Instructor Biographies
School Founders
Joseph Cipolla
Joseph is a Buffalo native whose immersion into dance
began at American Academy of Ballet under the tutelage of
Maris Battaglia. Cipolla's talents have taken him to stages
around the world, performing as a principal dancer with the
Birmingham Royal Ballet, Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet, and the
Dance Theatre of Harlem. Highlights of his thirty-two year
career include performing at the White House during a visit
by Margaret Thatcher, dancing in the closing ceremonies of
the 2004 Summer Olympics and receiving a nomination for
the prestigious Olivier Award. Cipolla's teaching resume is
worldly and extensive. The Royal Ballet School, Birmingham
Royal Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Boston Ballet,
Walnut Hill School and Chautauqua Institution are a mere
sampling of his experience. He has an entry in "Who's Who
in America" and "People of Today" and is the Director and
Co-Founder of Configuration Dance Theatre.
Kolleen Fischer
Kolleen brings to the Configuration School of Ballet extensive
training in dance instruction. She received the majority of
her Vaganova training at the Royal Academy of Ballet under
the direction of Ginger Burke and later at the American
Academy of Ballet. She has taught classical ballet for all levels
and choreographed for numerous studios and workshops and
has an extensive background in Early Childhood Education
and Dance. After earning her Bachelor of Arts from the
University at Buffalo, she entered UB's Graduate School
of Education to complete her Master's Degree. American
Academy of Ballet, Darlene Ceglia Dance Project and the
David DeMarie Dance Studio are a few among her teaching
credits. Fischer currently acts as the Company Managing
Director for Configuration Dance Theatre.