Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre and School
Our Mission:
To provide high quality dance instruction that educates the student athlete in the highest standards of dance performance while also providing accessibility and outreach to the community, and preserve historic dance styles and teach these styles to the next generation of dancers.
Artistic Director, Caitlynn Quintela Gordon
Caitlynn Quintela Gordon, a native of Huntsville, Alabama, is a professional dancer, choreographer, and instructor. She embarked on her dance journey at Alabama Youth Ballet where she trained in the company extensively during her school years. Caitlynn's passion for ballet led her to study under the instruction of Dominique Angel, a former dancer at Joffrey Ballet School. Additionally, she delved into the contemporary art form, honing her skills through collaborations with esteemed professionals like Dante Puleio, the artistic director of Limón Dance Company.
​
Caitlynn's dedication and talent have been recognized through numerous performing arts scholarships, which have opened doors for her to participate in festivals, intensives, and masterclasses both in the United States and abroad. In 2018, she had the honor of representing Troy University at the prestigious Danza in Arte a Pietrasanta in Italy, immersing herself in training alongside accomplished dancers and choreographers from around the globe. Her exceptional abilities were further acknowledged when she received the "Wings Award" in 2019, recognizing her as the "Best Dancer in a Dance Piece."
In 2020, Caitlynn graduated with honors, earning a BFA in Dance from the University of Troy. She currently resides in Huntsville, where she has established herself as a respected professional choreographer and dance instructor.
​
With a versatile repertoire encompassing jazz, ballet, contemporary, and hip-hop, Caitlynn Quintela's driving purpose is to leave a lasting impact on others through the transformative power of art. With her extraordinary talent, unwavering dedication to teaching, and profound contributions to the dance community, she strives to inspire and touch the lives of individuals through the expressive medium of dance.
​
Dance School Director, Cynthia Handy Quintela
A passionate and creative professional with more than 30 years of experience teaching visual and performing arts in the Huntsville Community, Cynthia has expertise in choreography, theatrical set design, and dance production management. She has demonstrated the ability to engage and motivate students, improve the skills of dancers, and produce award-winning performances.
Education:
• Master of Arts in Education—Alabama A&M University, Normal, Alabama
• Bachelor of Fine Arts—The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Experience:
• Taught Dance classes at Huntsville Community Ballet
• Took Dance Training classes at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and the Gus Giordano Dance School
• Choreographed for the Marching Maroon and White Band at Alabama A&M University
• Choreographed featured performances for the Fun-Set Social Club’s Annual Beautillion Ball
Awards and Recognitions:
Cynthia has won numerous Panoply competitions and Wings Awards, including 2018-2019 Original Choreography of W.C. Handy Tribute, was Resident Choreographer for AYB Theatre (2019-2020). She received the 5th annual Alabama Music Award from that production.