About Us
"Wonderful, wonderful, most wonderful, Robert Cohan’s choreographic and artistic legacy lives on." -British Theatre Guide, 26 March 2023
The Sir Robert Cohan Dance Legacy CIC (RCDL) supports production of Cohan’s choreographic works as well as research into his choreography, teaching, and professional life. The RCDL assists dance companies and organisations seeking to restage works from Cohan's extensive repertoire. In partnerships with leading dance organisations and educational institutions, RCDL presents performances, seminars and public events designed to expand upon the Cohan legacy and contribute to the evolution of contemporary dance. -Photo: Anthony Crickmay. LCDT dancers Linda Gibbs and Kate Harrison performing Cohan's Class (1975).
About Sir Robert Cohan CBE
Described as a national treasure and the man who transformed dance in the UK, Sir Robert Cohan was one of the true pioneers of modern and contemporary dance. Born in New York in 1925, Cohan joined the Martha Graham Dance Company in 1947 and moved to London in 1968 to assume the role of founding artistic director of The Place and the London Contemporary Dance Theatre. His impact on the dance world in the UK and Europe was immediate and profound. For over seven decades Cohan helped to shape and reshape the art of dance in the UK and abroad. He was a passionate advocate and ambassador for contemporary dance. Cohan worked tirelessly to develop and expand audiences for dance around the world. He nurtured multiple generations of dancers and choreographers. His sphere of influence is immeasurable and his choreographic works continue to inspire!
For more about Cohan's life and work please view the downloadable PDF. -Photo: Cohan Knighthood Investiture, Buckingham Palace courtesy Palace press office.
Cohan's Repertoire
Between 1952 and 2021, Cohan created nearly 100 original works. His pieces have been performed by the Martha Graham Dance Company, London Contemporary Dance Theatre, Ballet Rambert, Batsheva Dance Company, Scottish Ballet, Richard Alston Dance Company, and the Yorke Dance Project to name just a few. Audiences have gathered to view his works at some of the world's most noted venues including the Sadler's Wells Theatre, Royal Opera House (London), City Center (New York) and the Olympics (Seoul and Los Angeles). Cohan was a rare master, equally adept at narrative and abstraction. His works are imbued with technical complexity, emotional and spiritual depth, and sincere intelligence. They can delight us, disturb us, reach us or perplex us, but they never fail to engage us. For a list of Cohan works please click the link.