Impact Statements — ImmerseATL

“I feel more grounded in my artistry and ability to make choices confidently, two things that definitely grew because of the welcoming and supportive nature of ImmerseATL. 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.

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.”

Georgia rood (2025 Artist)

“ImmerseATL was a truly transformative experience for me. This was the first time I have been given the space and encouragement to explore and create on my own terms. Having the time to slow down and really experience process allowed me to dive so much deeper into myself and understand myself and how I move so much more.”

Grace Darden (2025 Artist)

“ImmerseATL's Artist Program completely changed my trajectory into the Atlanta contemporary dance community. There is no words to describe how much I have grown as a dancer and as a human. This growth is going to serve me for the rest of my life.”

Amber Solana (2025 Artist)

“I feel like this program did so much for me as a person, dancer, artist and performer. I am so beyond thankful for this program, 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.”

skie justice (2025 Artist)

“ImmerseATL was the best program I could have been apart of right after graduating. I have always struggled with being a protectionist and I think that this process truly showed me the that there is joy in the research. I also believe that the guest teachers, alumni and all those involved within the artist program validated my feelings and fears that came along with graduating.”

Autumn Justice (2025 Artist)

“ImmerseATL’s Artist Program has impacted me in so many ways. I have grown as an artist, mover, and creator and have gained tools I will use forever on. I think differently in a way that does not put restrictions on my ability to create. Immerse 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.”

Zoe otto (2025 Artist)

“Participating in ImmerseATL’s Artist Program has been one of the most transformative experiences of my artistic journey. The program pushed me to confront my creative boundaries, not just in terms of movement, but in how I relate to my identity, voice, and presence within a community. The emphasis on authenticity, collaboration, and vulnerability allowed me to grow both as a dancer and as a person.

Being surrounded by other driven, curious, and generous artists constantly challenged and inspired me. The environment encouraged exploration, taking risks, and embracing the uncomfortable — all of which led to real growth. I left the program with a deeper understanding of my purpose as an artist, stronger tools for creation and performance, and a network of people who genuinely care about uplifting each other.”

Jazmyn Wright (2025 Artist)

Community Statements

photos by Shannel Resto | SJR Photography

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What sets ImmerseATL Alumni apart?

Hear from Atlanta dance makers & leaders on what it’s like to work with ImmerseATL Alumni.

Atarius Armstrong

ALA Dance

“ImmerseATL Alumni have a distinct willingness to play and explore movement further than the steps given to them much earlier in the rehearsal process than most other artists. It's almost as if there's this additional layer of sensory added to the movement quality, which makes it extra enjoyable for me as a movement maker.”

**Felipe Barral**
IGNI Productions

“One of the most beautiful things I like to do is to build teams of people who inspire each other, who feel empowered to bring their own creativity, and who rise to the occasion with a fearless passion for what they do. I think dancers coming from the ImmerseATL program shine in different cultural fields. For instance, I had the pleasure of mentoring Andie Knudson and discovered she had a passion for filmmaking. Without hesitation, I invited her to be involved in some of my productions, and she has been a valuable member of the team who has been filming shows with me in the city. In fact, I’m very proud she was part of the all-female camera crew who helped me do one of the first multi-camera livestream events for The Atlanta Opera. Her professionalism, dedication and eagerness to learn has allowed her to apply her movement knowledge from dance into the camera work with her own creative voice.”

**Raianna Brown**
Komansé Dance Theater

“My favorite part of working with ImmerseATL Artists and Alumni is their understanding and appreciation of exploration as a movement artist. An ImmerseATL dancer is acutely aware that there is always space to discover and uncover more depth and intention within every movement no matter the style.”
***Raianna is a 2019 ImmerseATL Alumna***

**Patsy Collins**
Choreographer

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my experiences working with ImmerseATL Alumni! They bring a degree of professionalism and clarity that heightens the work in a great way. I also appreciate their fearlessness and ability to dive into whatever is being asked of them without hesitation.”
***Patsy is a 2019 ImmerseATL Alumna***

**Rebecca Harman**

Neighborhood Ballet Rise City Dance

“The Neighborhood Ballet and Rise City Dance communities are so fortunate to have ImmerseATL Alumni on both our faculty and leadership teams. These remarkable humans infuse their work with thought and care and believe deeply in their roles as teachers and mentors to the next generation of young dancers.”

**Angela Harris**
Dance Canvas

“I have been so impressed with the ImmerseATL Alumni that have come to work with Dance Canvas. We have had the pleasure of having 3 ImmerseATL alumni as part of our Choreographer Career Development Initiative and several more perform with us as dancers. The ImmerseATL Alumni always come into our programs with an incredibly professional work ethic. All of them go above and beyond our expectations when it comes to marketing themselves and managing their cast of dancers. The ImmerseATL Alumni are also so creative and come into our process with captivating movement quality. We love the chances that the ImmerseATL Alumni and dancers take when approaching choreography—it makes the rehearsal process exciting to watch. ImmerseATL prepares their artists for professional stages, and as a Director, I love working with artists who make it easy and enjoyable to work with them!”

**Xaiver Lewis**
VIAUNI

“In my experience working with ImmerseATL Alumni, I have come to realize that they all move with a very keen, sharp sense of artistry. What Sarah Hillmer and the ImmerseATL staff are able to accomplish with these artists is truly something to behold.”

**Carolyn Stine McLaughlin**
Movement Arts Atlanta

“It has been my pleasure to work with ImmerseATL Alumni in staging historic work and making new work over the past several years, a total of six in all. I find these artists to have a professionalism and technical proficiency that enhances the process. Additionally, since 2018, ImmerseATL has been invited to the Inman Park Dance Festival, which I direct for the Inman Park Festival and Tour of homes. I know that I can count on Sarah Hilmer, ImmerseATL's founder and director to bring work to the event that is meaningful and well presented.
I would highly recommend ImmerseATL to any young dance artist looking for the next step to take to get them to a professional career. This is a unique organization that I know I will continue to support and would recommend that you do, too. “

**Jillian Mitchell**
Kit Modus

“Immerse Alumni understand a broad network of Atlanta dance creatives and have deepened clarity on how their own sensibilities will direct and shape their paths as artists.”

**George Staib**
staibdance

“ImmerseATL Alumni have the all-too-rare ability to invent, integrate, problem-solve and dynamically contribute to any choreographic process. Their level of professionalism coupled with intense physicality have brought meaningful energy to my company. This program fuels young artists with boundless integrity and creativity.”

meet our alumni