Scroll below to get to know the ImmerseATL Alumni who have been part of the Artist Program since 2017!
Upon completion of the Artist Program, ImmerseATL Alumni are folded into the ImmerseATL Collective.
2025 Alumni
Grace Darden
ImmerseATL taught me to be more confident in myself and my abilities as a dancer and an artist. I have learned to trust myself and rely on my creative instincts during a creative process. I feel like I have truly begun to find my voice.
LEARN MORE: @dardencgrace
photo by S.J.R. Photography
Zoe Otto
ImmerseATL taught me to think in a way that does not put restrictions on my ability to create. ImmerseATL provides us with many resources that stimulate the mind and open up possibilities to move and create. I left a different person and as someone who is more confident and excited for what is ahead.
LEARN MORE: @ _zoe.miranda_
photo by S.J.R. Photography
Autumn Justice
ImmerseATL taught me to live into the exhaustion, and that being a professional dancer is not being given a list of steps and executing them perfectly. If anything, I learned that messing up and making choices especially the "wrong" ones lead to the best possibilities.
LEARN MORE: @autumn.justiceee
photo by S.J.R. Photography
Georgia Rood
ImmerseATL taught me how to be grounded in my artistry and make choices confidently. Being able to meet artists in the industry and ask the scary blunt questions that Google doesn’t know, like “How can I support myself in this field” and “How can I support and pay dancers,” whatever the question was it created incredible conversations between us in the program and those teaching us. The intensity of the program taught me how to not only push my limits, but understand pacing and how to allow my momentum and weight to carry me through the moments. All in all, this program is more than an intensive or class, it builds and welcomes you into dance community where you feel safe exploring, excited to engage, and able to discover all of the joy of moving.
LEARN MORE: @rood.museum | georgiarood.com
photo by S.J.R. Photography
Jazmyn Wright
ImmerseATL taught me… to trust my voice — both physically and artistically. I moved from seeking external validation to grounding myself in my own instincts, ideas, and creative intuition. This shift allowed me to take up space with more confidence, make bolder choices, and show up more authentically in both movement and collaboration.
LEARN MORE: @jazmyn_.w | Jazmyn Wright
photo by S.J.R. Photography
Skie Justice
ImmerseATL taught me that life after graduation doesn’t have to feel like a loss— I was truly struggling with the fact of graduating and losing the guidance that I was used to. ImmerseATL really changed my perspective on what the future holds and now I’m not as nervous I’m more excited about the next steps In my journey.
LEARN MORE: @skie.justice
photo by S.J.R. Photography
Amber Solana
ImmerseATL taught me to be fully engaged in the process and allowing myself to research movement without it being such a rigid process. The idea of "play" is so valuable to the learning process and so many creative sparks can come from it. I also became more in-tuned to my body and what all I can physically and mentally do within a process: my body is a vessel in which I can create space and nurture it.
LEARN MORE: @amber.solana | @ambersolana.dance
photo by S.J.R. Photography
2022-2023 Alumni
Kadie Cooper
ImmerseATL taught me that I have to be the one to push. The barriers I create in my mind, the worlds of fear can be broken. When I was at ImmerseATL, everyday was about moving forward and feeling out what was next.
Beyond ImmerseATL: Noyes School of Rhythm Member
LEARN MORE: @Kadiecooper_
photo by Jess Ortega
Rachel Love
ImmerseATL taught me how to confidently navigate dance spaces •to savor movement •that you already have everything you need/want inside of you•to begin before you’re ready! •how to approach choreography in a way that is authentic to myself as a mover •to stay curious •that less is more •that if you are engaged in your movement other people will see that •what’s important to you as an artist is the most important thing
Beyond ImmerseATL: Nadya Zeitlin’s Site-Specific Dance Hub •VIA UNI
LEARN MORE: @rachel.love14
photo by Synapse Photography
McKenzie Nguyen
ImmerseATL taught me:
I've gained a heightened sense of body awareness through the program. Understanding how my body moves, the nuances of different muscle groups, and the connection between movement and emotions has been enlightening. ImmerseATL has encouraged me to think outside the box and explore my creative boundaries. I've learned to embrace experimentation and take risks, which has not only improved my dancing but also spilled over into other aspects of my life. The program has enriched my life in ways I couldn't have imagined. It's taught me skills that extend far beyond my expectations and has fostered personal growth and development that will stay with me for years to come.
