They were positioned on the studio floor in a circle as the mirrors reflected their posture and smiles, but they weren’t executing movements this time. The small group of Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) dancers and their professors, Jin Hanley and Stella Almblade, were in conversation, ecstatic to share about their participation in Project Dance in Paris over the summer.
Project Dance, a nonprofit founded by former Rockette Cheryl Cutlip in response to the aftermath of 9/11, was created with the vision to use dance to uplift and minister to communities. Launched in New York over two decades ago, Project Dance is now a global outreach movement that blends artistry with faith, with performances spanning over 100 cities worldwide.
PBA’s dance program has become a key player in Project Dance, participating in cities like New York, Houston and most recently, Paris. The University’s participation in Project Dance is made possible through the generosity of donors who believe in the power of using dance to impact communities around the world.
Movement of a Different Kind
For the students, their time in Paris was about more than just dancing; it was about building connections, serving others and sharing their faith through movement. Most of the group arrived two weeks before the event to help with preparations for logistics and rehearsals.
“There were so many moments where we paused to pray over the event and the city,” said Lydia Cross, another student. “We were preparing the way for the Lord to do amazing things, not just through our dancing, but through prayer. The whole event felt like it was covered in this spiritual blanket.”
In La Place de la République, Paris, the dance troupe found themselves performing in the midst of protests and events organized by other religious groups. Despite these tensions, the dance performance, nestled in the center, attracted the largest crowd. “What stood the longest and pulled the most people was our platform,” said Elizabeth Karpov, a seasoned Project Dance participant. “It was amazing to see how God moved through all the spiritual warfare happening around us.”
The PBA Dance Ensemble performed a diverse set of pieces, including Signature Moves by Amy Hemel, the Korean Fan Dance, and I Am, choreographed by Siju. Additionally, they featured a classical ballet solo and duet performances. A special highlight was the participation of guest performer Emma, a close friend of PBA, who joined the ensemble for both a solo and duet, as well as Cheryl Cutlip’s piece, With Us.
PBA Dance Leaders Exemplify Faith in Motion
The students had exceptional praise for the professors leading the group and how they embodied servant leadership throughout the trip. “They showed us new ways to connect with God, whether it was through devotionals, leading worship, or even small acts like putting sunscreen on us during rehearsals,” Elizabeth Ogden recalled. “Their actions reflected the heart of Christ in everything they did.
Kylie, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Miss Stella and Miss Jin made sure our focus wasn’t just on the performance but on our relationship with God and each other. Whether it was preparing meals, leading prayer, or offering a word of encouragement, they were always there for us—it was about showing us how to serve others with love and humility.” The students emphasized that the professors’ servant leadership was a key factor in not only their success at Project Dance but in deepening their personal faith journeys.
Project Dance Comes to West Palm Beach
As PBA looks ahead to the 2024-2025 academic year, the group is excited to have Project Dance come to West Palm Beach in January 2025. It will be among a lineup of events showcasing PBA’s commitment to combining art with ministry.
The dance program at PBA is one of only a few Christian universities to offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in dance, equips students to serve not just with their talent, but with their hearts. Elizabeth Long, a first-year student who sat quietly in the circle, started PBA in August, and while she wasn’t a part of Project Dance, she was eager to add her excitement about the program. “I wanted to combine my faith with my art and when I did my research, PBA was one of the only institutions I found that truly fosters both.”
Project Dance is not just a performance—it’s an experience that deepens students’ faith, expands their artistry, and allows them to minister to people from all walks of life. As we celebrate National Dance Day, we recognize the impact PBA’s program has on students and the communities they reach.
To learn more about PBA’s dance program visit here. To see the list of upcoming dance events check out this link.
