Julia Cooper-Pelkey

Biography

Julia is a teacher, artist, and choreographer. She began her career in Fort Collins, Colorado as a Canyon Concert Ballet Company member, working with a variety of artists including Lorita Travaglia and Bobby Ball. She earned her B.F.A. from The University of Wyoming, under the direction of Jennifer Deckert, Lawrence Jackson, Marsha Knight, Margaret Wilson, and Aaron Wood. She has studied with companies such as American Repertory Theatre, Trey McIntyre Project, Alonzo King Lines Ballet, Repertory Dance Theatre, Ririe Woodberry, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet.

Julia spent two years dancing in New York City performing with Ballet Inc. and Sheep Meadow Dance Theatre, which involved a variety of venues, including the Battery Dance Festival. During her time in the city she taught a wide variety of ages in dance and acting, working with Four Corners Creative and The Peridance School. Julia also had the opportunity to guest with several photographers, working both as a dancer and model.

Julia completed her M.F.A. in dance choreography from The University of Iowa. During her three years at Iowa, she expanded her choreographic research with a focus on historical context, the use of narrative, and an emphasis on human connection. Julia is now an instructor at Colorado State University in the dance department. Her academic teaching history includes ballet, pointe, jazz, musical theatre, tap, modern, yoga, dance history, and dance kinesiology.