Joseph Cipolla's BREATHLESS to Arvo Pärt . Configuration Dance Theatre Co-Founder Artistic Director

CONFIGURATION DANCE THEATRE has been described by Dance Magazine as "a living art gallery." The New York Times reported, "the exciting contemporary thrust to their repertory and the dancers' innate classicism was the first great pleasure." ARTVOICE said, "As their name implies, their emphasis widens the scope of dance and dramatic, a certain 'noir-ness,' they lay bare emotions, startle the senses, and make one think."

CDT's choreographic leadership and excellence under Joseph Cipolla, co-Founder and Artistic Director, and Resident Choreographer, Michael Shannon, has been called the "Dream Team" by The Buffalo News, joined in 2007 by the quintessential American Ballet Theatre star, Susan Jaffe, as Principal Guest Choreographer.

The Artists of Configuration Dance Theatre have been honored with the ARTVOICE Best Dance Company Award in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Shannon received a YAGP Outstanding Choreographers Award in 2008, and in 2006, St. Josephs Collegiate Institute, Joseph Cipolla's Alma Mater, inducted him into the Fine Arts Wall of Honor.

Cipolla and Shannon began working together as stars for Birmingham Royal Ballet (Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet) in England for Director David Bintley under the patronage of Queen Elizabeth II, the Prince of Wales, and Lady Sarah Chatto. Shannon and Jaffe were brought together as partners by Kirov and ABT legend, Elena Tchernichova, Artistic Director of the Vienna State Opera Ballet, to star with Vladimir Malakov, Katherine Healy, Kevin McKenzie, and Amanda McKerrow in her World Stars of Ballet Gala.

VIDEO CREDITS
Ballet: BREATHLESS Pas De Deux
Company: Configuration Dance Theatre
Co-Founder and Artistic Director: Joseph Cipolla
Choreographer: Joseph Cipolla
Composer: Arvo Pärt
Dancers: Erica De La O and Raul Peinado
The Buffalo News Review - May 5, 2009:
"Configuration Dance Theatre warrants national attention. Choreographically, there were several knock-your-sox-off moments . . . BREATHLESS by Joseph Cipolla . . . whose gem was a crisp pas de deux performed skillfully by Erica De LA O and Raul Peinado."

JOSEPH CIPOLLA was born in Buffalo, New York, and trained by Maris Battaglia, Founder and Director of the American Academy of Ballet, where today, Cipolla is Associate Director, and Battaglia is on CDT's Board of Directors. In September 2009, Cipolla and Company Manager, Kolleen Fischer, co-founded the Configuration School of Ballet. (http://configurationdancetheatre.org/)

The New York Times described CIPOLLA when he was a Principal for the Dance Theatre of Harlem, how his dance "technique was crisp and stylishly deft. The Birmingham Post called his stage presence "charismatic and sexy." The Village Voice admired his acting ability. In 1986, Sir Peter Wright invited Cipolla (who had been dancing with DTH since 1979) to the legendary Sadlers Wells Royal Ballet (renamed Birmingham Royal Ballet in 1990).

CIPOLLA was a favorite with the company, audiences and choreographers for his ability to portray any role. Today, he is the touchstone by which others are compared when recreating his original roles. In 1993, in recognition of his achievements, he was nominated for an Olivier Award, the most prestigious award in British theater, equivalent to the Academy Award and Tony Award. Cipolla performed at the Olivier Awards with Catherine Batcheller in 1994 and with Marion Tate OBE in 1995. He also presented the award to William Forsythe in 1996.

CIPOLLA has danced in BBC and Royal Ballet televised productions, some which have been distributed worldwide on video, i.e., Margot Fonteyn's Magic of Dance, Hobsons Choice, The Nutcracker, Nutcracker Sweeties, and for Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.

In 2002, CIPOLLA retired to Buffalo, his hometown, but returns to BRB for administrative and dancing roles, such as in 2007, when Ballet Dance Magazine reported the "welcome return of long time favorite, Joseph Cipolla as De Guiche in David Bintley's 'Cyrano,' where even under costume and heavy make-up, there is no mistaking his commanding presence."

CONFIGURATION DANCE THEATRE
10th Anniversary Celebration in 2010
Founder and Artistic Director: Joseph Cipolla
Resident Choreographer: Michael Shannon
Principal Guest Choreographer: Susan Jaffe
Principal Choreographer: Harrison McEldowney
Founder Emeritus: Catherine Batcheller
National Advisory Board: Jack Cullen, Susan Jaffe
Company Manager: Kolleen Fischer

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[AlcidesConstante]

Sublime, celestial... ♥♥♥♥♥

[cuoylyf]

@AlcidesConstante I LOVE IT TOO!! love isis

[longstre]

Words not adequate for this lovely dance. perfect. thanks for posting.

[hhhcookie]

wow, out of words...

[Thymos67]

@balletnut

Variations For The Healing Of Arinushka by Arvo Part

[Thymos67]

Music title:

Variations For The Healing Of Arinushka

Composer: Arvo Part

[shadystella118]

wow. this is so incredibly beautiful!