Work samples
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Gay Kansas America Esquire 2025 (Formerly known as, Mr. Gay America)Gabe is proudly representing the state of Kansas as he advances to one of the most prestigious stages in the national pageant system. In July 2025, he traveled to Lawrence, Kansas, where he secured his qualification to compete for the coveted title of Gay America Esquire (formerly Mr. Gay America). The national competition will take place on May 1st, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri—placing him in front of a national audience of industry leaders, performers, influencers, and LGBTQ+ advocates.
This is Gabe’s first Tier 1 National Pageant, marking a major milestone in his career and offering a powerful platform for anyone who partners with him. While he carries the honor of representing Kansas, he also proudly represents his home state of Maryland, bringing both states visibility, pride, and excellence on a national stage.
Supporting Gabe means aligning your brand with:
- A nationally recognized performer and leader
- A highly visible competition with national reach
- A mission rooted in artistry, representation, and community impact
- A competitor with a proven track record of elevating every space he enters
Gabe’s journey is more than a pageant—it’s a story of dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. Gabe intends to connect all brands/communities to a powerful narrative of achievement, diversity, and empowerment.
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Stage Performance of "Space and Time" with Young Pre-Professional Dancers
Performance of “Space & Time” explores the rhythm of everyday life—how time can feel fast or slow depending on one’s perspective. The piece reflects moments of solitude and togetherness, echoing the energy of crowded city streets like New York, Baltimore, or Miami, as well as the quiet pauses in between. Throughout the work, dancers move through a variety of shapes, pathways, and formations, illustrating the many states a person can inhabit.
In creating this piece, the dancers have deepened their understanding of spatial awareness and refined their technique, using movement as a way to honor and elevate the art form of dance.
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Stage Performance of 42nd Street {Opening Act - Audition} (Solo Tap Dancer)
The opening act of 42nd Street sets the tone for the entire musical: high‑energy, tap‑driven, and centered on the excitement of Broadway. It introduces the audience to the world of show business, the ensemble of performers, and the fast‑paced environment of a 1930s Broadway audition.
What Happens in the Opening Act:
The show begins with a full‑company tap audition, immediately immersing the audience in the sound and spectacle of classic Broadway. This number is titled “Audition”, performed by Andy Lee and the ensemble.
(However, I performed this by myself)
Performed this at MJ's on Jefferson, Dayton, OH (representing the state of maryland)
Staged by myself
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Ballet Class w/Gabe (Intermediate/Advance)
*Intermediate Ballet Class
An Intermediate Ballet class builds on foundational technique while challenging dancers to refine precision, strength, and musicality. At this level, dancers are expected to have a solid understanding of basic positions, terminology, and alignment.
*What to Expect
- More complex barre work with added coordination, speed, and directional changes
- Expanded center combinations, including adagio, pirouettes, and traveling steps
- Introduction to more advanced turns and jumps, focusing on clean execution
- Greater emphasis on musicality, phrasing, and dynamics
- Developing artistry, not just technique—encouraging dancers to express intention through movement
*Goals
- Strengthen core technique
- Improve balance, control, and stamina
- Build confidence in more challenging choreography
- Prepare dancers for advanced‑level work
*Advance Ballet Class
An Advanced Ballet class is designed for highly trained dancers with strong technical proficiency and the ability to pick up complex choreography
About (Gabe) Carlos G
Carlos Gregorio Gonzalez II (Gabriel) is a National Pageant Titleholder, acclaimed Dancer, Choreographer, Dance Educator, Competitive Coach, and the Owner, Founder, and Executive Director of DMV’s Finest, a company that provides elite backup dancers for pageant competitors and artists nationwide. A member of the International Dance Council (CID) since 2013, he has built a reputation for elevating dancers and performers of all ages,… more
Teacher, Choreographer, Director
Gabe has been teaching and choreographing dance since the age of nine. He began his directing career at St. Bernardine’s Roman Catholic Church in Baltimore, MD, and soon expanded his work to multiple private studios, companies, and clients. His directing and choreographic credits include productions of The Nutcracker as well as numerous Winter, Fall, Spring, and Summer concerts.
A versatile asset to any production, Gabe contributes in many capacities—choreographing, stage managing, assisting with technical elements, and supporting creative teams wherever needed. Over the course of his career, he has taught at least three generations within families, a testament to his longevity, trust, and impact within the community.
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Space and Time (Tech Rehearsal)
“Space & Time” explores the rhythm of everyday life—how time can feel fast or slow depending on one’s perspective. The piece reflects moments of solitude and togetherness, echoing the energy of crowded city streets like New York, Baltimore, or Miami, as well as the quiet pauses in between. Throughout the work, dancers move through a variety of shapes, pathways, and formations, illustrating the many states a person can inhabit.
In creating this piece, the dancers have deepened their understanding of spatial awareness and refined their technique, using movement as a way to honor and elevate the art form of dance.
