Get to Know Samantha Hope Galler of Miami City Ballet

Meet the Aventura resident and principal soloist, who shares her daily diary and her favorite spots around town

Samantha Hope Galler. Photo by Jason Ashwood
Samantha Hope Galler. Photo by Jason Ashwood

In the world of Miami City Ballet, October is the kickoff to the 2022-2023 season, starting with Romeo and Juliet. But for Aventura resident Samantha Hope Galler, the season is also her debut as one of the company’s principal soloists. The Massachusetts native has graced the stage as the Swan Queen in Swan Lake, Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Mauve in Dances at a Gathering, to name a few. Among her roles this season, she’ll appear as the Sugar Plum Fairy in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Ever been curious about what a day in the life of a ballerina entails? Here, we showcase Galler’s daily diary and share some of her favorite spots around town. 

Daily Diary

8:50 a.m. After a breakfast of coffee, Greek yogurt with peanut butter, or hard-boiled eggs with tomatoes and toast, Galler drives up Collins Avenue to the Miami City Ballet studio.

10 to 11:30 a.m. Company class. Galler says she loves dancing on the left side of the studio to be closer to the live pianist.

Samantha Hope Galler at rehearsal. Photo by Iziliaev
Photo by Iziliaev

11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Rehearsal. The company receives their schedules 48 hours in advance, giving them time to prepare for a role and familiarize themselves with the music.

2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Lunch break. Galler can also spend time in physical therapy, get a massage, or get fitted at the costume shop.

3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Second round of rehearsals. If they are close to a performance, they’ll do a full run-through of the ballet.

Miami City Ballet's Swan Lake. Photo by Iziliaev
Miami City Ballet’s Swan Lake. Photo by Iziliaev

6:30 p.m. Galler will stretch, ice, and relax before driving home for dinner.

9 p.m. After dinner, she studies her roles for the next rehearsal day, sews her shoes, watches TV, enjoys a snack, and gets ready for bed. 

Galler’s Go-To’s

Tiffany & Co. boutique at Aventura Mall
Tiffany & Co. boutique at Aventura Mall

Shopping Guilty Pleasure 

“I love Lush; they have a really good one at Aventura Mall. They have a shampoo bar that smells like vanilla, and I also like their lip scrub. I also like to shop at Zara [and] the Gap, and I love to look at Tiffany’s and Cartier.”

Workout Must 

“I can walk directly to the Don Soffer Exercise Trail from my apartment. There are swans in the center of the golf course. The Turnberry is there, and it’s just really beautifully kept. The path is one of my favorite things to do.” 

SoBe Salmon Wrap at Pura Vida
SoBe salmon wrap at Pura Vida

Refuel Remedy 

“I love Pura Vida’s Super Greens smoothie. I’ve gotten their pesto tuna sandwich, which is good, as well as the SoBe salmon and pesto chicken.”

Drink of Choice 

“Pubbelly Sushi has a really good lychee sangria. I love it out there; you can sit and watch the people at the mall, and they have a great outdoor area.”

Omakase box at Makoto
Omakase box at Makoto

Favorite Bite 

“When I’m at Makoto at Bal Harbour, I get the spicy tuna roll. I love eel [and] edamame, and I like to sit outside since it’s an open indoor mall.”

Chill Time 

“There’s a boardwalk that connects North Beach Oceanside Park to the beach and I really like it because you can walk and peek in on the Four Seasons. We actually had a party at the ballet in the outdoor cabana.”

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