Rising Stars: Meet Demeyah Foster of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Demeyah Foster.

Hi Demeyah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Star Collective was founded while I was a student at Kennesaw State University. As a dancer, I noticed there was a lack of spaces dedicated to many of the styles that shaped me growing up—particularly hip-hop and other cultural dance forms that play such an important role in Atlanta’s identity through music, dance, poetry, and community. I wanted to create a space where dancers could feel confident, be themselves, and grow creatively without judgment while still being challenged and inspired by one another.

During my time at Kennesaw State, I saw beautiful dance studios that were often underutilized by students. I began teaching hip-hop classes, becoming one of the first students to regularly offer that style on campus. The response was incredible, and it quickly became clear that students were looking for a community where they could connect, create, and move together.

What started as a simple desire to dance with friends evolved into something much bigger. Encouragement from my peers helped me realize that my passion for teaching and building community could become a lasting organization. Although I had always dreamed of owning a dance studio or company one day, I never expected that journey to begin in college. Looking back, starting Star Collective at Kennesaw State was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It allowed me to create the kind of artistic home I wished had existed—a brave space where dancers could explore their individuality, celebrate diverse styles, and grow together as a family.

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?
Building Star Collective has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, but it definitely has not been a smooth road. While the first season went relatively well, the second season brought challenges that I wasn’t fully prepared for as a new leader.

We experienced significant growth, going from a small group to around twenty dancers. With that growth came more personalities, different dance backgrounds, varying skill levels, and different expectations. As someone who was still learning how to lead an organization, I was figuring things out in real time. One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of communication. There were concerns and frustrations among some members that were never brought directly to me, yet I was expected to somehow know and fix the issues. Looking back, I also recognize that I could have been clearer about my vision and goals for Star Collective so that everyone understood what we were building together.

Because many of the dancers were also my friends, navigating leadership and personal relationships became difficult. There were moments of conflict and misunderstandings that affected the culture of the collective and, at times, my mental health. At the same time, I was producing my first dance show, searching for a venue, completing my senior projects, and preparing to graduate from college. Balancing all of those responsibilities taught me resilience and forced me to grow as both an artist and a leader.

By the third season, I faced a different challenge: commitment. Many dancers joined excited about the opportunity but later realized the level of dedication required. Star Collective is more than a recreational dance activity. We offer company-led classes, intensives, guest artist opportunities, performance experiences, and professional development resources such as resumes, headshots, and portfolio-building. My goal has always been to create an environment that prepares dancers for professional and pre-professional careers while giving them a supportive artistic home.

Through every challenge, I have learned that leadership is not about preventing every problem—it’s about learning how to respond when problems arise. I rely on my faith, mentorship, and community. I pray for my dancers, past and present, and trust that every experience, whether positive or difficult, serves a purpose. My faith has taught me that everything happens for a reason, and that God’s timing is always greater than my own. There have been moments when I questioned whether I was doing enough or whether I was on the right path, but I continue to remind myself that what God has planned for me cannot be taken away by anyone. No setback, disappointment, misunderstanding, or obstacle can stop what He has already ordained.

I also seek guidance from studio owners, educators, and other dance professionals to better understand how to lead, communicate, and create systems that support both the organization and its members. Every season brings new lessons, and every challenge presents an opportunity to grow.

Star Collective is still growing, and so am I. I do not claim to have all the answers, but I am committed to learning, improving, and leading with authenticity. At its core, Star Collective is about creating a space where dancers feel seen, valued, challenged, and inspired. It is about building artistry, community, and opportunity while trusting the process, embracing growth, and knowing that God’s plan will always unfold exactly when it is meant to.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I am a dance educator, dancer, choreographer, and artistic director—but most of all, I describe myself as an artist. I am in awe of art in every form. Music, instruments, film, storytelling through fashion, makeup, and movement—it all speaks in ways words sometimes cannot. As I’ve grown and graduated from Kennesaw State University, I’ve come to realize I am more than just a dancer. I am a business owner and a creative leader building something rooted in expression, truth, and community.

