In our Artist’s words

“ImmerseATL completely changed everything for me. My relationship with dance and myself has completely shifted and my interests as an artist and a human have changed as well. This kind of exploration and community meant everything to me and meeting all these amazing human beings who opened up all these sensations and opportunities for me has been literally life changing. Experiencing movement in this way that just feels so good, that invites curiosity and connection and wildness and play, I feel like I have unlocked some important and raw part of myself. And to experience this kind of unfolding of self surrounded by the most loving and beautiful people was extremely meaningful to me. I feel I’ve made lifelong friends. And I feel capable now.”

Rachel Love (2023 Artist)

“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.”

McKenzie Nguyen (2023 Artist)

“ImmerseATL has given me a sense of both confidence and accomplishment that I have never experienced before. It truly was an immersive experience that no other program has given me. I was able to fully experiment and return back to the 'play' that dance held for me previously. It was so refreshing to be surrounded by artists and educators that did not want to change you, but rather experience space with you. To help hone your artistic expression, voice, and ability to quickly shift into various worlds. To ensure that you felt equipped and worthy to share your thoughts. To give artists the chance to be seen and heard, while simultaneously congratulating them on diving deeper into themselves.

There is nothing else like it. I went into the year thinking I would take class, learn choreography, and show it at the end of the year. Just like any other structured program. What I found was much different. I was present during class, and I mean actually mentally and physically present vs. showing up to check a box for my 'dance class of the day'. It was much more than that.

I came out of the year with lifelong friends, relationships, mentors, and a newfound sense of what it means to be a mover, artist, and maker. Do yourself a favor, and begin before you're ready.”

Haley Wall (2023 Artist)

“ImmerseATL expanded my dance practice. I found breakthroughs in ballet with Sarah that I'd given up on them making sense in my body. The language each educator used in process and class transported you to the worlds we built. As a mover and artist, I feel so much more accepting of myself and what I make, inspired by all the new possibilities uncovered over the past 8 months. I carry myself differently in dance spaces and feel empowered by what I got from the core educators and collaborators. I feel sure of myself, more than I have in a really long time, and set on a journey of renewed self discovery, movement creation.

This program pulled me from a really dark place and gave me a pause from my reality with every class and process. As a black trans person I've felt under attack with the recent anti trans bills and constant brutality against black people. In that space I was able to suspend in a space where I was safe and there wasn't a capitalist colonial institution looming over me, smothering any creative expression I might have to share with the world.

Kris Wells (2023 Artist)

“ImmerseATL has changed my approach to movement. I am used to practicing improvisation and choreographies with either a do not think do, or a the only thought is this. Being allowed to think when I am in either of those states really turned on my thoughts to movement habits and negative internal dialog. My thoughts are less oppressive and have become curious to how I feel in the day or even my own feelings to the movement being done.”

Kadie cooper (2022 - 2023 Artist)