Project Dance will perform at the annual Broadway Blessing service on September 14th at 7:00pm. We invite our friends to join us as Theara Ward presents original choreography danced by members of Atmosphere, a company of Project Dance while opera singer Patrice Djerejian performs live to one of her newly released songs.
August 1, 2009
Broadway Blessing, 2009
Lynn Redgrave, J. Mark McVey, Carol Hall, Project Dance, The Broadway Blessing Choir and other distinguished guests will be among the performing artists at this year's celebration dedicated to the people who bring us great theater.
On Monday, September 14th at 7:00 pm, the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine, one of the nation's leading religious and secular landmarks, is pleased to host the 13th annual Broadway Blessing, an interfaith service that has been bringing the theatre community together every September since 1997. Founded and guest produced by author and theater critic Retta Blaney, Broadway Blessing was conceived as a service of song and story designed to seek God's grace on the new theatre season.
This year’s event will include theatre reflections by Actress Lynn Redgrave, Broadway veteran J. Mark McVey singing “A Chance for Me” from the musical Amazing Grace: The True Story, singer/songwriter Carol Hall and Project Dance. The Broadway Blessing Choir under the direction of Bruce Neswick, Director Cathedral Music, will perform a number of Broadway hits followed by a “sing-a-long”. The Very Rev. Dr. James A. Kowalski, Dean, and The Rev. Thomas Miller, Canon for Liturgy & Arts, from the Cathedral will be joined by Rabbi Jill Hausman of Congregation Ezrath Israel / The Actors' Temple and The Rev. Mitties DeChamplain of St. Clement's Episcopal Church as participants in the 75-min ute program.
Past participants have included Marian Seldes, Marcia Gay Harden, Frances Sternhagen, Boyd Gaines, Edward Herrmann, Anna Manahan, KT Sullivan, Mary-Mitchell Campbell, J. Mark McVey, Tituss Burgess, Kathleen Chalfant, Billy Porter, Elizabeth Swados, Ken Prymus, Three Mo’ Tenors and Broadway Inspirational Voices.
Mr. Herrmann had this to say about it before making his second Broadway Blessing appearance: “It’s reassuring to know there are so many people out there you know that believe in God and want to take that part of their life and dedicate it to the theatre because theatre is a very spiritual endeavor. They come from every conceivable denomination, which I kind of like. It’s like a study in architecture of all these different buildings. They come from all kinds of disciplines and it’s just great to be among them. It’s an annual event, like with spring comes the first buds, now it’s fall and we’re here to bless our endeavors for the rest of the year and maybe some luck will come out of it, whether that’s internal or external.”
Broadway Blessing is free and open to people of all ages; reservations are not needed. For more information please visit www.stjohndivine.org
Broadway Blessing is made possible by the generous support of Masterwork Productions Inc., The Church of the Transfiguration (The Little Church Around the Corner), Creative Gifts Foundation, Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) and other wonderful friends of the theater.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Sweet Memories!
My friend recently sent me an email with a few performances that we did with the Radio City Rockettes. I thought it would be fun to post it and share with you.
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 2004-Part 1
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 2004-Part 2
The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers 2005
This clip from the famous Parade of the Wooden Soldiers is dear to my heart. Performed in the Christmas Spectacular since 1932, this routine is a classic. As the assistant choreographer for the show I was able to view archival footage from past performances of this famous routine. The version of the spokes which you will see in this clip is reminiscent of how it was done in the early 30's and 40's. I was honored to bring it back in 2005.
-Cheryl Cutlip
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 2004-Part 1
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 2004-Part 2
The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers 2005
This clip from the famous Parade of the Wooden Soldiers is dear to my heart. Performed in the Christmas Spectacular since 1932, this routine is a classic. As the assistant choreographer for the show I was able to view archival footage from past performances of this famous routine. The version of the spokes which you will see in this clip is reminiscent of how it was done in the early 30's and 40's. I was honored to bring it back in 2005.
