Daniel Cooke received his early training in his hometown of Washington, D.C., continuing his studies at The Orlando Ballet School and Patel Conservatory. As a Mary Day Scholar and Youth America Grand Prix medalist, Cooke completed his post-secondary training at Canada’s National Ballet School then joined the National Ballet of Canada, dancing works by Ashton, Nureyev, James Kudelka, and others. He was then invited to join the Dutch National Ballet Junior Company. Cooke’s repertoire at the Dutch National Ballet included all major classics, new works, and soloist roles. Noted for his interpretation of classical and modern works, Cooke has been praised internationally by critics as “a gallant partner,” carrying off the most “technical [and] fiendish” choreography with “cleanliness [and] aplomb.” Cooke joined The Suzanne Farrell Ballet for its penultimate season, adding the works of George Balanchine to his repertoire. He has also danced for Complexions Contemporary Ballet and American Repertory Ballet, dancing soloist roles to acclaim in major classics and modern works.

Cooke joined Oklahoma City Ballet in 2020 as a member of the corps de ballet. Since that time, he has taken on new creations by artistic director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye, soloist and principal roles, and continued his own choreographic ventures.