Helping the next generation of dancers to be healthier, stronger, and smarter.
Welcome to Connecticut Dance Physical Therapy, LLC. Here, our professionals know that when a dancer is injured it affects not only their physical self but also their emotional wellbeing. We are committed to ensuring a healthy and safe return to dance while providing a recovery environment that is nurturing and supportive to both the patient and their family.
We also aim to educate our patients about injury prevention by equipping them with the steps needed to take care of their bodies in the future. Our team has an extensive and personal knowledge about dance and are able to help the dancer effectively navigate this unique world.
Samara DiMattia, M.S.P.T.
Samara is founder and director of Connecticut Dance Physical Therapy. She has over 25 years of experience working with elite dancers, gymnasts and figure skaters. Samara grew up as a dancer in NYC and was a scholarship student at both Joffrey and Steps before attending Laguardia High School of the Performing Arts as a dance major. She went on to graduate with honors from the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she designed her own field of study in Dance Medicine and Science. Samara then danced professionally with various companies while working as a certified personal trainer and as physical therapist aide at Westside Dance Physical Therapy. She worked under the tutelage of Marika Molnar who is one of the pioneers of the field of Dance Medicine and PT for New York City Ballet. Samara then attended New York Medical College where she earned her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy and graduated cum laude.
Samara has been practicing in Fairfield county since 2000 and in 2007 founded Connecticut Dance Physical Therapy. She has been asked by numerous dance companies and studios to lecture on the topics of injury prevention, pointe readiness, summer intensive preparation, and building better turn out. Samara can be seen in the instructional DVD Points on Pointe with Stephanie Marini. She is a physical therapist in residence at several dance schools where she conducts on site PT evaluations and helps to administer pointe readiness exams.
At the heart of Connecticut Dance Physical Therapy's practice is Samara's integrative approach to PT drawing from her background in dance, manual therapy and personal training. She loves connecting with her patients on a personal level and helping them to accomplish their goals. Samara has had patients go on to dance with American Ballet Theater, Paris Opera Ballet, Boston Ballet, Ballet West, LA Ballet, Riverdance as well as participate in the Olympic games.
Monica Amazan, MHA, Practice and Revenue Cycle Manager
Monica joined the team in 2023 and has been instrumental in streamlining the daily operations as well as navigating all billing and insurance matters. She graduated from the University of Connecticut with a major in Biology and earned a Masters in Health Administration from St Joseph’s University. In addition, she is currently perusing her nursing degree to further advance her career in the healthcare sector. With a wealth of knowledge in both clinical and administrative areas, she is dedicated to learning every day. Monica has always been passionate about the health care field since childhood, finding joy in medical settings and the opportunity to help people.