-Cheryl Cutlip
Monday, July 13, 2009
PROJECT DANCE TORONTO 2009 PHOTO COLLAGE
The 1st Annual Project Dance event in Toronto was a BLAST! From the Friday night dance party to the open air concert on Saturday to the classes at the beautiful Canadian National Ballet-Fun was had by all! See you in 2010 Canada!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
PROJECT DANCE TORONTO 2009 TEACHING STAFF
Project Dance Toronto 2009 is taking place this weekend.
Please enjoy reading the bios of our teaching staff for Sunday's master classes.
TEACHER BIOS FOR PROJECT DANCE TORONTO 2009
CYNTHIA CROKER-Contact Improv
Cynthia is a Co-Founder of MOTUS O dance theatre as well as holds the positions of Co-Artistic Director, Choreographer, Performer, Teacher and Costume Designer. She has created over 40 original works for the company and has toured with them throughout the U.S.A., England and Canada. Cynthia is a mentor artist and teacher for the Royal Conservatory of Music’s “Learning through the Arts” program in Toronto Ontario. She is also on the Leadership Training Faculty of the Banff Centre in Alberta Canada; co-facilitating courses on Leadership Training through movement. Cynthia’s class will focus on learning movement which is created by two or more bodies working together in mutual support. We will explore leverage and balance, weight sharing, counterbalancing, lifts and throws.
VIVINE SCARLETT-West African
Vivines artistic goals and aspirations are rooted in the love of dance. She is an instructor, choreographer, administrator and founder of dance Immersion, an organization that produces, promotes and supports dancers and dances of the African Diaspora. Vivine has created and presented works in both traditional influenced African and contemporary African dance styles for over 23 years. Her class embraces participants who will be introduced to of some of the dances from Guinea, West African with live drum accompaniment.
AINSLEY SUDDS-Modern
After completing a BA of Dance from the University of Calgary and a Professional Studies Certificate from the Limon Institute in New York City, Ainsley Sudds is back in Calgary as a full time member of the Corps Bara Dance Theatre Project Company. As well, Ainsley is the Artistic Director of Corps Bara Youth Dance Theatre and full time modern teach at Crossings Dance Ministries. Her modern class is a fusion of Limon Technique and her own personal movement signature.
SHUGAMAI GRACE JOHNSON-Liquid Street
Shugamai is a multi-disciplinary artist, whose passions have allowed her to teach and perform around the world for over 12 years, in countries including India, Sweden, Switzerland, South Korea, Australia and across Canada and the U.S. Most recognizable for her unique street style of dance called Liquid, she has had the pleasure of performing with Mia Michaels, Seal, Ricky Martin, K-os, Rihanna, Bobby McFerrin, Tommy The Clown, Idle Warship (Talib Kweli's newest group), LAL, Hillary Duff, and in the Universal Studios movie "HONEY", to name a few. Last summer she landed a national IKEA commercial called "What Goes Where" featuring “So You Think You Can Dance” star Robert Muraine, aka Mr. Fantastic. In this unique class Shugamai uses Yoga (postures & stretches) to prepare the body to learn Liquid basics. Using improv and choreographed movements to create more fluidity & freedom in the body.
GREGORY HINES-Hip hop
Gregory is a choreographer that has danced for artists including Mariah Carey, Sean Desmond and Eve just to name a few. He has also worked under Luther Brown from "So You Think You Can Dance Canada” from the DoDat Dance Troupe. Now CEO and President of DOAHL Academy, this choreographer has grown into his own style that brings new levels to hip hop that creates and births dance pieces that capture emotion talent and excellence. “DOAHL Dance Academy”, The Academy was the inspiration for students of all ages and areas in their life to come about reaching their fullest potential and allowing students to have the opportunity to have a professional dance career.
CHERYL EVANS-Hip Hop
Cheryl was born to dance. She has been dancing hip hop professionally since age of 18. She has worked with artists including Kardinal Official, JBlaze and Luther Brown from "So You Think You Can Dance Canada" just to name a few. As a choreographer within DOAHL Academy Cheryl has stepped up and out bringing flavor and style to hip hop.
