Atarius Armstrong, BFA Musical Theatre alumnus of the University of Mississippi (2015), is a choreographer, dance instructor, software engineer and the founder and artistic director of ALA Dance. During undergrad, Atarius developed his leadership skills as the artistic director of Ole Miss Student Dance by producing 3 years of student-organized dance performances, creating opportunities for students to enhance their teaching skills through student-led community dance classes, and partnering with university faculty and community organizations. Atarius has had the privilege of training under Pilobolus Dance Theatre, Jacob Jonas the Company, David Dorfman Dance, Rioult, and Thodos Chicago. Since moving to Atlanta in 2016, Atarius has taught at various studios in the metro Atlanta area and performed with Aurora Theatre, City Springs Theatre, Gotta Dance Contemporary (now Admix Project), and Fuerta. Most recently he has presented "SHED" with ALA Dance for the Fall for Fall Dance Festival. Additionally, his short film “Run” was selected to be presented at the Georgia Tech & Emory Musician’s Network Black Lives Matter virtual benefit concert. Atarius’ mission is to create works that “connect the dots” through research and intra-personal investigation combined with movement motifs inspired by athleticism and architecture.