Art, to me, is where the unspoken becomes visible. It gives people permission to express what they may not know how to say otherwise. It is powerful, beautiful, and honest—even in its imperfections.

My personality is often described as bubbly, direct, and nurturing. I am the type of person who will speak up, but always with intention and care. I naturally take on a “big sister” or “mom” role in spaces—I’m always checking in, making sure things are done, and encouraging others to stay grounded. Even when I’m the youngest in the room, I’m never afraid to lead as myself.

My love for teaching started early. I’ve always taught in some form, even as a child. I grew up dancing at Just Dance Studio, where I learned how to perform, connect with an audience, and bring personality into movement. That space built my confidence and shaped the dancer I am today. It taught me tough love, discipline, and belief in myself without ever making me feel small.

At Kennesaw State University, I began to understand artistry on a deeper level—professionalism, collaboration, leadership, and what it means to carry yourself as both a creative and a human being. I learned how to navigate challenges while still growing through them, and how important it is to trust God through every season, knowing that everything happens for a reason and in divine timing.

To me, art has no limits. It lives in your movement, your style, your presence, and your expression. And above all, it lives in dance. Dance is freedom. It is release. It is joy, pain, healing, and celebration all at once. Whether it’s choreography in a studio or something as simple as a social dance at a cookout, movement brings people together in a way nothing else can.

I bring that belief into every space I teach. I don’t just teach steps—I teach story, confidence, discipline, and self-expression. I want my students to feel supported, challenged, and seen. I am honest with them, but I lead with love. My goal is not perfection—it is growth.

Beyond dance, I also explore marketing and content creation, especially for creative and emerging brands. I love being behind the scenes, helping people build their visions, and supporting ideas that are still coming to life.

I am someone who pours into others deeply. I am soft, but strong. Loud when I need to be, but grounded in who I am. I take accountability, I grow through my mistakes, and I lead with authenticity.

I am a God-fearing woman, and I fully believe I am God’s daughter. My faith is the foundation of everything I do. I trust His timing, His plan, and His purpose for my life. And I move forward knowing that what is meant for me cannot be stopped.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?

What matters to me the most is love. Love is in everything—it is truly the common denominator of life. I believe that God is love, and love is God. When we look at love through that lens, it becomes something we are constantly called to practice: to be patient, to be kind, to be understanding, and to grow in those qualities every day.

Closely connected to love is grace, and that is also a major part of my “why.” Everyone carries a story that others may not see or fully understand. Because of that, I don’t believe in responding to people with meanness, anger, or judgment. It can be easy to react that way, especially when someone is difficult or hurting, but I’ve learned that grace changes everything.

As an artist, I see the world through a different lens. I notice emotions, energy, and unspoken stories in people, and that reminds me that everyone is navigating something. That awareness pushes me to lead with love even when it’s hard—even when I’m frustrated or misunderstood.

To me, love shows up in the smallest moments: opening a door for a stranger, making someone smile, encouraging someone after a hard day, or simply being kind without expecting anything in return. Love is also present in relationships—family, friendships, mentorships, and even in the connections that don’t last forever.

I believe love is what brings people together. It’s how strangers connect over something small and suddenly feel seen. It’s how communities are built and how healing happens. Even when relationships change or end, I still believe love once existed there, and that matters.

That is why love and grace guide me. Not in a perfect way, but in an intentional way. I try to extend grace in how I think, how I speak, and how I show up for people. Because at the end of the day, I believe we are all here because of love—and choosing to live through it is what keeps us human, grounded, and connected.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://demeyahfwebsite.my.canva.site/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZnRzaASQMtpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAac6H0r6y_FwibGDhd9QuD4k_WkKbcUQKXrfd4Q7WpoUOcwBH_1y_LAs086lfw_aem_KlYGy2mvxsupcanvKbQvmA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demeyahh?igsh=MWpjd2hsemFtMXdkdw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://starcollectiveartistry.my.canva.site/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZnRzaASQMyJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAadZBenQ-cm5CXPRqUUXcRiQWDbv6Fc88Bjja6q5qCNsocghIv5GBZUmPwGOrQ_aem_1xFLAUdA8BqHMAaqBmV-EA