KATIE LEE-Funk-Locking
Katie has shown her passion for God through her funk. She taught for about five years in Kingston and conducted numerous workshops. Katie was one of the semi-finalists of Canada’s “So You Think You Can Dance” season one and also the semi-finalist for the locking battle in Montreal called “Bust A Move.” She has performed in Heaven’s Rehearsal at The Roger’s Center, YC in Edmonton, various youth retreats and Christian productions. Locking is by nature an improvisational dance, but also consists of a set of signature moves of locking pioneers. The class will consist of a few foundational moves with a funky routine and Katie is excited to share her funk flava with you!
SANTEE SMITH-Contemporary Aboriginal
Santee is a member of the Mohawk Nation, Turtle Clan from Six Nations, Ontario. She is the founding Artistic Director of Kaha:wi Dance Theatre, which performs nationally and internationally. Santee was an integral member of the Aboriginal Dance Project, Chinook Winds at the Banff Centre for the Arts, 1997-2001. In 1996 she began creating and performing her choreography, which now includes works such as Kaha:wi, Here On Earth, Midwinter Dreaming, A Constellation of Bones, The Threshing Floor, A Soldier’s Tale, and A Story Before Time. Santee’s class consists of a warm-up and some of the technique of Kaha:wi dance theatre which is contemporary dance combined with indigineous dance forms.
CHANTAL HUNTER-Ballet
Chantal’s favorite phrase to say is, “Go Team!” She graduated from the University of Calgary, Canada, with her Bachelor of Arts in contemporary dance. In addition to her studies, she has also performed throughout Western Canada and within the United States for over six years with contemporary Dance Company, Corps Bara Dance Theater. Currently she is pursuing her Masters of Fine Arts in dance choreography at the University of Arizona while teaching ballet, jazz and modern dance as well as performing in the works of resident choreographers such as Douglas Nielsen and Amy Ernst. Chantal will be teaching an open ballet class for Project Dance Toronto including a charming variation from Paquita. This class will have time for worship and praise while inspiring the dancers to pursue excellence in their ballet technique and artistry.
SHELBY SKIDMORE-Lyrical Jazz
Shelby is a Texas native who has been dancing for 19 years. Her training encompasses all genres of dance, which she has studied at EDGE Performing Arts Center, Broadway Dance Center, and Westwood Fine Arts Academy in Austin. She spent two years at the University of Texas in Austin studying Dance Performance, and she graduated from Abilene Christian University with a degree in Dance Education. Throughout her life, Shelby has performed in and directed several dance companies, including Roustabouts Dance Company in Austin. Shelby travels the nation choreographing for various dance programs both privately and through Encore Creative Productions. She makes her current home in New York City, where she performs with multiple dance companies and projects including Fear.Less Dance, Atmosphere, and Kairos. Shelby’s lyrical jazz class is all about finding truth of expression through “feel good” movement. The class will focus on emotion based movement that seeks to convey a true story.
JENNIFER BYERS-Jazz
Jennifer holds a Bachelor's of Performing Arts in Dance from Oklahoma City University, where she performed with the American Spirit Dance Company and served as the Company Manager for the Grace Liturgical Dancers. For the past few years, Jennifer has been living in New York City where she is currently teaching dance to elementary school students as part of The Educational Alliance's After3Arts Program. She has also been blessed to be a part of Project Dance, serving as a stage manager for their New York, Sydney, and Hong Kong events and dancing as a member of their resident company, Atmosphere. Jennifer’s jazz class is fun and upbeat and explores the expression of God’s joy through the gift of movement.
CHERYL CUTLIP-Musical Theater
Cheryl’s love for musicals led her to a career in musical theatre where she performed in the Broadway National Tour of CRAZY FOR YOU and the European Tour of 42ND STREET. Based in New York City, Cheryl also performed as a Radio City Rockette for 15 years. As the founder of PROJECT DANCE she has a passion to equip dancers with all the tools they need to succeed in the dance world and in the world of life. Cheryl’s musical theatre class will begin with a fun stylized warm up and feature a Broadway style combination.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Meeting Darlene was a joy!
A few years ago I had the amazing honor of facilitating a couple of dance lectures and classes at the annual Hillsong Worship Conference in Sydney Australia. This once in a lifetime invitation remains one of my greatest memories. Not only did I have the opportunity to take in evening sessions with 20,000 worship leaders from around the world but I got to sit on the second row. Can you believe it? I couldn't. Each night I found myself on my knees thanking God for giving me such a wonderful gift.
