Configuration Summer Intensives
Configuration School of Ballet’s summer program will offer students a chance to truly engage in the experience of dance. Guest Teachers, CSB Faculty and members of Configuration Dance Theatre have joined together to create a program that will allow dance students to learn classical technique, variations, choreography and work with each other in an environment that fosters a positive attitude towards artistry, creativity and good health.
- Creating dances – an introduction to choreographic techniques – students will learn to create their own dances
- Configuration Rep Class – learn contemporary dances from the Configuration Dance Theatre Repertoire
- Classical Variations – students will learn variations from classical repertoire.
Classes are tailored to a variety of ages and levels and all instructors have extensive backgrounds in dance and education.
Sign up before May 15th and pay no registration Fees!
1 Week Summer Intensive
June 21st – June 25th
Ages 12 and up
Intermediate/Advanced Level
10:30 to 3:30 pm
Fees: $185
Registration $15
Limited space available
Emphasis will be on classical technique, pointe and variations. Students will prepare for intensive summer programs, continuing to focus on strength and artistry.
2 Week Summer Intensive
July 12 -23 (Monday through Friday)
Elementary Level – Ages 8 and up
Intermediate/Advanced Level – Ages 12 and up
10:30 to 3:30 pm
Fee: $400
Registration $25
Limited space available
2 Week Summer Intensive featuring Guest Faculty
August 9 – 20 (Monday through Friday)
Elementary Level – Ages 8 and up
Intermediate/Advanced Level – Age 12 and up
10:30 to 3:30 pm
Fee: $450
Registration $25
Limited space available
Guest Faculty Bio:
CHRISTINA JOHNSON VOJVODICH
Born in Vienna, Austria, Christina began her dance education at age seven. She trained at the Boston School of Ballet, the School of American Ballet and the Dance Theatre of Harlem. By the time she was seventeen she began her professional career. She was a member of the Boston Ballet for two years before joining the Dance Theatre of Harlem, where she rose to become a principal dancer during her 13-year tenure. She danced leading roles in much of the company?s repertoire, including Swan Lake, Giselle, Firebird, Voluntaries, Prodigal Son, The Four Temperaments and Fancy Free. Christina has worked with distinguished choreographers and coaches, among them, Jerome Robbins, Frederic Franklin, Suzanne Farrell, Allegra Kent and Sir Anthony Dowell. She also has had original works created on her by Glen Tetley, RuiHorta, Alonzo King and Dwight Rhoden among others. She was a member of the Swiss companies, Le Ballet du Grand Theatre de Geneve for five years and the Ballett Basel for two years, where her repertoire expanded to include works by William Forsythe, JiriKylian, James Kudelka, OhadNaharin, Jean-Christophe Maillot, Twyla Tharp, Amanda Miller and David Parsons to name a few. Christina has been a featured guest artist with various companies worldwide, including the renowned Royal Ballet of London. She is a founding member of Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Christina made her Broadway debut in The Red Shoes. She is also featured in The African Americans, a book which portrays accomplished African Americans in various fields.
After her performance career Christina has been sought after as a teacher, coach and ballet master, and has worked with companies such as the Washington Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, Joffrey Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, North Carolina Dance Theatre, GotesborgBallett, Ballett Basel, and Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo to name a few. Christina held the position of Rehearsal Director for Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet in New York. In addition, she assisted Frederic Franklin with the restaging of Giselle for the Joffrey Ballet, and also assisted choreographers Dwight Rhoden and NicoloFonte with several new creations.
Christina continues her work as teacher, coach and ballet master for dance companies and schools worldwide.
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.