Beyond ImmerseATL: Xcel Talent Agency • VIA UNI
LEARN MORE: @mckenzie.nguyen
photo by Bubba Carr
Haley Wall
ImmerseATL taught me how to be an artist! I feel as though I have a voice and a clear viewpoint. It helped me sharped my processing skills and how I can show up in a space as myself with the ability to contribute in meaningful ways. It allowed me to build lifelong connections that I will cherish for the rest of my life. It truly is like no other!
Beyond ImmerseATL: ALA Dance• Monica Hogan Danceworks
LEARN MORE: @lovelanguage
photo by SJR Photography
2021-2022 Alumni
Charlotte Angermeier
ImmerseATL taught me the incredible power of saying "yes AND". Immerse showed me how to invest in myself and what I want to explore, dig deeper into movement research, uncover what I want as an artist, and gave me an incredible platform for mentorship and connections in the ATL dance community.
Beyond ImmerseATL: Meli Kaye Artist Residency at Decatur School of Ballet • EXCAVATE BODY Founding Company Member
LEARN MORE: @charlotteangermeier & charlotteangermeierdance.com
photo by Art Davison
Emily Davis
ImmerseATL taught me to let go of what it all looks like, and instead embrace the intuition and the feeling. How powerful connection to each other and our environment can be. To maintain and follow through with an intention or goal.
Beyond ImmerseATL: Bautanzt Here • The City of Atlanta’s Office of Cultural Affairs for the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop • VIA UNI • ALA Dance • assisting/collaborating with Danni Heverin at Xcel Studios + Dance Masters of America • In August of ‘23, I presented the first iteration of my work with 6 dancers - titled Plight Myth at The Impact Project of Alabama Dance Works.
LEARN MORE: @emilyaadavis
photo by Neely Townes
Liv Bryant
ImmerseATL taught me: Among many other gems, Immerse taught me that there is always space for me, and to push pass my limits and then at least two inches more.
Beyond ImmerseATL: staibdance • VIA UNI •MFA Fellow at The Ohio State University Department of Dance
LEARN MORE: @livbrynt
photo by Synapse Photography
Simona Lucchi
ImmerseATL taught me that there are a million and one ways to be a dancer, and that there's nothing wrong with following your own path. ImmerseATL truly gave me the confidence to trust in my own unique dance journey, and I couldn't be more grateful for having participated in the program.
LEARN MORE: @simona_099
photo by Synapse Photography
Zoë Carter
ImmerseATL taught me how to take ownership of the choreography given to me and to value my embodied knowledge as an artist. ImmerseATL taught me to give myself to possibility and to always be ready to shift an idea as needed.
Beyond ImmerseATL: Spike Lee Fellow • Choreographer & Director of “Young, Gifted & Black" film •Intern for The National Black Arts Festival •Intern with Emmy-winning documentary production company, One Story Up Productions
LEARN MORE: @zoebcarter
photo by Ari Skin
Mercy Matthews
ImmerseATL taught me perseverance in the unknown, and to push past limits/barriers. It's all in your mind, and what others tell you or make you think about yourself are false, the only person you have to prove wrong is yourself. Sarah instilled that in me, and showed me that I was capable of so much more than I ever would've thought. I left the program feeling so confident with what I had to bring to the table in the Arts community. Knowing who you are, and your capabilities is so key in any art form, and Immerse was just the beginning of that journey for me.
Beyond ImmerseATL: VIA UNI•José Limón Reconstruction project with Movement Arts Atlanta • EXCAVATE BODY •Teacher at Neighborhood Ballet
LEARN MORE: @mercy.taylor
photo by shotsbynauds
2020-2021 Alumni
MAILE GRIFFETH
ImmerseATL taught me to always explore my movement and continuously work on who I am as an artist. ImmerseATL gave me a space to discover who I am as an artist and grow fully into myself as a person.