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Stage Performance of "Space and Time" with Young Pre-Professional Dancers
Performance of “Space & Time” explores the rhythm of everyday life—how time can feel fast or slow depending on one’s perspective. The piece reflects moments of solitude and togetherness, echoing the energy of crowded city streets like New York, Baltimore, or Miami, as well as the quiet pauses in between. Throughout the work, dancers move through a variety of shapes, pathways, and formations, illustrating the many states a person can inhabit.
In creating this piece, the dancers have deepened their understanding of spatial awareness and refined their technique, using movement as a way to honor and elevate the art form of dance.
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Ballet Class w/Gabe (Intermediate/Advance)
*Intermediate Ballet Class
An Intermediate Ballet class builds on foundational technique while challenging dancers to refine precision, strength, and musicality. At this level, dancers are expected to have a solid understanding of basic positions, terminology, and alignment.
*What to Expect
- More complex barre work with added coordination, speed, and directional changes
- Expanded center combinations, including adagio, pirouettes, and traveling steps
- Introduction to more advanced turns and jumps, focusing on clean execution
- Greater emphasis on musicality, phrasing, and dynamics
- Developing artistry, not just technique—encouraging dancers to express intention through movement
*Goals
- Strengthen core technique
- Improve balance, control, and stamina
- Build confidence in more challenging choreography
- Prepare dancers for advanced‑level work
*Advance Ballet Class
An Advanced Ballet class is designed for highly trained dancers with strong technical proficiency and the ability to pick up complex choreography
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Barre corrections are the foundation of a dancer’s growthIn early childhood training, they shape technique, build discipline, and create the muscle memory that carries dancers through their entire careers. Mastering corrections at the barre isn’t just a beginner’s task — it’s a lifelong practice that refines artistry, strengthens skill, and elevates every dancer’s potential.
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Contemporary/Modern Class Combination
Dance combinations in Modern and Contemporary classes are where technique, creativity, and personal expression come together. They’re the heart of the class—the moment when dancers take everything they’ve warmed up, stretched, and drilled, and apply it to full‑bodied, expressive movement.
Dancer
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Stage Performance of 42nd Street {Opening Act - Audition} (Solo Tap Dancer)
The opening act of 42nd Street sets the tone for the entire musical: high‑energy, tap‑driven, and centered on the excitement of Broadway. It introduces the audience to the world of show business, the ensemble of performers, and the fast‑paced environment of a 1930s Broadway audition.
What Happens in the Opening Act:
The show begins with a full‑company tap audition, immediately immersing the audience in the sound and spectacle of classic Broadway. This number is titled “Audition”, performed by Andy Lee and the ensemble.
(However, I performed this by myself)
Performed this at MJ's on Jefferson, Dayton, OH (representing the state of maryland)
Staged by myself
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Black & Gold Performance
Choreographed by: Gabe (Carlos G Gonzalez II) & Mari Andrea Travis
Performed at: Court Square Theater, Harrisonburg, V.A.
Main Dancer - Gabe Ruby Skywalker - St. James
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Baltimore School for the Arts Senior Year (2006)*Simple and Clean
Senior Year at the Baltimore School for the Arts
*More Expressive
Senior Year at the Baltimore School for the Arts — where passion, discipline, and artistry came together.
*Promotional / Caption-Ready
Senior Year at the Baltimore School for the Arts: the year that shaped my artistry and set the foundation for everything that followed.
*Reflective
Senior Year at the Baltimore School for the Arts — a defining chapter of growth, creativity, and unforgettable training.
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20048_102682903096303_100000637800317_78485_265472.jpg -
Poetic Xpressions Dance Company PhotoShoot -
Performed Cinderella CavalierIn addition to my training at the Baltimore School for the Arts, I also trained with Peabody Dance. In 2006, I was invited to perform the role of the Cavalier in their production of Cinderella under the direction of the Peabody Dance faculty at that time.
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Company: Dance & BmoreI Whom Have Nothing Carlos G Gonzalez II {Gabriel} (Dancer) Marica Evans-Burns (Dancer)
Pageant Competitor
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Gay Kansas America Esquire 2025 (Formerly known as, Mr. Gay America)Gabe is proudly representing the state of Kansas as he advances to one of the most prestigious stages in the national pageant system. In July 2025, he traveled to Lawrence, Kansas, where he secured his qualification to compete for the coveted title of Gay America Esquire (formerly Mr. Gay America). The national competition will take place on May 1st, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri—placing him in front of a national audience of industry leaders, performers, influencers, and LGBTQ+ advocates.
This is Gabe’s first Tier 1 National Pageant, marking a major milestone in his career and offering a powerful platform for anyone who partners with him. While he carries the honor of representing Kansas, he also proudly represents his home state of Maryland, bringing both states visibility, pride, and excellence on a national stage.
Supporting Gabe means aligning your brand with:
- A nationally recognized performer and leader
- A highly visible competition with national reach
- A mission rooted in artistry, representation, and community impact
- A competitor with a proven track record of elevating every space he enters
Gabe’s journey is more than a pageant—it’s a story of dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. Gabe intends to connect all brands/communities to a powerful narrative of achievement, diversity, and empowerment.
