Adam Cooper is an English dancer. He is both a performer and a choreographer in musical theatre. He has worked in famous shows like On Your Toes, Singin’ in the Rain, and Grand Hotel. Adam started his career as a ballet dancer and was a Principal at the Royal Ballet, a big ballet company in London. He became well-known for his role in Swan Lake, a contemporary dance production by Matthew Bourne. Adam Cooper was born in London in 1971 to a musician dad and a social worker mom. He has an older brother, Simon, who is also a dancer.
Adam and his brother learned tap and ballet at a dance school in Tooting. They also played musical instruments and sang in a choir. At 11, Adam went to ArtsEd, a special performing arts school in London. He studied ballet, character, modern, tap, jazz, and more. After finishing school at 16, he joined the Royal Ballet Upper School.
Adam Cooper got married to Sarah Wildor in 2000. She was a principal dancer at the Royal Ballet and later became an actress. They have a daughter born in 2008 and a son.
Dance Career:
- Joined the Royal Ballet in 1989 and became a Principal Dancer in 1994.
- Worked with choreographers like Kenneth MacMillan and William Tuckett.
- Partnered with famous ballerinas like Sylvie Guillem and Darcey Bussell.
- Left the Royal Ballet in 1997 to freelance.
Adventures in Motion Pictures:
- Joined Matthew Bourne’s company in 1995 for Swan Lake.
- Played the lead role of Swan/Stranger, gaining international acclaim.
- Won awards like Time Out Award and Evening Standard Dance Award.
Freelance Dancer and Choreographer:
- Worked with Scottish Ballet in 1998 and choreographed for other companies.
- Danced as a guest artist with the Royal Ballet.
- Created roles in ballets like Wind in the Willows and The Soldier’s Tale.
Musical Theatre:
- Started musical theatre in 2002 with On Your Toes, where he was both the choreographer and actor.
- Choreographed shows like Singin’ in the Rain and Grand Hotel.
- Acted in musicals like Guys and Dolls and Zorro the Musical.
Recent Years:
- Starred as Don Lockwood in Singin’ in the Rain from 2011 to 2013.
- Choreographed productions like Candide and Sunny Afternoon Musical.
- Appeared in the UK Tour of The Red Shoes in 2019.
Films and TV:
- Featured in films like Billy Elliot, Swan Lake (Bourne), and Jason and the Argonauts.
- Award-winning roles in Swan Lake and On Your Toes.
Awards:
- Received various awards, including Astaire Award, Time Out Award, and Critics’ Circle National Dance Award.