Beyond ImmerseATL: Kit Modus
LEARN MORE: @maile_mg
photo by Daylilies Photography
JACQUELINE HINKSON
ImmerseATL taught me to seek expansion in many directions, follow my curiosity and intuition, and to let ideas live: to continue digging into them even when it may seem that the light is going out. ImmerseATL fostered a space for me to connect more deeply to myself, crack open any and all ideas, and push past what I thought was possible physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Beyond ImmerseATL: Founder & Director of EXCAVATE BODY • Oriantheatre’s Paris Summer Academy •Operations Manager for Neighborhood Ballet
LEARN MORE: @excavatebody & excavatebody.com
photo by Lyndsey Mcdevitt
ANDIE KNUDSON
ImmerseATL taught me to jump off the cliff and take the risk. It taught me to get comfortable with the unknown and explore what's possible beyond the comfort of my control. It nourished my curiosity, cultivated my voice, and emboldened my spirit.
Beyond ImmerseATL: EXCAVATE BODY • staibdance • Oriantheatre’s Paris Summer Academy (2022 Paris, France) • Fly On A Wall’s 2023 Excuse The Art Presenter • 2024 Hambidge Creative Fellow • Associate Artistic Director for Rise City Dance • ImmerseATL’s Administrative Director • Founder of Andie K. Media
LEARN MORE: @andieknudson | @andiek.media | andieknudson.com
photo by Jacquelyn Kay Photography
DEVIN LATHAM
ImmerseATL taught me to challenge the path I believed was for me and find my own personal voice. The importance of connecting with every dancer I meet.
Beyond ImmerseATL: MAD Festival Choreographer • Fall for Fall Dance Festival Choreographer • Faculty at Rise City Dance & Decatur School of Ballet
LEARN MORE: @devin_latham
photo by Jose Gutierrez
CHRISTAL ROSS
ImmerseATL taught me to remain true to who I am as a mover, but be open to developing a deeper understanding and connection with movement, and letting it transform into something bigger.
Beyond ImmerseATL: Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader
LEARN MORE: @christalross22
photo by Natalie Chuck
GRACIE SPINA
ImmerseATL taught me many things, one of which being unapologetic in everything that I do. ImmerseATL allowed me to discover who I am as a dancer, as an artist, and as a human being. I was also provided with the tools I needed to establish myself within the professional dance industry here in Atlanta, and ImmerseATL was an amazing springboard into my professional career.
LEARN MORE: @gracie.spinaa
photo by Bubba Carr
2019-2020 Alumni
RAIANNA BROWN
Beyond ImmerseATL: founded Komansé Dance Theater in 2018 • Dance Magazine’s 2021 25 to Watch • featured in Teen Vogue, Elle, The cut, and has been interviewed on NPR about her work combining social activism, engineering, and the arts • Super Bowl Sunday LIV • Beyoncé backup dancer for 2022 Oscars
LEARN MORE: raiannabrown.com & @raiannacbrown
photo by Jordan Ari
PAYTON HORTON
ImmerseATL taught me the consistency in feeling valued from instructors and finding that value in myself. ImmerseATL changed my life and dancing for the better.
LEARN MORE: @soitspayton
JACOB LAVOIE
ImmerseATL taught me:
ImmerseATL gave me permission to be my authentic self throughout all aspects of the artistic process.
photo by Liam Campbell
HAILEY ROSE WALSH
ImmerseATL taught me to not always strive for perfection. That the things that you perceive to be 'right' and 'proper' aren't always the answer.
Beyond ImmerseATL: Royal Caribbean Cruise Dancer • Xcel Talent
LEARN MORE: @haileyrosey
photo by Bubba Carr
2018-2019 Alumni
LEO BRIGGS
ImmerseATL taught me:
I am grateful that ImmerseATL encouraged me and pushed me to take risks. During such a transitional period in life, it's easy to play it safe. ImmerseATL creates a rich learning environment where artists can dive in and do things that scare them.
