Ariel Cohen - Modern Dance
Ariel Gonzalez Cohen, originally from Shelburne Falls, MA, has an M.F.A. in Dance from Smith College (teaching fellow and tuition waiver, 2007), a B.A. in English from UMass Amherst (2000), and a pilates certification from Ellie Herman Pilates Studio in San Francisco (2003). Her evolution from ballet to modern dancer began in 1998 and carried her to San Francisco (2000-2004) where she performed with numerous companies and independent choreographers including Company Chaddick, Huckaby McAllister Dance and as a soloist with Dance Repertory San Francisco and Peck Peck Dance Ensemble. While in San Francisco she taught movement for the ODC Children's Program, American Conservatory Theatre and the Hills Project. Since moving back to Western Massachusetts in 2004, Ariel has worked as a freelance artist, performing locally and in Houston, San Francisco, Scotland, Boston, New York and Providence. In 2006 she was invited to perform a solo of her making at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. for the ACDFA National Gala and was nominated for the ACDFA/Dance Magazine Choreographer Award. This September slipperyfish dance, a two woman company she co-directs and performs in with Kellie Lynch, premiered its first full evening of work. Ariel also recently completed her first season with Wire Monkey Dance Company, dancing in rigorous works on scaffolding. In addition to performing, Ariel works as a movement therapist and teaches dance at Smith, Mt. Holyoke and Amherst College and at the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter High School, East Street Ballet and Amherst Ballet.
