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Master Teachers Sat. March 28, 2026
Allyne Gartrell -Atlanta Dance Connection Founder
Allyne D. Gartrell is the Founder and Executive Artistic Director of the Atlanta Dance Connection, bringing more than 33 years of experience as a dancer, educator, and cultural leader. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Gartrell is the first male dancer graduate of the DeKalb Center for the Performing Arts in DeKalb County. He pursued advanced training at Florida A&M University and Florida State University, where he excelled in both instrumental music and dance. Mr. Gartrell has performed with several nationally renowned companies, including the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Joel Hall Dance Theatre, and Ballet Wisconsin, among others. He is an active member of the International Association of Blacks in Dance, Black College Dance Exchange, Arts & Education Association, and 100 Black Men of Atlanta.
In 2010, Gartrell founded the Atlanta Dance Connection, Atlanta’s Ambassadors of Dance, in response to the need for high-quality artistic outlets for emerging artists. Dedicated to excellence in concert dance, education, and community engagement, the company has become one of the leading professional dance organizations in the South. Under his leadership, Atlanta Dance Connection has received numerous honors, including the Outstanding Community Partner Award for Dance Education and the Phoenix Award presented by Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed in 2011. In recognition of five years of artistic excellence, May 22, 2015, was proclaimed Atlanta Dance Connection Day by the Atlanta City Council.
Now celebrating 14 seasons of artistic excellence, the Atlanta Dance Connection has also been selected as one of 25 Black-led organizations nationwide to receive the Influencers Grant from the International Association of Blacks in Dance in partnership with the Mellon Foundation.
Connect with Allyne D. Gartrell & Atlanta Dance Connection
Facebook: Atlanta Dance Connection | Allyne D. Gartrell
Instagram: @AtlantaDanceConnection | @AllyneDGartrell
YouTube: The Connection Channel
Allyne D. Gartrell is the Founder and Executive Artistic Director of the Atlanta Dance Connection, bringing more than 33 years of experience as a dancer, educator, and cultural leader. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Gartrell is the first male dancer graduate of the DeKalb Center for the Performing Arts in DeKalb County. He pursued advanced training at Florida A&M University and Florida State University, where he excelled in both instrumental music and dance. Mr. Gartrell has performed with several nationally renowned companies, including the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Joel Hall Dance Theatre, and Ballet Wisconsin, among others. He is an active member of the International Association of Blacks in Dance, Black College Dance Exchange, Arts & Education Association, and 100 Black Men of Atlanta.
In 2010, Gartrell founded the Atlanta Dance Connection, Atlanta’s Ambassadors of Dance, in response to the need for high-quality artistic outlets for emerging artists. Dedicated to excellence in concert dance, education, and community engagement, the company has become one of the leading professional dance organizations in the South. Under his leadership, Atlanta Dance Connection has received numerous honors, including the Outstanding Community Partner Award for Dance Education and the Phoenix Award presented by Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed in 2011. In recognition of five years of artistic excellence, May 22, 2015, was proclaimed Atlanta Dance Connection Day by the Atlanta City Council.
Now celebrating 14 seasons of artistic excellence, the Atlanta Dance Connection has also been selected as one of 25 Black-led organizations nationwide to receive the Influencers Grant from the International Association of Blacks in Dance in partnership with the Mellon Foundation.
Connect with Allyne D. Gartrell & Atlanta Dance Connection
Facebook: Atlanta Dance Connection | Allyne D. Gartrell
Instagram: @AtlantaDanceConnection | @AllyneDGartrell
YouTube: The Connection Channel
Angela Gibson is a Cincinnati, Ohio native and the Founder and Artistic Director of Libation African Drum and Dance Ensemble. A dedicated culture bearer and educator, she is deeply rooted in the traditions of West African dance, drumming, and storytelling, bringing history, musicality, and cultural context to every aspect of her work.
