Princeton’s dance program started in 1969 with a noncredit class in modern dance taught by dancer/choreographer Ze’eva Cohen. Since then it has grown to nearly a dozen courses in movement, choreography, dance history, and performance, taught by 13 faculty members and guest artists.

Cohen, who headed the dance program from 1969 until 2008, is the dominant figure in Princeton dance. Now a professor of dance, Cohen will retire at the end of the spring term. The Lewis Center for the Arts is sponsoring a tribute April 3 at 6 p.m. in McCarter Theatre Center’s Berlind Theatre.

The following images illustrate the progression of the dance program over the years. We encourage readers to help us identify the many students whose names are not provided.

Photographs courtesy Lewis Center for the Arts

Courtesy Lewis Center for the Arts

At the beginning – Professor Ze’eva Cohen, left, with a dance class (October 1969). Photograph by Robert P. Matthews.

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