Catie Richman | Contributing Writer CENTER DANCE ENSEMBLE 30 years of artistry and education from Arizona’s ‘godmother of modern dance’ THE STORY Phoenix’s Center Dance Ensemble founder and artistic director Frances Smith Cohen has nurtured a community of professional performing artists and dedicated her life to dance education. Her influence in the Arizona arts community spans decades and has earned her the title “godmother of modern dance.” Cohen started her formal dance training at 4. By the time she was 12, she was already choreographing and teaching. She went on to graduate from Bennington College in Vermont and serve as dance director of the Jewish Community Center in Tucson for 18 years. She also created Kadimah Dancers — the first professional modern dance company in Tucson — co-founded the University of Arizona dance program and helped establish the Arizona Dance Arts Alliance, to name just a few of her many accomplishments. In 1986, Cohen established the Arizona presence of Wolf Trap, a national program that brings dancers, puppeteers, actors and musicians to Head Start schools. She still serves as the program’s regional director today. In 1988, Cohen founded Center Dance Ensemble, a modern dance company with the vision to develop the art form through original works performed by professionally paid dancers. Center Dance Ensemble found its home at the Herberger Theater, and has been the resident modern dance company since the theater first opened its doors. As an artist, Cohen is a master storyteller and visionary, but what has truly made her a Valley icon is her ability to inspire and encourage others. “She has a deep respect for artists themselves and she nurtures everyone she comes in contact with,” said Howard Paley, general manager of Center Dance Ensemble. “You look across the span of time when you have somebody that’s warm and welcoming and nurturing, then it almost doesn’t even matter what the art form is — that person finds the encouragement they need through this woman to pursue their passion in life.” THE CAUSE Today, Center Dance Ensemble is recognized as the premier modern dance company in Arizona and has developed a repertoire of more than 150 dances of original choreography. Center Dance CHARITY SPOTLIGHT {giving back} 38 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | FEBRUARY 2019

Frances Smith Cohen ( above ) started her dance training with ballet and tap, but discovered her passion for modern dance while in high school. Photo courtesy of the Herberger Theater . Ensemble has a dual mission to produce the highest quality works and develop arts education programs to reach students across the Valley. “The company mission is performance and excellence in art form, but it’s also community and education and putting human soul and connection through dance and movement. We reach out in that way,” said Diane McNeal Hunt, Center Dance Ensemble’s assistant artistic director and education director. More than 6,000 children a year attend field trip performances of the beloved Valley holiday tradition Snow Queen through the Wolf Trap program. And Center Dance Ensemble brings performing arts to students through their school touring program, including The ABC’s of Dance and From Ballet to Beyoncé . The company also offers artist-in-the-school residences, which incorporate dance education into the school curriculum. “Many times, classrooms are on schedules and you know everybodyʼs working on the same problem or the same notebook. When you come in with performing arts, it gives them that creative outlet and that individual expression,” said McNeal Hunt. “Dance education is important. It offers soul and awakens other parts of the brain. It lets them have creative expression that a lot of times they don’t have an opportunity for.” THE FUTURE On March 3, Center Dance Ensemble will commemorate three decades of success at the Spirit of Dance 30 th Anniversary Celebration in their home at the Herberger Theater, followed by a performance of “Rite of Spring.” As part of the milestone event, Cohen will be honored with the Spirit of Dance Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by lifelong friends Billie Jo and Judd Herberger. At 87, Cohen is not slowing down. She continues to expand and evolve the Center Dance Ensemble alongside McNeal Hunt. The organization is also working to develop a family series alongside the professional concert programs in order to cater to a younger audience. “Center Dance Ensemble is going to be around for a long time,” Paley said. “The character of what we dance may change, but not the concept of the company. If the audience will continue to support us, and our donors will stand with FEBRUARY 2019 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 39