Cheryl Cutlip
Founder & Executive Director
CHERYL CUTLIP is the founding director of THE PROJECT DANCE FOUNDATION, formed as a mission to bring hope and healing to the world through the universal language of dance. The organization got its start in New York City in 2002 and has presented 3-day dance events in over 25 cities around the globe including Canada, USA, Australia, China, The Philippines, Israel, UK, Costa Rica, Peru, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan.
A native of North Carolina, Cheryl’s dance career began in Nashville, TN at OPRYLAND USA. After working on a cruise ship, living in Japan while dancing at TOKYO’S DISNEYLAND, and performing in the European tour of 42ND STREET, Cheryl moved to New York where she became a RADIO CITY ROCKETTE.Cheryl enjoyed performing with the ROCKETTES for 15 years where her duties included dance captain; assistant choreographer and spokesperson for nationally televised appearances including one-on-one interviews with Katie Couric, Diane Sawyer, and Larry King. She was the co-choreographer for KICK INTO FITNESS; and choreographer for CHRISTMAS ACROSS AMERICA promotional tours, THE YANKEE PENANT PARADE and NBC’s ROCKEFELLER CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING special.
Other career credits include the Broadway National Tour of CRAZY FOR YOU and the Broadway benefit to the stars version of MACK AND MABLE starring Jerry Herman and Donna McKechnie. Cheryl also danced in the jazz company, WALKERDANCE under the direction of Chet Walker where she performed in a benefit concert for lyricist and composer, Stephen Schwartz. Cheryl currently directs a precision dance company called The Carolina Snowbelles (www.thecarolinasnowbelles.com) and operates The Space @ Project Dance, the foundation’s dance training and education headquarters in Boone, NC.
She is celebrating her 28th year of marriage and has two children ages 19 and 16.
the History
of
Project Dance
2002
how we began
Project Dance was born out of a powerful vision in the heart of Cheryl Cutlip, a former Radio City Rockette and student at Westminster Theological Seminary. In the wake of 9/11, Cheryl felt called to bring hope and healing to the streets of New York City—not through words, but through the universal language of dance.
What began as a one-time event in 2002 quickly became a movement. The dancers who participated—and the public who witnessed it—were deeply moved and eager to see it continue. What followed was nothing short of extraordinary.
Today, Project Dance has reached over 35 cities around the globe, with 20 more preparing to host their first events. The annual New York City gathering, now in its 22nd year, has received a governor’s proclamation and is recognized as one of the top ten dance events in the city.
From the rubble of tragedy, a global dance movement was born—one that continues to inspire, uplift, and unite communities through the power of performance and purpose.
2002-2025
our heart in the matter
The Project Dance Foundation shares the universal language of dance with the world through vibrant, open-air concerts held in cities across the globe. These dynamic performances infuse public spaces with hope, healing, and a message that uplifts all who attend. More than just a show, each event becomes a celebration—where dancers from around the world unite to train, perform, and empower one another through shared purpose and passion. At the heart of our mission is the belief that every dancer deserves to be nurtured to their fullest human potential. By investing in the individual artist, we are shaping a future where dance and entertainment reflect integrity, inspiration, and lasting cultural impact for generations to come.
2025-beyond
where we're headed
At our unforgettable 20th Anniversary celebration in Kona, Hawaii, dancers from across the globe came together to honor two decades of purpose, passion, and performance. The energy was electric, and one thing was undeniable—Project Dance is more vital than ever. As we look to the future, we’re setting our sights high: 20 new cities, 20 more years, one unstoppable movement. Join us as we dance across the world, spreading hope, unity, and inspiration—one city at a time!