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Jack Cole

Choreographer · Innovator · Teacher · Syllabus / System Builder

Jack Cole

Father of Theatrical Jazz Dance

Golden Age of HollywoodMid-20th centuryUnited States

Why They Matter

He created the vocabulary that Fosse, Robbins, and every subsequent jazz choreographer built upon.

Known For

Jazz dance codificationHindu-jazz fusionFilm choreographyMarilyn Monroe coaching
JazzFilm DanceChoreography

Biography

Jack Cole synthesized East Indian dance, African American vernacular, and ballet into a jazz dance style that became the foundation for all Broadway and film jazz choreography.

As a choreographer, innovator, teacher and syllabus / system builder active during the Golden Age of Hollywood and Mid-20th century eras, Jack left an indelible mark on Jazz, Film Dance, Choreography across United States. They are particularly remembered for Jazz dance codification, Hindu-jazz fusion, Film choreography.

Legacy & Impact

He created the vocabulary that Fosse, Robbins, and every subsequent jazz choreographer built upon.

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