ABOUT
Robin Cofer is a classically trained dancer, performance artist and choreographer working at the intersection of dance and visual arts. Based in New York City, Robin’s projects address themes of female empowerment, identity and myth, while using fashion as a method to explore a myriad of issues including objectification, self-expression, gender and beauty. Often site-specific, her pieces develop from spontaneous reactions to her environment and are grounded in collaboration. Her recent projects include partnering with filmmaker, Sarah Singh during the 2020 New York City Spring/Summer quarantine on a Polaroid and 35mm digital project, “Park Avenue is Dead”, which includes an 11-page poetic exercise. The artist also stars in Singh’s film, “Alexandra”, an epic, experimental film shooting across multiple countries including Greece, Egypt and India, resuming in late 2020. Cofer performed solo for Iceland’s International Art Biennale Fresh Winds, 6th Edition, in early 2020 in Singh’s experimental performance piece, “Endless Journey to the End of the World.” For Miami Art Basel 2019, Cofer choreographed, styled, and performed, “The Only Cat in a Dog Show”: a concept by Sarah Singh in collaboration with Onishi Gallery and Altuzzara. In 2019, during a residency at Sara Kay Gallery, Robin directed a 3-part neoclassical, on pointe, conceptual piece with spoken word which she choreographed, styled and performed investigating the concept of the male gaze.
In 2019, Robin performed at the UNESCO site Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India, at the invitation of director Sarah Singh for Panorama Editions, Vol.2: an international contemporary arts salon. She performed her site-specific piece “Robin/Peacock”: an interplay of choreography and improvisation with a live classical Indian musician. Robin styled the multi-layer costuming with a vintage Elie Saab gown as the outer layer. Another career highlight was being partnered by two-time Tony nominated Broadway choreographer and dancer, Joey McKneely, in a classical ballet/Fossi pas de deux for East Hamptons Guild Hall “Night of 100 Stars”.
From age 13, Robin spent summers training as a dancer with Balanchine’s School of American Ballet, (SAB), American Ballet Theater, and renowned ballet master, Maggie Black. She performed in the Riverside Church Dance Series, NYC, in principal roles when 16, shortly before accepting a merit dance scholarship to SUNY Purchase, where she majored in dance and political science. Cofer has performed neoclassical and classical ballet, modern dance, Bhangra, African and Hip-Hop dance.
Robin performed for the choreographer, Despina Stamos as part of her Dada inspired dance company at a range of venues throughout NYC, including Dance Theater Workshop, MoMa PS1, and La MaMa. She choreographed and performed solo pieces as part of the New York City Center showcases in 2019.
Robin studied in India, France, New Mexico and Chicago with four masters of yoga, meditation and spiritual philosophy and psychology, earning multiple certifications. She completed a 4 year seminary program and was ordained a Swami Priest in 2005, by Sri Goswami Kriyanandaj. She completed his Chaplaincy program in 2006. For her cd, “Sipping Breath” in 2007, she composed and performed seven songs to Sanskrit mantras. In 2011, Robin graduated from the Integrative Sound and Music Institute: a multicultural, multi-disciplinary, highly experiential approach to the study of sound, music and voice. After six years of Western theology study with theologians, the Rev. Canon Dr. Victor Lee Austin and the Rev. Dr. David Daniels, she then completed training at the School of Healing Prayer founded by the world renowned theologian, Francis MacNutt. In 2014, she became a Christian Healing Prayer Minister.
In addition, Robin is a costumer/headpiece designer. She has been designing diadems since 1997. Her process began with semi- precious stones and wire weaving. She is currently focusing on rare and re-purposed objects. Robin’s pieces have been featured during Panorama Editions, Vol 2, at Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, at several of her performances and were slated to be shown at MAD, Museum of Art and Design, Spring 2020.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Robin had dedicated her time as a mentor and philanthropist. She is a founding member of the Artemis Council at the New Museum, NYC: a dynamic group of activist women who support and fund exhibitions by female artists. Robin served as the Co-Chair for Dance Alliance, helping to raise over 3 million dollars over several years resulting in college scholarships for some of the most talented dancers in the United States.