Originally from Ghana, Heinz began his dance journey his senior year of high school. At Morgan State University, he became a company member of the Morgan State Modern Dance Ensemble under the directorship of Dr. Iantha Tucker, and was awarded the Dorothy P. Stanley Scholarship. He transferred to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and received an internship at Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival in 2015. There he studied with choreographers including Kyle Abraham and Eric Gauthier, and dance companies including BODYTRAFFIC, Jessica Lang Dance, Gauthier Dance, La Otra Orilla, and MADBOOTS Dance.

 

He has performed at the Kennedy Center as part of the National College Dance Festival where he received the Outstanding Student Choreography Award from the American College Dance Association Conference and was featured in Dance Magazine. 

As a dancer has performed with the Baltimore Dance Project and the Howard County Ballet, and as an actor he regularly appears with ArtsCentric. As time progresses, Adjakwah hopes to continue his professional and creative journey as a performer and teacher, using his gift to inspire and change lives. Adjakwah is very excited to be back working with the students and staff at HGCBT!

Based in Arlington, Virginia, Gaston has over 10 years of experience teaching and choreographing traditional folkloric dance. Gaston is also trained in Latin dance styles such as bachata and salsa, bringing versatility and passion to every class and performance. His goal is always to inspire confidence, discipline, and joy in every dancer.

 

One of his notable achievements is founding the "Tinkus Bolivia Usa group," a dance troupe dedicated to performing  bolivian folk dances at various events. In this group, Gaston is the choreographer and project coordinator.

 

Gaston Blanco was recently honored with the prestigious Bolivianos de Oro en el Exterior award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Bolivian community abroad. This award celebrates individuals who exemplify cultural pride, leadership, and service while representing Bolivia on an international level. Through his dedication to preserving and promoting Bolivian folklore—particularly through dance, cultural events, and community engagement—Gaston has become a respected figure among the Bolivian diaspora. His passion and commitment have not only elevated the visibility of Bolivian traditions but have also inspired a new generation to take pride in their heritage.

May has been dancing for more than 65 years. She studied ballet as a child and was later introduced to modern dance at Rutgers College and American University. She studied with iconic choreographers including with Twyla Tharp, the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, Lar Lubovitch, Doug Varone, David Dorfman, Liz Lerman, and Igal Perry, Louis Falco and Jennifer Muller, Finus Jhung, and Zena Rommett.

 

Both of May’s parents are Holocaust survivors. May’s father, who was a Cantor, produced several performances of Jewish music and dance with May as the choreographer.

 

May has produced and performed at venues across the DMV including Dance Place, Dance Exchange, Joy of Motion, Gaulledette University, University of Maryland, and Atlas Center for the Arts, and the Smithsonian National Mall. Recently her work headlined the opening ceremonies at Fascia Research Congress. Her dance videos have been screened internationally, including the Dance and Science Film Festival, and Mobile Dance Film Festival, and PBS America, World Fascia Congress. She is also a physical therapist specializing in dance medicine in Chevy Chase Md.

Sefali has a deep passion for dance, mainly folk dances. She has an eclectic background in various dance forms, including training in the Indian classical dance form of Kathak.

 

One of her notable achievements is founding the "Sahiyar Garba group," a dance troupe dedicated to performing different folk dances at various events. In this group, Sefali was the choreographer and project coordinator.

 

Under Sefali's guidance, the Sahiyar Garba group has performed at various venues, including the Black Rock Art Center for Diwali Celebrations. Their performances received recognition and praise, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of folk dances. She has lent her expertise as a choreographer for community Diwali and Holi functions and international nights at her local school and other Indian cultural events. Sefali resides in Montgomery County with her family, where she continues to contribute to her community as a dancer, choreographer, and judge for Garba events.