Sophia Cooper, FCLC '26

Major: Dance and American Studies

Bio: Originally from Lexington, KY, Sophia Cooper is a senior at Fordham and The Ailey School, double majoring in Dance and American Studies–concentrating in Diversity and Difference. Passionate about diversity in dance, Sophia has worked with various organizations, such as Brown Girls Do Ballet and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. During her time at Fordham, she has served on the Dean's Advisory Board and has been elected as the BFA class of 2026 class representative for all four years.

Title of Research: Now and Then

Mentors: Andrew Clark and Elizabeth Streeter, Dance

Research Partner: Morgan Clune

Abstract: "Now and Then" is a dance piece choreographed by Morgan Clune in collaboration with myself for my senior BFA solo project. Set to Roberta Flack's "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," the solo is based in memories of my four years spent in the Ailey/Fordham BFA program. The first section feels light, yet exploratory representing my freshman year, and as the piece goes on the movement becomes a more confident–taking up more space, moving in and out of several movement styles–representing the growth that I have experienced during this time, both artistically, technically and personally. In addition to the solo, I was given the opportunity to create my own costume; by using the tools I have learned from my work study position at The Ailey School, I have created something to go along with the piece in feeling and appearance. This project was possible with the help of the Dean's Mini Grant–I am forever grateful that I was able to make this dream a reality with the help of The Ailey School staff, Dr. Andrew Clark, Morgan Clune and of course, the Dean's Office.