staple in the dance community known for its emphasis on EXCELLENCE! DEPA offers both competitive and recreational dance programs for boys and girls ages 3 to 18, with an emphasis on Hip Hop, Liturgical and foundational skills in Ballet. DEPA is celebrating its 10 year anniversary and 11th competition season - Evolving Lives Into Total Excellence.
Samara strongly believes that life is what we make of it. Each day is a gift from God; therefore, we must live each day with purpose like it’s our last; going to sleep each night knowing that we have made a difference in someone else’s life.
Family Life
Samara was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio where she resides with her loving supportive husband of 16 years and their two adorable children. Samara D. Tillman is Evolving Live Into Total Excellence - ELITE
Affiliations, Credentials, Awards & Performance History
Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated
The Congressional Black Caucus – A Day of Healing Prayer Breakfast – September 2022 – Washington, DC
National MLK Breakfast 2019 – Columbus, OH
MLK Open House 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020 – Columbus, OH
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Founders Day Luncheon 2018,2020 v- Columbus, OH
GCAC Awards 2019 – Columbus, OH
Lifestyle Expo 2019 – Columbus, OH
Role Model Magazine Launch Events 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019 – Columbus, OH
New Covenant Believers Church Easter Celebration 2017, 2018 – Columbus, OH
Empowered for Success Magazine Launch 2015 – Columbus, OH
Over 70 National Dance Competitions – Nationwide
Starbound National Dance Competition National Champion 2018 – Orlando, Florida
Columbus Dance Studio of the Year 2019 – Columbus, OH
The Grace Awards – Studio of the Year 2022 – Columbus, OH
DanceWerks London Performance – June 2022 – London, England
International Association of Blacks in Dance Performer - January 2023 -Toronto, Canada
Three Time Golden Ticket Winner - April 2023 - World of Dance - Los, Angeles, California
