Overview

PROJECT DANCE envisions the day when every dancer is nurtured to their fullest human potential for their own well being and their contribution to our world. Our mission is to bring hope and healing to culture through the universal language of dance.Since the Foundation’s inception in 1996 and its incorporation in 2003, it has thrived as a 100% volunteer organization that serves more than 1500 dancers worldwide.

Project Dance Events have been ongoing since 2002.  Here is a brief run down of what happens at one of our signature events.

 

What Happens at Project Dance?

Friday

Check-in: Participating dancers arrive at Project Dance where they meet the staff and finalize their weekend activities including signing up for master dance classes and reviewing performance notes.  Official Project Dance merchandise will be displayed and each dancer will receive their complimentary goody bag and event T-shirt.

Group Dance: Dancers learn the group dance which will be performed throughout our Open Air Dance Concert.  This is a great opportunity to learn a dance and perform it the next day and it allows all participating dancers to meet and share the dance floor.

Industry Expo: Dancers mingle with one another as well as leading choreographers, dance directors and area professionals who offer future opportunities to attending dancers. Building community is a cornerstone of Project Dance’s commitment to see dancers capture their next opportunity in the ever-changing world of dance.

Dinner: Dancers are free to enjoy a quick local dinner before returning for Project Dance Live.

Project Dance Live: Kicking off every Project Dance event is Project Dance Live. Area professional companies perform their latest works, top dance artists are interviewed throughout the evening, and all questions are answered about the remainder of the weekend’s events. Participants enjoy music, dance, free give-aways, and gain wisdom from those dancers who are out there making a career of dance.

Worship Concert (optional): A favorite among the activities at a Project Dance event is our Worship Concert.  This event is geared for the dancer who desires to connect their faith and dance.   Attendees enjoy singing and dancing together as all prepare for the Open Air Dance Concert and the remaining weekend events.

Saturday

Open Air Dance Concert: The centerpiece of every Project Dance event is our Open Air Dance Concert.  Historically, we have taken dance out of the studios and theaters and onto the streets, making dance accessible to anyone and everyone.  We desire to use this family- friendly concert to bring hope and healing to hearts through the universal language of dance. Jazz, modern, ballet, tap, hip-hop, acrobatics, lyrical, ballroom, and swing have all graced our stages.  Every style is welcome and what unites dancers who gather for Project Dance is the desire to dance with integrity to inspire.  Dance has a way of reaching our innermost being and the pieces presented often reflect that understanding.

 

Leader’s Dinner: Following the dance concert, leaders are invited to attend a casual dinner. This gives area leaders an opportunity to meet and further discuss the future of dance in their unique city. Participating dancers enjoy a free evening.

 

Sunday

Morning Inspiration (optional): What better way to begin a Sunday morning than with a little inspiration? This gathering features a key note message by one of our Project Dance leaders along with inspirational songs and encouraging stories.  The purpose of this time together is to unify as a group and deepen our calling as dancers and people of faith.

 

Master Dance Classes: Training is the central discipline of every dancer. Project Dance values and supports training that allows any level of dancer to stretch and grow their talents. We are always excited about our teaching staff which include professionals from Broadway, The Radio City Rockettes, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Martha Graham Dance Company, So You Think You Can Dance, just to name a few. Project Dance is committed to bringing its dancers the very best training from people who teach from a place of respect and excellence.

 

Final Group Photo and Closing Thank you:  Immediately following the last scheduled event for the weekend, all participating dancers will gather for a group photo.  This is our chance to say goodbye to each of you and thank you for a wonderful weekend together.

 BROADWAY UNDERGROUND

 A 90-minute urban variety show, is performed monthly at BB Kings Blues Club and Grill on 42nd Street and Broadway. It serves as a platform for talented New York City artists to both hone and showcase their skills. For the past seven years Cheryl Cutlip and Jared Grimes have produced the stage version of the show and are excited to move Broadway Underground to television in 2012 under the direction of Debbie Allen and executive producers at Double Wide Media. www.broadwayunderground.com

ATMOSPHERE

Atmosphere Dance Company is devoted to serving the New York City dance community by providing a weekly fellowship for area dancers. Our 30 member volunteer company consists of dancers living in New York City while pursuing a career in the dance arts. We perform annually in The Broadway Blessing, the Purelife Women’s Conference, MSNY Sunday services, Project Dance Events and he Atmosphere Fall Concert.

OUR TRADEMARKS

The following trademarks are the principal trademarks of Project Dance. They are owned by The Project Dance Foundation and used under license: PROJECT DANCE ™ BROADWAY UNDERGROUND™ ATMOSPHERE™

THE WHO’S WHO

These programs are made possible through volunteers that perform at these events and volunteers who offer event management support.

Founding Director Cheryl Cutlip

Board of Directors & Advisory Committee

Ronald S. Cutlip, Larry Auton, Sam Sinns, Dr. Basil D. Cutlip, Amy Cohen, Timothy J. Keller, Randall Flinn, Doug Stringer, Ron Lewis, Bruce Ho, David Whitehead, Jeremiah Enna, David Estes, William Edgar, Adam Burt, Marlene and John Boll