I first saw this wonderful dancer in Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake. What happened next will be a familiar story to all those who know the production. I was totally consumed by it and by the man I had seen onstage. He is tall and powerfully built and he dominated the action, especially as The Swan. I wanted and needed to know more about both the production and him. Well I certainly learned more about the production but found frustratingly little about Simon. I knew he had danced with Rambert Dance Company but I had no idea if he had returned there or whether he was touring with AMP or had moved elsewhere entirely.
My answer came about three months later when Rambert came to my home town. Passing the theatre I saw a poster for Ghost Dances and instantly recognised this as a piece in which Simon would excel. I was in need of an infusion of good dance and I knew I would get it with Rambert come-what-may so I booked the ticket. Imagine my delight when I read the cast list and saw Simon’s name as one of the ghosts. And I found I had no difficulty in spotting him. Even with the mask that unmistakable Cooper magic shines through. Not surprisingly I am now a devoted follower of Rambert as well as New Adventures.
I still found that I had to wait until an interview with Simon was published on ballet.co.uk to find out a bit more about the man himself. He trained at Arts Educational School and Royal Ballet Upper School before joining English National Ballet (then London Festival Ballet). In 1994 he made the switch to contemporary dance with Rambert Dance Company where he is now one of the mainstays. He won the Time Out Award for Best Performance for his portrayal of The Bull in Christopher Bruce’s Cruel Garden. His power and grace draw the eye whenever he is onstage. I have had the privilege of meeting Simon and he is charming, shy and modest, often appearing surprised when I say I have enjoyed his dancing! Well I do and I am not alone. Long may he continue to weave his own magic on the dance stage.
The author of this Simon Cooper Swoon prefers to remain anonymous. Please direct any questions or comments to Dani and they will be passed along. Thank you.
July 2003 |
