Project 7 announces 10th and final year

Project 7 Contemporary Dance Company, an Atlanta-based troupe founded and led by choreographer Cherrise Wakeham, has announced that it will come to a close with a 10-year celebration in the summer of 2017.

At the end of April, Wakeham released a letter announcing her decision to end the company. She wrote, “Though a lot of thought has gone into making this decision, I have much joy and peace about what the company has become, what we’ve accomplished together, and this vision for our 10th year. The planning process is now in motion for this 10-year celebration to include a Project 7 Summer Intensive, P7 alumni classes, open rehearsals, behind-the-scenes interactions with members, and of course, culminating performances at the end of those weeks.”

In preparation for the new season, open auditions will be held Sunday, July 10 from 11 am to 2 pm at Studio 23. Auditions will consist of a warm-up and class, combo, phrasing/improv, interview, and presentation of materials, including applications, bios and headshots. There are 10-15 female and 1-6 male roles available.

For the dancers who are accepted, regular company class and rehearsals are required. There are two Fridays scheduled for each month, one for class and one for working on repertoire. There is also one Sunday a month for a three-hour rehearsal devoted to choreography, with December being the one exception. Dancers can miss no more than two classes and two rehearsals throughout the year. Friday classes will be open to the public for $15 per person.

The day after company auditions – Monday, July 11 – Project 7 will host an iN House Workshop. These one-day intensives see Project 7 members leading a full day of classes in jazz, contemporary, musical theatre, lyrical, tap and hip-hop, followed by an audition process and showcase for family and friends. This iN House Workshop is set for Carla’s Dance Factory in Fayetteville, GA.

In addition, Wakeham recently announced plans for the 2017 Project 7 Summer Intensive. “In the likeness of the iN House one-day workshops, our 2017 Summer Intensive will offer classes in a variety of styles with various previous and past members, but extended over the period of a full week and covering a wide range of ages. The Intensive Week will include classes, Q&A with company members, discounted classes for P7 alumni, guest speakers and other fun surprises! The goal is to bring a quality summer intensive experience to the Atlanta dance community like no other.”

To follow the company as it moves towards its final season, head to http://project7dance.com. 

Photo: Project 7 dancer Annie Miller. Photo by Roman Naumov.