Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Hillmer.
Hi Sarah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I have spent the entirety of my life in the arts world, first, as a professional dancer and ballet master with the Atlanta Ballet, followed by work as an assistant and stager for internationally renowned choreographers to now leading arts organizations from the administrative side as an Executive Director for staibdance, and Business Operations Manager for Windmill Arts.
Through my journey, I’ve always had a desire to impact lives in a tangible, lasting way. Specifically, I love watching emerging artists find their footing, make new discoveries, and challenge their notion of what’s possible. So, in 2017, I formed ImmerseATL with the intention to serve dancers at pivotal stages in their ever-evolving journey as artists.
We now have two programs inside ImmerseATL, our Artist Program that trains & mentors emerging artist and connects them to their next steps, and the ImmerseATL Collective that offers our Alumni paid performance & teaching opportunities and choreographic residencies to support the advancement of their unique voices.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No dream has a simple road map or a smooth road ahead. As you grow, the dream grows; as you shift, the dream might look different; as you face obstacles, the dream is tested. What I’ve found is that it’s important to surround yourself with a core support team who will challenge you to see beyond the immediate, support you through the valleys, and help bring perspective to the tough decisions so that what could feel like a disaster is instead an opportunity.
As you know, we’re big fans of ImmerseATL. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
ImmerseATL serves dancers at pivotal stages in their ever-evolving journey as artists through our “Artist Program” and the “ImmerseATL Collective.”
The “Artist Program” at ImmerseATL is a training & mentorship program designed to connect emerging artists roughly ages 18-25 to people, possibilities, and environments that help them build their next steps in the contemporary dance scene in Atlanta and beyond. The quality of artists we cultivate and the environment of respect, hard work, and the fearless pursuit of passion we set the tone for has created a level of recognition in Atlanta, where the weight of having gone through or worked with our program is seen as a strong asset in the hiring process.
“ImmerseATL Collective” is a platform within ImmerseATL that is designed to serve our ever-growing network of ImmerseATL Alumni – specifically through paid performance opportunities, teaching opportunities, and choreographic residencies.
How do you think about luck?
My perspective on luck is that is has zero to do with shaping my path at ImmerseATL . Opportunity met with intuition, expert advice from a team of trusted advisors, and good old-fashioned hard work have shaped ImmerseATL’s next steps.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.
immerseatl.com/ - Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/immerseatl - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/immerseAtlanta - Linkedin: https://www.
linkedin.com/company/61974094/ admin/feed/posts/
Image Credits
Synapse Photography
SJR Photography
