Two women dance on a stage in black leotards and black skirts. Instructor Michelle Cooper partnering with her sister Abigail. Michelle stands in a wide stance and lifts Abigail, who holds her leg in an extension à la seconde. Michelle Cooper is a mod
Dancers in neon and white costumes featuring striped stockings and bright hats, lit with blacklight. The Festivus in All of Us choreography for Let There Be Light 2012 by Michelle Cooper, who is a modern + contemporary teaching artist for Cumulus Dan

The Festivus in All of Us (2012) choreography for Let There Be Light

Dancers in white costumes face away from the audience, lit with blacklight. It’s Tricky choreography for Let There Be Light event 2010, by instructor Michelle Cooper, who is a modern + contemporary teaching artist for Cumulus Dance in Charlottesville
Dancers in white costumes and white hats perform hip hop movements, lit with blacklight. It’s Tricky choreography for Let There Be Light event 2010, by instructor Michelle Cooper, who is a modern + contemporary teaching artist for Cumulus Dance in Ch

It’s Tricky (2010) choreography for Let There Be Light

Michelle Cooper

Michelle Hutcherson Cooper grew up in Fluvanna County. She began her dance training in the early 80's at Brushwood's School of Dance in Gordonsville. While training at BSD, she was a charter member of Performance Company and apprenticed the younger classes. When Michelle was a junior in high school, she joined the faculty at BSD, teaching Pre-Ballet and Primary classes. During high school, Michelle choreographed and performed in musicals at Four County Players in Barboursville and and danced with Miki Liszt Dance Company II in Charlottesville.

After graduating from Fluvanna County High School, Michelle continued to pursue her love for dance at James Madison University and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in theater and dance. While attending JMU, she was a member of JMU's Contemporary Dance Ensemble and taught dance classes for Elkton Parks and Recreation as well as BSD.

Michelle has taught dance in a number of programs throughout Central Virginia over the past two decades, including STAB Lower School's After-School Program, Covenant Lower School's After-School Program, Orange County's Head Start Program and Four County Players Summer Theater Camp.

From 2007 - 2019, Michelle was an adjunct dance instructor at Piedmont Virginia Community College. Over her 12 years of teaching at PVCC, she helped produce over 15 mainstage and black box concerts, was the faculty advisor for the PVCC Dance Club and participated in/taught at five American College Dance Festivals.

Michelle's choreography has been performed at the American College Dance Festival, Let There Be Light, Kings Dominion Dance Festival, PVCC Dance Concerts, JMU Dance Concerts and local events/festivals.

Currently, Michelle is the Business Administrator for Zion Christian Children's Center in Troy. She lives at Lake Monticello with her super talented husband, Jason, and her 3 children who are involved in the arts.

Website: studiochasse.com