Betsy Cooper

Betsy Cooper is Professor and Interim Chair of the Department of Dance at Marymount Manhattan College. She has held significant administrative and academic roles at institutions including California State University, Long Beach, the Hartt School at the University of Hartford, and the University of Washington. Her expertise spans performance, choreography, and dance scholarship.

• M.F.A. in Dance, University of Washington
• B.A. in Archaeological Studies, Yale University, cum laude

Her research centers on the intersections of dance, politics, and the censorship of the body, particularly in mid-20th century concert dance and the Hollywood film industry. With a strong background in both classical and contemporary dance, Cooper trained at the School of American Ballet and performed with companies across the United States and abroad, including Nationaltheater Mannheim, Seattle Dance Project, and Connecticut Ballet.

Her choreographic work has been commissioned by institutions such as Bucknell University, Western Washington University, and Arc Dance Company, where she served as resident choreographer from 2007 to 2011. Though no publications are listed in the provided text, her scholarly focus suggests deep engagement with cultural, political, and historical dimensions of dance.

She is the recipient of the 2004 Distinguished Teaching Award from the University of Washington, recognizing her excellence in pedagogy.

• 2004 Distinguished Teaching Award, University of Washington

Cooper advises and mentors within the dance program, contributing to curriculum development and student artistic growth through her leadership and creative scholarship. While specific grant funding is not mentioned, her research and choreographic commissions indicate sustained support for her artistic and academic work.

She has been a key figure in multiple dance companies and academic departments, contributing to both performance ensembles and educational frameworks. Her leadership as Interim Chair underscores her commitment to advancing dance education and institutional development.