We had the good fortune of connecting with Cameron Cunningham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cameron, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want the people I work with, wether they are employees, clients, costumers or donors to know that they are loved, valued and they are significant. I always say “If it dies with you it is not bigger than you.” My desire is that the work I am doing now impacts generations to come and continues long after I am gone through the the people I have served.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
​I moved to Grand Junction in 2015 and did not know a single person. I came out here to go to Colorado Mesa University and ended up graduating with a bachelors in health and fitness promotion and a minor in dance. I went on to become a certified strength and conditioning specialist. I founded Reverent Rhythms from the kitchen counter of my friends home when I was a junior in college (at age 21). I got the idea for Reverent Rhythms and started less than a week later. I cast a vision for an international performing arts ministry and started with the resources that I had at the time. Reverent Rhythms went from teaching donation based dance classes in a church gymnasium and doing ametuer showcases to operating a school of the arts, on going community outreach programs, a touring professional dance company and over seas missions. All in less than 4 years. Our mission is to use excellence in performing arts education and performance to actively demonstrate the love of Christ to our community, our nation and our world. I solidified our mission during the early stages of development. The one thing I got right from the get go (there was plenty I got wrong trust me) is that I learned to communicate the mission clearly and create space for others to take part in it. I surrounded myself with people much wiser than me to hold me accountable and to pour into me. There have been many challenges along the way such as a divorce, several housing crisis, health set backs, juggling multiple jobs, opposition from those who didn’t think it was possible, launching a business during the pandemic, not to mention the normal ups and downs of running a non profit. I had no business or non profit experience prior to starting Reverent Rhythms. I learned everything from the ground up and had to ask a lot of questions and google even more things along the way. There have been countless reasons to quit or give up along the way and I truly believe most people would have, with good reason. I’m just not most people. I am continuously humbled by the fact that I am working my dream job, with an incredible team of board of directs, employees and volunteers. Starting Reverent Rhythms has given me the opportunity to work with a wide variety of people. I have worked with orphans in Uganda, sex trafficking victims, kids who have lost a parents, professional athletes and artist, low income students, senior citizens, juvenile correctional facility participants, traditional students and neuro atypical students. I have gotten to travel overseas and experience other cultures. All through the performing arts. My heart is to use my skill sets to serve my community my nation and my world. My position with Reverent Rhythms gives me the platform to do so and provide a platform for others to do the same. It has also given me the experience to start my second business CC Coaching LLC.

More about our programming:
Our school of the arts offers over 40 classes a week to all ages with two annual student productions. This school year we allocated over $13,000 in scholarships to low income families, single mom house holds and families from a variety of walks of life. We have on going programs with a variety of organizations serving marginalized demographics making excellence in performing arts accessible. Our professional company is approaching their third touring season. They take their production on the road while teaching at and connecting with churches, studios and organizations throughout the country. We are currently building a dance program form the ground up in Uganda Africa while partnering with Father to the Fatherless ministries. Uganda is just the beginning of our Africa focused missions.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have lived in Grand Junction for 8 years now and love it! I spend most of my free time hanging out with my dog, frequenting a local winery or brewery, or going for a hike. If it is nice out you can find me on the river or as close as I can get to a body of water. You won’t find me at many large scale events or concerts as I prefer to avoid crowds or large groups of people unless it is work related. I enjoy weekends at home getting things done around the house.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family, my board of directors, my employees and a handful of close friends.

Abigayle Nunez is the Assistant Director of Reverent Rhythms and has been with me from day 1!

Website: https://www.reverentrhythms.com

Instagram: Reverent Rhythms Dance Company or Reverent Rhythms School of The Arts

Facebook: Reverent Rhythms Dance Company or Reverent Rhythms School of The Arts

Other: Facebook – CC Coaching LLC Instagram – CC Coaching LLC

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.