Lindsey Jones graduated from COCA’s program in 2008 after spending eight years immersed in classes. She was a committed dancer as a pre-professional member of COCAdance and spent almost every day at COCA.
“COCA is where I learned what community is,” said Jones. “It was the most impactful place where I was vulnerable, put myself out there, pushed through the discomfort of being seen, and felt embraced.”
COCA not only introduced Lindsey to the discipline of dance but also opened the door to pursuing it as a career.
“You felt the soul of it, but also the high expectations,” she said. “Being a dancer takes so much resiliency, and I learned a lot of that at COCA.”
Lindsey went on to earn a BFA in dance from SUNY Purchase, performing with the Trisha Brown Dance Company and as a freelance artist. Later, she expanded her expertise by studying at the Arbor Vitae School of Traditional Herbalism.
Today, Lindsey has a multifaceted career. She was recently an adjunct professor at Rutgers University. Lindsey teaches Cunningham Technique and performs with Pam Tanowitz Dance and Dance Heginbotham. Lindsey explained that experimentalism is core to her teaching philosophy, which is why she loves the Cunningham Technique – it explores infinite possibilities of movement. She also works as an herbalist, providing holistic guidance to clients and giving advice about food and lifestyle choices.
One of her most meaningful experiences has been teaching adaptable dance to people with Parkinson’s disease. Lindsey values the ability to build community through dance.
“There is such a rise in loneliness and isolation,” said Jones. “Dancing together in real time is so powerful and needed.”
Lindsey cherishes performing, with highlights including Pam Tanowitz’s choreography at the BAM Opera Theatre in 2022 and dancing at City Center.
Her advice to COCA’s students is clear: “We are processes, always changing. There’s no need to brand or rebrand yourself—don’t limit yourself to any one identity. We are all multi-talented; there’s no reason to simplify who we are.”
Photos of Lindsey at COCA:
Featured Image Credit: Janelle Jones