Angela has taught extensively in both company and community settings, guiding dancers and drummers through the rhythms, songs, choreography, and dialects of traditional West African forms. Her artistry extends beyond the studio—she designs and constructs authentic costumes and accessories for performers, ensuring cultural integrity and visual excellence in every presentation. Blending creativity with technology, she has also developed her company’s website and manages its social media platforms.
Currently, Angela teaches traditional West African dance and drum at Ballet Spartanburg at the Chapman Cultural Center, where she also designs costumes for community participants in the annual recital. She previously served as Artistic Director of Zaki West African Drum and Dance Ensemble in Greenville, South Carolina (2018–2022), and was the Founder and Artistic Director of Oluwaseyi Drum and Dance Ensemble in Fountain, Colorado (2005–2017).
Angela’s performance career includes work with world-renowned Malian dancer Djeneba Sako, with whom she performed throughout Colorado. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to preserving, teaching, and celebrating the living traditions of the African diaspora—making her a powerful and respected presence at the Ubuntu Dance Festival and beyond.
Angela has taught extensively in both company and community settings, guiding dancers and drummers through the rhythms, songs, choreography, and dialects of traditional West African forms. Her artistry extends beyond the studio—she designs and constructs authentic costumes and accessories for performers, ensuring cultural integrity and visual excellence in every presentation. Blending creativity with technology, she has also developed her company’s website and manages its social media platforms.
Currently, Angela teaches traditional West African dance and drum at Ballet Spartanburg at the Chapman Cultural Center, where she also designs costumes for community participants in the annual recital. She previously served as Artistic Director of Zaki West African Drum and Dance Ensemble in Greenville, South Carolina (2018–2022), and was the Founder and Artistic Director of Oluwaseyi Drum and Dance Ensemble in Fountain, Colorado (2005–2017).
Angela’s performance career includes work with world-renowned Malian dancer Djeneba Sako, with whom she performed throughout Colorado. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to preserving, teaching, and celebrating the living traditions of the African diaspora—making her a powerful and respected presence at the Ubuntu Dance Festival and beyond.
Monal Salve - GRUV Dance Academy
Bollywood
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Chris Aldeguer - Hip Hop
Christopher Aldeguer is a Filipino-American choreographer and educator with over 20 years of experience. Originally from Daly City, CA, he trained under Pat Cruz and Shaun Evaristo as part of The Company before launching his professional career in Las Vegas with JLS Entertainment and Dragon Talent Group from 2012-2022. His credits include choreographer for Mariah Carey’s Las Vegas Live Show and Donny Osmond's current tour, assisting NappyTabs, and dancing backup for BTS. He’s choreographed and performed for major corporate events and was a co-director and choreographer for Millennium Dance Complex’s International Showcase in Los Angeles in 2015. Now based in South Carolina, Chris teaches at Southern Strutt, Dance World, and the University of South Carolina, and judges for Starpower and The Show. He performs and choreographs with Unbound Dance Company and trains with the Lionzden Krump crew under Davon “Lionheart” Bush. Chris is also a Master-level Taekwondo instructor, certified in weapons, and an active semi-pro bowler and climbing coach. He creates powerful movement that blends street style, storytelling, and raw emotion, always aiming to leave his students and audiences with the feels. |
Additional information for masterclasses:
1. For Ballet please wear the appropriate dancewear if possible - a leotard, tights (or leggings), and Ballet slippers (for girls). Boys' T-shirt, tights (or sweatpants), and slippers if you have them. THEY ARE NOT NEEDED FOR YOU TO TAKE CLASSES!
2. For Bollywood, Contemporary, and Jazz/Hip Hop, wear loose, comfortable dancewear or clothing.
3. Although water will be available, you are welcome to bring your personal water bottle.
4. Classes will begin and end on time. Please do not be late entering the classes out of respect for the Master teachers.
5. For Ballet class, hair should be pulled back, off the face, unless it is short. .
6. Advance Classes (11 - adults) are for students who have extensive training. Intermediate students (11 - adults) have a good working knowledge of technique, but beginners are welcome. Beginners (8-12 years old). Some previous knowledge is helpful but not necessary.
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