20 Years.
20 Stories.
Since 2007, we have created spaces for artists and audiences to connect, imagine, and grow.
These 20 stories highlight just a few of the people and organizations who have been part of our journey over the past two decades. Each story creates a ripple, and together, they tell a larger story of impact that continues to move forward.
“We all believe in it - in the impact the company has for artists. Being an artist with the company myself, I remember how that made me feel. It was a powerful feeling and I see it in his dancers now. They have that same passion that same desire to want the audience to feel something, to dive deeper and think deeper and understand what this reality is that they’re watching. I see it in the artists, and I look around and see it in the audience. And that’s what art is - art is supposed to push us into new places it’s supposed to make us question it’s supposed to be a conversation starter. That is something that always happens whether Im dancing with staibdance, watching staibdance or giving to staibdance as a board member.
staibdance Board Member
Daphanie Scandrick
Jillian L.
“While dancing, I stepped more fully into my movement than I ever had before. I started to listen to my artistic sensibilities and curiosities and allow myself to be guided by intuition. As I move forward, I am excited to continue this investigation of the self.”
Summer Intensive Attendee
Faith Fidgeon
“Reflecting on what was and still is the potent impact of the process, ARARAT. Settling and unsettling, grieving and starting over, letting things have residue and wiping the slate clean.
So gracious to be moving alongside such incredible movers, artists, humans. And so gracious to be continuing this process with staibdance.”
Company Artist
Beth Del Nero
“Thank you staibdance for a fabulous week of free multi-cultural dance classes and performances featuring some amazing dancers, performers, musicians here in Atlanta.
Wow, what a way to rip the band-aid off in terms of live indoor performances. Mexican folkloric dance, flamenco, Indian classical, Chinese ribbon dance, hip hop with so much flare, all-female led African drum and dance. BLOWN AWAY. I am so lucky to have seen this.”
(MC)2 Festival Class Attendee
Katie N
“I saw the performance of fence at American Dance Festival last night, it was mesmerizing. I haven’t seen dance like that in a long time, thank you. I asked about the origin of the spoken word in the talk back - thank you for sharing the poet, such strong, visceral work! Bravo on so many levels.”
fence Attendee
Delaney A.
“The whole experience resonated with me so much. I actually reflect back on moments from those few days all the time.”
Root Theory Attendee
“George has a lot of courage in his choreography - it's like he's exploring his DNA in a way.
I thought it was beautiful, and I thought it was relevant, and I thought it was rich. I thought it was textured. I thought it was satisfying…
As an audience member, you could take it any way you wanted and do what you wanted with it.”
between dog and wolf attendee
Sally
Kendall Ramirez
“Intoxicating and vast - all of the above and below from this past week within ARARAT, the beginning.
I am endlessly appreciative for this process with staibdance , I pour my love and admiration to all involved, who came to witness, and engage.”
Company Artist
Andra Gold
“staibdance gave me the ability to have a really deep trust in myself - in my movement, in my thoughts. Being an artist with staibdance allows you to flourish in the path that you are on - you’re nurtured as an artist to your own potential whatever that might be.
For audiences it challenges them in a really great, fascinating way. I think what George has done makes it approachable. He’s able to welcome more people into there fold because there are these touchpoints and ways to learn about the work beyond seeing it in its completion. They pull back the curtain and the audience gets to be part of their journey - there’s that psychological ownership piece of their work, where people understand the process and it can make them feel like they’re a part of the company in a way.
There is such intention and care for the quality of the work and for what’s being explored, that it’s adding a very unique and needed voice in the community.”
staibdance Board Chair
“This show was so beautiful. It made me feel so many feelings. It was like a constant pull of emotion.
There was a duality between your dreams and what’s holding you back, how both can coexist… Ive never seen a dance performance like this before. I was obsessed.
staibdance unplugged attendee
Valetina V.
“The most impactful part of my experience was realizing that my feelings can follow my choices, rather than my choices always following my feelings. Throughout the program, I became more aware that I actually have agency on how I respond to situations, challenges and even my own internal states. As a teacher I often tell students ‘you have choice,’ especially when it comes to movement. But I had never really applied that concept to my emotional life. That shift has been incredibly empowering. It has changed how I think about my own practice, teaching, and how I navigate life more broadly. Realizing feels simple, I guess, but for me it has had a profound impact on me, and I know something that I’ll carry forward long after this experience ends.”
Summer Intensive Attendee
JaMorris R.
Anna F
“Thoroughly enjoyed watching fence tonight. It was gripping, strong, sinewy and really beautiful all at the same time.”
fence Attendee
Sasikala P.
“Thank you staibdance for all the efforts and hard work you had put in to make this (MC)2 a grand success!
We truly have NO words to express our gratitude.
Some of my students’ parents who were there said that the whole thing was a feast to eyes and we should take this to the larger crowd of Atlanta.
Our pleasure and honor to be part of it and to be one amongst the other performing organizations.”
(MC)2 Festival Participant
Amelia Y.
“It was so powerful being in rooms with so many other dedicated dancers in the same place as me with life and dance. It was beneficial to hear the stories of both the teachers and other dancers about their paths in dance. It felt very motivating to be around other dancers who were similarly driven and eager to learn, and that is what made the environment so rich with research and art.”
Summer Intensive Attendee
In this Emory University TexD Talk, George compels you to be fascinated with experiences where you do not have any answers. Two performers demonstrate how to pay attention to detail when you are situationally lost.
George @ TedX Emory
“Thank you to staibdance for all the knowledge and words of wisdom, I’ll never forget the memories and community here. I miss you all already and I know we will dance again together soon.”
American Dance Festival Attendee
Taylor M
3D Dance (Alabama)
“Thank you staibdance!
Our Apprentices had an unforgettable evening diving into contemporary! This class challenged, inspired, and pushed them to grow in new ways — we’re so grateful for the chance to learn and connect with such artistry.”
Guest Class Host
Ben Coleman
“With ARARAT, I'm thrilled to continue my journey with staibdance, and will make use of the room they afford me to experiment and take risks with sound for movement. I have been exploring the vast potential of the human voice, and I am excited to integrate the voices of the performers into the sound world of ARARAT.“
Design Team Member
Andie Knudson
“I am in constant awe over all the talent and care involved in this process. So honored to be a part of this work and to archive it’s evolution with new incredible collaborators.”
Company Artist
“George and staibdance are passionate about making the art form more accessible. That is a gift and it is working;
Anyone who comes to a staibdance performance leaves with something because they’ve learned that contemporary dance can be whatever you want it to be.”
Board Member, Design Team Member
Rosalind Staib
Edward
between dog and wolf Attendee
“I try to never miss what George's dancers are doing. Whether in frantic motion or utter stillness, I wouldn't be feeling all this if they hadn't been so pure in their intention.”