Abdiel (they/them) is a Hustle dance champion, educator, and community organizer dedicated to the cultural preservation and creative expansion of the New York Latin Hustle partner dance style. As co-founder of "Dance is Life"- a communitarian free public dance party event--Abdiel creates space to facilitate human connection, communal healing, and celebration, while revitalizing cultural historical sites where Latin Hustle has been traditionally danced.
In 2019 Abdiel and their dance partner, Kristine Bendul, made history becoming the world’s first couple to compete as gender neutral in the Professional American Rhythm division of DanceSport ballroom competition. Abdiel has taught their gender-neutral approach to partner dance at the Juilliard School, Harvard University, Stanford University, University of Washington, University of California Irvine, and others. Their professional competitive dance awards include Pro Disco America Champion, Pro Same-Sex Smooth Ballroom Champion, and Pro Regional World Latin Dance Cup Salsa On 1 Champion. They are also a former Mellon Foundation Humanities in Place grant recipient; Fulbright Specialist with the US Dept. of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and Principal dancer of the Martha Graham Dance Company.
In 2019 Abdiel and their dance partner, Kristine Bendul, made history becoming the world’s first couple to compete as gender neutral in the Professional American Rhythm division of DanceSport ballroom competition. Abdiel has taught their gender-neutral approach to partner dance at the Juilliard School, Harvard University, Stanford University, University of Washington, University of California Irvine, and others. Their professional competitive dance awards include Pro Disco America Champion, Pro Same-Sex Smooth Ballroom Champion, and Pro Regional World Latin Dance Cup Salsa On 1 Champion. They are also a former Mellon Foundation Humanities in Place grant recipient; Fulbright Specialist with the US Dept. of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and Principal dancer of the Martha Graham Dance Company.