Cherri Coleman is an independent teaching artist of dance, theatre and heritage arts. She founded her own business at age 17, incorporated a non-profit organization at 20 and staged her first full length ballet at 21. Cherri has mentored the “Beggar Boys Band”, founded by a pair of 12 and 8 year old musicians to provide period correct entertainment for state historic sites; and served as the founder and Artistic Director of Children’s Dance Theatre, a company of 8-18 year-olds dancers touring full-length productions such as “The Nutcracker”. Graduates of her student-led programs have gone on to Broadway, international tours, careers in stagecraft and graphic arts, video, music and film.

As a native Tennessean Cherri keeps alive local traditions of storytelling, white oak and cane basketry while training the next generation of heritage art enthusiasts.  Her current endeavor is “Celebrating Our Roots©”, a program which partners with the National Storytelling Network and local historic sites to train high school and middle school students in leadership, community building and historic preservation. “Celebrating Our Roots©” was ranked #1 by the Tennessee Arts Commission in Arts and Education programs its first year of application.

Cherri is a Tennessee Arts Commission Roster Artist, a member of the Board of Directors of the National Storytelling Network, as well as member of Americans for the Arts The Volunteer State Tellers,The National Basketry Organization and Artist Corps Tennessee.