Meet Meredith Pennington | Dance Convention Owner, Immerse Artists Experience

We had the good fortune of connecting with Meredith Pennington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Meredith, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The reason for the success of the Immerse Artists Experience (IAX) brand is simple: do everything with others in mind. We are in the business of providing the next generation of dancers with tools to help them succeed in dance and in life. Our safe, nurturing, kind, and encouraging atmosphere comes from a heartfelt desire to inspire, motivate, educate, and serve others. It is IAX’s number one goal to provide exceptional classes and outstanding customer service to everyone we are blessed enough to serve.

At Immerse, faculty and staff are hired based on their character and heart for service, as much as their talent and resume. Our incredible team of talented, happy people are passionate about the same mission, each ready to share their gifts and strengths. While offering amazing instruction from renowned dancers, choreographers, and educators, Immerse Artists Experience keeps expenses down for families by limiting our event to one day, giving more dancers the opportunity to attend a dance convention.

Being available to our clients at their convenience, creating honest relationships, making the event affordable, and genuinely caring for others and their success makes for our success.

What should our readers know about your business?
We are a national touring company heading into our fourth season. We host events in convention centers and large hotel ballrooms in several cities across the U.S. each fall, with plans to expand. Our team at IAX has created an experience that brings inclusiveness, joy, heart, personalization, and the importance of technique back to the dance convention scene. Dancers train with our acclaimed faculty in a positive environment that’s fun and conducive to learning. All throughout the day, our faculty encourages dancers to be kind and supportive of each other, instilling the importance of hard work, focus, and respect. We want each dancer to know they are seen and valued.

The classes at Immerse are more than a combo. We provide extraordinary choreography with exceptional supplemental education and training taught by teachers who care. Our classes stress the importance of merging technique with individual artistry. Dancers are also given guidance and instruction in performance quality. The goal is to provide dancers with knowledge that will continue to help them grow long after the event.

At each event, dancers have the opportunity to earn scholarships, including a scholarship to assist our faculty onstage at future IAX conventions. In addition, we are fortunate enough to have a representative from Fresh Talent Group agency scout talent for possible representation.

Dancers leave our events inspired and motivated to continue their efforts feeling confident having been pushed to new personal heights and knowing they have been an inspiration to others. They leave with an understanding that although the dance world can be competitive, you can still be genuinely kind and appreciative, celebrating the talents and successes of others. It is always our sincerest hope that connections and long lasting friendships are made through Immerse Artists Experience. Our holistic approach, caring faculty, friendly staff, and amazing classes of substance make our convention stand out in the crowd.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Immerse Artists Experience is based out of Little Rock, Arkansas. If you are in the area and feel like shopping, head to Beyond Cotton 2 in the Pleasant Ridge Shopping Center. If you are in the mood for self-care and a day of pampering, Rejuvenation Clinic Day Spa has you covered. Looking for a great little gift? Belle and Blush in the Promenade at Chenal is the place to go. Little Rock has some truly amazing restaurants. Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse just can’t be beat. The best authentic Italian food is, hands down,  Bruno’s Little Italy. Little Rock is also home to a presidential library, a minor league baseball team, and many beautiful city and state parks. There are also several spectacular lakes in the area. Little Rock is truly a hidden gem.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Brendan Buchanan, owner of BravO! National Dance & Talent Competition, has been one of my biggest cheerleaders since day one. He has encouraged this dream of mine from the start, all while I serve as his dance competition’s National Director. He has provided sound advice and been the best listening ear. Brendan has given, and continues to give, advertising and promotional opportunities for Immerse Artists Experience at his events. His true and unconditional friendship, guidance, encouragement, and generosity has meant the world to me. There is a quote, “And when you get to where you’re going, turn around and help her too. For there was a time, not long ago, when she was you.” Brendan has done just that, and I am forever grateful.

Website: iaxdance.com

Instagram: @immerseartistsexperience

Twitter: @ImmerseArtists

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImmerseArtistsExperience

Image Credits:
Sheldon Smith Photography / Sheldon Smith Sports
Kattie Hansen Photography