Samuel “Sammy” Alcorta, Jr. was born in Corpus Christi, Texas where he started training at the age of three at Alcorta’s Dance Studio under the direction of his mother, Cynthia Mercedes Alcorta. There, he formed part of the city’s prestigious folk dance company and studied flamenco as well as discovered his passion for la danza folklórica mexicana.

At the age of 12, Sammy began his career as a folklórico choreographer working with neighboring dance groups as well as several elementary and middle schools dance programs in nearby school districts. Since then, he has been invited to set numerous pieces across the country and be part of guest faculties for dance conferences, workshops and festivals. Sammy has had the privilege to study alongside master teachers such as Tizoc Fuentes Yaco, Rosa Del Carmen Dehesa Rosado, Santos Salas Mata, Jaime Guerrero Hernandez, and Jairo Heli Garcia. He has also studied extensively with Rosalia Chapa and Miguel Angel Ruiz Cabrera. In addition, Sammy has been privileged to take part in lectures from the great Rafael Zamarripa Castañeda, Rodolfo Múzquiz Fuentes and the late Miguel Velez Arceo.

Currently, Sammy is the artistic director of Alcorta's Compañía de Danza Folklórica, and the Vice-President of La Asociación Nacional de Grupos Folklóricos (ANGF).