Ms. Cohen-Hafford is a sought-after coach and guest teacher, currently specializing in ballet coaching with professionals and students worldwide. Her diverse professional repertoire included contemporary ballet, the classics, Balanchine works and modern dance, providing her with a comprehensive background and understanding of the essential requirements for ballet professionals. She is excited to work with Studio West dancers as their Resident Guest Teacher.
In 2019, Ms. Cohen-Hafford was invited to observe classes, rehearsals and an array of performances at top European ballet companies and schools including the Stuttgart Ballet, Dresden SemperOper Ballet, and the John Cranko Ballet School. This experience enhanced her insight into the current trends and versatility demands in modern, contemporary, and classical ballet techniques, choreography, and training.
Ms.Cohen-Hafford was Artistic Director of Conservatory Ballet of Washington and Director of the Ballet Department of Washington Academy of Performing Arts. She served as a dance faculty member at Oakland University, MI. She was Rehearsal Director and faculty member at Cornish College of the Arts Preparatory Dance Program for 18 years, teaching, staging, and choreographing. In 2021 she was honored to be invited by Regional Dance America NE to adjudicate, select, and program for the three performances of the multi-region festival.
During her extensive performing career, Ms. Cohen-Hafford toured nationally and internationally. She danced principal roles in multiple classical ballets as well as in works by some of the most eminent contemporary choreographers. These included Ashton, Balanchine, Butler, Cranko, Forsythe, and Tetley. She had the privilege of working personally with many of these choreographers as well as with distinguished ballet directors and teachers. She danced with Ballet British Columbia, Ballet Jorgen, Metropolitan Ballet Theater, and was a guest artist for numerous schools and companies including Pennsylvania Ballet. Ms. Cohen-Hafford was honored to be chosen for the lead role in the Canadian première of William Forsythe’s “In the middle, somewhat elevated.”
Ms.Cohen-Hafford’s choreography includes works for Ballet British Columbia’s Choreographic Workshop and Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet’s Choreoplan. Several works have been presented by Regional Dance America (RDA) companies, including Gala Night performances in 1994 and 1999, as well as by Cornish College Preparatory Dance Company amongst others. In 1996 she was awarded an RDA Craft of Choreography Award. Ms. Cohen-Hafford has choreographed for and coached finalists for the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix including several New York award winners.
Ms. Cohen-Hafford earned a diploma in Dance Training from George Brown College, Canada. She was awarded an Advanced Diploma in Spanish Dance by the South African Spanish Dance Society.