My good friend Michelle Leaney arranged my visit and took such good care of me the entire week. She's the dance pastor at Hillsong and has served there for more than 20 years now.
Throughout the week the church's worship leader, Darlene Zschech was very busy. I'm not sure how many sessions and lectures actually took place that week but suffice it to say-Darlene was present for most of them. She was an amazing host. In fact, on the last day of the conference she opened her home to the entire staff. What a surprise! Michelle said, Cheryl, let's go-we've been invited to Darlene's home. Uh, ok!
As we drove up to her beautiful home and walked inside you could actually feel the Love of God. She was very welcoming and took time to speak to anyone and everyone. I was a little embarrassed to ask for a photo right there in her house but "I did it". Here it is and I do cherish it. Some people cherish their photos with hollywood celebrities. I have some of those from my Rockette days. Me and Liza-Me and Larry King-Me and Diane Sawyer-Me and Kenny G-Me and Sting-Me and The Donald. But, I'm not even sure where those photos are right now. But, here is my picture with Darlene.
I will always remember my time at Hillsong as one of the greatest events to ever take place in my life. I hope to be back there again and again.
Cheryl Cutlip
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Project Dance Founder, Cheryl Cutlip to Receive Faith-Based Award
Courtesy Executive Director/Producer Lauren Yarger…
‘The Lights are Bright on Broadway’ Awards Announced
Dan Gordon, author of Broadway’s Irena’s Vow and Radio City Rockette Cheryl Cutlip, founder of Project Dance, will receive the 2009 “The Lights Are Bright On Broadway” awards presented by Masterwork Productions, Inc., to individuals and organizations making a difference in the Broadway community through faith.
Irena’s Vow is based on real life Irena Gut Opdyke, a Polish Catholic who singlehandedly saved 12 Jews from death in the Nazi camps during World War II. Irena’s vow to God not to stand by and helplessly watch as Jews are slaughtered and the faith on which she relies drive Mr. Gordon’s story.
“I am deeply honored by this award,” Mr. Gordon said. “In honoring the play of course you are honoring Irena Gut Opdyke’s courage, moral rectitude and unshakable faith in her Creator, her rock and her salvation. Absent that faith she said many times she would never have been able to do all that she did. In the last conversation we had the day before she died her sole concern was “Who will tell the children when I’m gone?” My answer was “you will.” That was the reason the play was written and it is my fervent hope that it will continue to tell Irena’s story of faith and courage to ever wider audiences. On behalf of her family, the producers, the director, the cast and entire company of Irena’s Vow, thank you.”
Mr. Gordon’s award will be presented to him and the company at the conclusion of the Broadway performance this Sat., June 27 at the Walter Kerr Theatre by Masterworks Executive Director and Broadway reviewer Lauren Yarger.
Cheryl Cutlip, following a call to “make a difference in the artistic fiber of our nation,” founded Project Dance, which has produced performance events in Times Square, Los Angeles, Hollywood and Australia. Dance Spirit has named the New York event as one of the top ten dance events in New York City. The Project Dance Studio located in Times Square trains dancers in excellence and integrity.
“Project Dance is thrilled and honored to receive this unique award,” Ms. Cutlip said. “I never imagined a day when the work of believing artists in the NYC community would be recognized in the public square. Our only hope has been to encourage dancers toward their highest potential and offer performance and training opportunities worldwide where dancers are able to express their faith in God through the gift of dance. Whether it’s been a Bible study in the rehearsal halls at Radio City or a circle of prayer before a Broadway Underground show, Project Dance desires to honor God with every success within the performing arts community. Thank you for acknowledging such work and encouraging this vision and mission of Project Dance.”
Project Dance’s award will be presented at an upcoming New York event to be announced.
Masterwork Productions, Inc. is a faith-based, nonprofit organization which helps Christians and churches reach out through the performing arts by producing shows and events, booking artists, providing Broadway and theater reviews and training at workshops and conferences. For more information, visit www.masterworkproductions.org
Friday, July 3, 2009
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