Beyond ImmerseATL: Dance & Social Justice MFA at the University of Texas at Austin
LEARN MORE: laurabriggsmoves.com & @lbriggsmoves
photo by Tomas Ponce
MAIA CHARANIS
ImmerseATL taught me to explore new types of movement that I was far less comfortable in at the start of the program. It also taught me that it is important to have confidence in yourself and your growth.
LEARN MORE: charanis.com/maia & @m.charanis
photo by Jim Charanis
PATSY COLLINS
ImmerseATL taught me the physical language and support I needed to pursue a fruitful career in movement and creation.
Beyond ImmerseATL: Choreographer of evening length work, "subzero" • staibdance • Founder of Patsy Collins Consulting
LEARN MORE: patsycollins.com & @patsy_collins
photo by Christina Massad
MARY-EVELYN KIRKLAND
ImmerseATL taught me to make choices authentically and move from a place of honesty
LEARN MORE: @mevkirkland
photo by Julius Ahn
SARAH DIAMOND
ImmerseATL taught me that whether I am working in the studio or performing on stage, there is always space to dive deeper into the physicality of an idea. During my time with ImmerseATL I also found how to shed away layers of shyness and timidness so that I feel more confident and clear in my movement and choices. ImmerseATL taught me how to move fully and unapologetically.
Beyond ImmerseATL: NYC based dancer, artist, and Pilates instructor.
LEARN MORE: @dancingdiamonds
photo by David Flores
CATHERINE MESSINA
ImmerseATL taught me:
That I am a fighter and a believer that through hard work, things will come. That I care about my cohort around me, and lifting as I climb. That I deserve to be in spaces where I feel valued and love the people in the room.That performance opportunities are out there, waiting to be grabbed.
Beyond ImmerseATL: Kit Modus • Core Dance • Founder of rogue wave contemporary dance company • The Fall for Fall/Spring for Spring Dance Festival Founder & Director
LEARN MORE: @katiekat_13 & @roguewaveroguewave & @fall4fall_spring4spring
Photo by Mike Hurwitz for KYL/D’s Inhale Performance Series
2017-2018 Alumni
JESSICA BERTRAM
Beyond ImmerseATL: Jessica’s choreographic work has been performed and recognized at multiple colleges and universities in addition to the American College Dance Association Southeast and Northwest Conferences, 7Stages Theatre, The Dairy Arts Center, The Ferst Center for the Performing Arts, Rialto Center for the Arts, and The Atlanta Contemporary Museum • Assistant Professor in Theatre and Dance at Gonzaga University.
LEARN MORE: @xo_luvjessica
CHERRY FUNG
ELIZA KRAKOWER
ImmerseATL taught me:
During the time when I needed it most, ImmerseATL did just that: It enabled me to fully immerse myself in the Atlanta world of dance and connect with key individuals and organizations that make Atlanta's dance and arts scene what it is. The program emphasizes the importance of training, normalizes dancers' need to continue to hone their craft long after graduating from college, and provides a supportive community within a community to enable students to develop into their own uniquely authentic artists and humans.
LEARN MORE: @eliza.krakower
PATRICK OTSUKI
ImmerseATL taught me:
ImmerseATL nurtures a strong work ethic that allows you to push the boundaries of your own artistry.
LEARN MORE: @orca.pork
BAILEY JO HARBAUGH
ImmerseATL taught me to find pleasure in nonlinear growth. Connecting to places with no generation at all. Agency to take up space as I am. I could come to our space at the exact place I was at each week and find everything or nothing, without any judgment or assessment in the process.ImmerseATL taught me to be unafraid of the fullness of my body.
Beyond ImmerseATL: The Atlanta Opera • staibdance • Fly On A Wall
LEARN MORE: @bailizzle
SIMONE STEVENS
ImmerseATL taught me how to take up space.
Beyond ImmerseATL: Hubbard Street Dance Chicago • Dance Magazine's 25 To Watch
LEARN MORE: @simonealizabeth
