Lee Nolting 

Lee Nolting is recently retired from COCA where she served as the Jazz and Musical Theatre Dance Coordinator as well as the Artistic Director Emerita of COCAdance. Lee was trained in St. Louis, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and New York. Before her teaching career, Lee was a professional dancer with Dean Martin’s Golddiggers, and numerous local and touring productions. Lee was fortunate to work with Miss Katherine Dunham in East St. Louis. From 1982–1991, she was the ballet mistress, rehearsal assistant, jazz and tap instructor for the Katherine Dunham Museum Children’s Workshop under the direction of Darryl Braddix. It was during this time that Lee was able to meet and work with Alvin Ailey in connection with the show he staged as a tribute to Miss D, “The Magic of Katherine Dunham,” as well as The First Annual Black Dance Festival in Atlanta. In 2003, Lee was recognized by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts for her encouragement and support of students who have been recognized for their exceptional artistic achievements.