Atlanta Dance Connection’s Dark Allure gets emotional

Dancer/choreographer Allyne D. Gartrell returns to Atlanta to rep his hometown

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  • Courtesy of Crystal Power
  • Atlanta Dance Connection’s Justin O Ferrell breaks it down between Dayzsa Gartrell and Megan Thompson


It’s been more than two decades since artistic director and classically trained dancer Allyne D. Gartrell left his ATL-ienship behind in pursuit of his dance career. Since then, his creativity in his field as well as his nonprofit work have not gone unnoticed, earning him numerous accolades, including the 2004 Trail Blazer Award from U.S. Senator Russ Fiengold. Gartrell recently returned home to form the Atlanta Dance Connection, and this weekend, Gartrell, along with his nonprofit organization the Arts Unlimited Project, presents the Dark Allure, a six-part performance of modern dance, of which Gartrell will say little more than his final curtain goal is to be emotionally depleted.

When you left Atlanta 20 years ago, the city was primarily a place for hip-hop artists. How did you know it was the right time to extend your company that includes modern, jazz, classic ballet, and traditional African dance, back home? How has Atlanta’s dance scene changed?
I originally left Atlanta in 1990 to pursue my dance career. When I left Atlanta the dance community was beginning to change in order to meet the demands of the new music industry that was making its way to the city. After being away for over 21 years I decided that there was a need for a professional contemporary dance company here. Atlanta has such a rich heritage in classical dance and I wanted to give back to the city that provided me with my training and foundation for a career that has taken me all around the world.

What is Atlanta Dance Connection’s role within your nonprofit organization, the Arts Unlimited Project, and what is ADC’s role within the Atlanta community?
The Atlanta Dance Connection is the professional dance company of the Art Unlimited Project. We are here to give back to the community, by building educational partners, solidifying artistic collaborations within the artistic community, foster awareness of contemporary dance within the city, and to represent Atlanta in the world of contemporary dance.