About
COLE
'It's bigger than all of us.' - Chet Walker
Thus was the birth of the first Theatrical Jazz Dance technique.
Cole's virtuosic and multi-cultural style, which he called 'urban folk dance', paved the way for such iconic figures as Agnes Des Mille, Bob Fosse, Jerome Robbins, Gwen Verdon, Twyla Tharp, and Andy Blankenbuehler. Though Cole went on to become a prolific Broadway and Film choreographer, his legacy has been widely forgotten. Those who do stumble upon this man's hidden, yet profound, legacy ultimately ask themselves... 'Why don't I know who this is?'
So was the question the late Broadway choreographer Chet Walker had when he began researching Jack Cole's work back in 2011. Walker dedicated much of his later career to passing on the legacy of Jack Cole, continuing this mission for over a decade until his passing in 2022. Chet Walker's impact on the global Theater Dance community has led to multiple creative and educational ventures to keep both his and Jack Cole's stories alive.
Over a hundred years ago, Jack Cole changed the course of dance history when he traveled to places such as India and the Caribbean, seeking authentic immersion and training in numerous world and vernacular styles of dance. Back in the United States, Cole blended his interpretations of African dance, Bharatanatyam, and Afro-Latin dance styles, to name a few, with New York Lindy Hop and social dance, and European Ballet. Setting his choreography to popular Jazz and Swing music of the era, Cole charmed New York and Hollywood audiences with a new evocative type of entertainment no one had ever seen before. From there, Cole codified his own idiom and method of teaching this unique style of dancing.
OUR MISSION
COLE JAZZ is dedicated to continuing to celebrate and preserve this important branch of dance history, re-ingniting the level of authenticity and integrity held by Cole's original work into the current Theater Dance scene. We are devoted to sharing Cole's story, and to bringing Cole's legacy into the 21st century by evolving his training method and developing work in his essence that is both historically resonant and modern.
One of COLE JAZZ's primary goals is to make this level of work and deep training accessible to dance communities across the globe. Our educational endeavors have spanned to New York City, London, Tokyo, and Mexico City. In conjunction with our training programs, we are passionate about developing work internationally, and through our storytelling instilling a deeper awareness and appreciation for where this art form comes from.
Jazz is, at its core, a shared cultural experience. Our Company works to create empowering, equitable space and opportunity for artistic expression, regardless of one's race, gender, sexual-orientation, socio-economic status or creed. We aim to lead with the same care that Cole did by bringing those who have been historically underrepresented back to the forefront of the conversation. We prioritize casting artists who reflect the global majority, and collaborating with creative leaders that hold authentic experience in and understanding for the cultures and world movements that inform Jazz's rich heritage.
COLE JAZZ is fiscally sponsored by Theater Now New York.