Cherrise Wakeham is an acclaimed Atlanta-based choreographer, educator, and artistic director known for her bold, emotionally intelligent choreography and her ability to fuse multiple dance styles into powerful storytelling. With a career rooted in both the professional and competitive dance worlds, she has become a defining creative voice in the Southeast dance community.

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She is the Founder and Artistic Director of Project 7 Contemporary Dance Company, an Atlanta-based nonprofit professional company recognized nationally for its innovative and genre-blending works. Under her direction, Project 7 has been featured in performances across the country, including New York City’s Joyce Theater and major Atlanta venues such as the Balzer Theater and 7 Stages Theatre. 

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Cherrise’s choreography has earned national recognition, including being named a finalist for the Capezio ACE Awards for Choreographic Excellence and receiving multiple choreographer honors through The Pulse on Tour. Her work has also been featured at the Carnival Choreographer’s Ball Atlanta and commissioned for Flux Projects’ “Midnight in the Garden,” further establishing her reputation as a visionary in contemporary dance. 

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Known for her signature blend of contemporary, jazz, and theatrical movement, Cherrise creates work that is both visually striking and emotionally grounded. Her choreography has been described as “edgy, explosive, and emotionally honest,” with a strong emphasis on storytelling, musicality, and human connection.

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In addition to her concert work, Cherrise is a highly sought-after master teacher and choreographer across the country, working with studios, intensives, and companies at the highest levels. She is deeply committed to developing dancers who are not only technically strong, but also expressive, self-aware, and artistically fearless.

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At the heart of her work as an educator is a passion for cultivating individuality and discipline in young artists. Through her classes, Cherrise challenges dancers to move with intention, authenticity, and confidence—helping them find their own voice within movement.

We are honored to welcome Cherrise Wakeham to our faculty, where she brings a powerful blend of artistry, experience, and inspiration to the next generation of dancers.