HISTORY // BIO
SCHOOL OF BALLET
"The inspiring work and wonderful teaching of Joe Cipolla and Kolleen Fischer has brought me to a new level of appreciation for dance."
We opened our doors at the Corner of Lexington and Ashland in the heart of the Elmwood Village.
Joseph Cipolla is a former principal dancer with the Birmingham Royal Ballet, Sadler Wells Royal Ballet, and the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Mr. Cipolla, a Buffalo native and the company’s Artistic Director, has felt an earnest desire to give something back to his hometown community. This venture satisfies that longing. Cipolla believes that the school is a natural development in the growth of the company, stating that,
“Our school adds a greater sense of purpose to CDT’s mission, which is to educate, to serve a broad range of communities, and to raise awareness of the social importance of the arts.”
The school provides instruction in Ballet, Modern and Character dance, and Pilates.
Professional dance instruction offers many benefits, including a raised awareness of the cultural and social importance of the arts, acquiring poise, confidence and grace, developing streamlined muscles, suppleness and flexibility, improve posture and a keener ability to focus through the physical and mental discipline that dance training develops.
The staff includes Cipolla, who boasts thirty-two years of international experience, and fellow school founder, Kolleen Fischer along with guest instructors from other professional companies as well as established dancers who perform with Configuration Dance Theatre.
Classes are available for all age groups with encouragement given to all skill levels, but Cipolla asserts,
” the emphasis will be on providing more than just dance lessons. We will be offering our students a chance to truly engage in the experience of dance.”
Students who excel will be considered for the specialized, professional training program and possible inclusion with the troupe in their scheduled performances and the company’s appearances in New York City.