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Mr. USA Unlimited Newcomer 2024 (National Winner)USA Unlimited Pageantry is one of the longest‑running and most respected entertainment‑based pageant systems in the country, known for its legacy, its family‑like culture, and its wide range of competitive divisions. It has been active since 1985 and remains a major force in both male and female entertainment pageantry.
*What USA Unlimited Pageantry is:
USA Unlimited Pageantry is a national pageant system that began with the creation of Mr. Gay USA in 1985—an iconic title that became one of the most sought‑after honors in male entertainment. The system has since expanded to include multiple divisions for all genders and performance styles.
A defining feature of USA Unlimited is its strong sense of community. Competitors often describe the system as a “family,” where contestants, promoters, titleholders, and fans form a close‑knit network that continues long after the competition ends.
*Divisions & Structure
USA Unlimited offers a wide range of divisions, making it accessible to many types of performers. These include:
- Mr. Unlimited – A cornerstone division with over 30 years of history, considered one of the most prestigious titles for male entertainers.
- Miss Unlimited – Introduced in 2007 to bring more glamour and expand the system’s reach.
- Additional divisions such as Classique, Leather, Lipstick, Newcomer, and various state‑based titles.
This structure allows performers at all levels—new, seasoned, traditional, or alternative—to find a category that fits their style.
*Registration & Participation
USA Unlimited uses a buy‑in registration model, allowing contestants to represent a state or region of their choice and compete at nationals.
- Male registration: $155
- Female registration: $200 Both include representation, a sash, and national registration (plus a crown for female divisions).
This makes the system accessible for performers who may not have a local preliminary but still want to compete nationally.
* What Makes USA Unlimited Stand Out
1. A Legacy of Excellence
With roots going back to 1985, the system has shaped decades of entertainers and remains a respected name in the pageant world.
2. A Family-Centered Culture
Contestants often leave with lifelong friendships and a sense of belonging, which is a hallmark of the system.
3. Diverse Divisions
From glamour to leather to newcomer categories, USA Unlimited embraces a wide spectrum of performance identities.
4. Strong National Presence
The system hosts multiple state and regional titles across the country, feeding into a competitive and well‑organized national event.
*Why Performers Choose USA Unlimited
- It offers visibility and national recognition.
- It provides a supportive environment for both new and experienced entertainers.
- It has a longstanding reputation for fairness, professionalism, and community.
- It allows performers to grow artistically, network, and build their brand.
* I won in December of 2023 to become the next Mr. USA Unlimited Newcomer 2024 - Representing Mr. Maryland USA Unlimited Newcomer 2022
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Night of USA Unlimited Newcomers National CompeitionThis was the night Diamond XL and I—Gabe (also known as Carlos)—won Mr. & Miss USA Unlimited Newcomer 2024 in Hickory, North Carolina. The competition took place in December 2023, and it marked an unforgettable milestone for both of us.
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Mr. USA Unlimited Newcomer 2024 (National Winner)An additional promotional pic for Mr. USA Unlimited Newcomer 2024
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Promotion picture of a national winner "Americana Runway"*(Won this Category at Mr. Gay United States 2025)
The Mr. Gay United States – Americana Runway category is one of the most visually striking and personality‑driven portions of the competition. It blends fashion, attitude, and theme interpretation, giving contestants the chance to showcase their creativity and stage presence in a bold, memorable way.
*What the Americana Runway Category Represents:
This category celebrates American culture, history, and iconography through fashion. Contestants are expected to present a look that embodies the spirit of “Americana,” which can be interpreted in many ways—classic, modern, symbolic, or artistic.
It’s not just about wearing red, white, and blue. It’s about capturing the essence of America through style, movement, and storytelling.
*What Judges Typically Look For:
1. Theme Interpretation
- A clear, intentional connection to the Americana concept
- Creative use of symbols, colors, or references
- A look that tells a story or evokes a specific era, region, or cultural moment
2. Fashion & Stlying
- Cohesive, polished wardrobe choices
- Strong silhouette and visual impact
- Quality construction or thoughtful styling, whether custom or curated
3. Runway Presence
- Confidence, charisma, and command of the stage
- Clean, intentional runway walk
- Ability to sell the look through attitude and performance
4. Originality
- A fresh take on the Americana theme
- Unique concepts that stand out from traditional patriotic imagery
*Common Americana Inspirations
- Classic Americana: denim, leather, varsity, vintage Americana fashion
- Patriotic motifs: stars, stripes, military influence, historical references
- Cultural Americana: Route 66, rodeo/western, jazz age, rock‑and‑roll, 80s pop culture
- Iconic American figures: cowboys, soldiers, athletes, entertainers
- Modern interpretations: streetwear, high fashion, avant‑garde takes on American identity
*The Purpose of the Category
- Show their fashion sense
- Demonstrate stage presence
- Highlight their creativity
- Make a strong first impression on judges and the audience
It’s a category where personality shines just as brightly as the outfit.