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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 legacy back in 2011. Walker dedicated much of his later career to passing on the legacy of Jack Cole, continuing this work 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 endeavors to keep both his and Jack Cole's stories alive. 

 

Now, COLE is dedicated to continuing this mission in celebrating and preserving this 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 aim to continue sharing Cole's story, and to bring Cole's legacy into the 21st century by developing work in his essence that is both historically resonant and modern.