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COOL STUFF
Configuring a new space for dance in Buffalo
By Ann Marie Trietley
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Configuration Dance photos by Tricia Malys.
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The produce and pitas that used to fill the building on the corner of Ashland and Lexington in the Elmwood Village have been replaced by pas-des-deux and pliés. Once the original location of the Lexington Co-op, the historic storefront is now home to the Configuration Dance Theatre (CDT).
After searching around for a suitable space, founders Kolleen Fischer and Joseph Cipolla found sanctuary at 230 Lexington. Cipolla, a professional dancer with thirty-two years of international experience, serves as the company’s artistic director. Fischer, who is codirector of the school, has also been a classical instructor for many years with expertise in childhood and general education.
The new CDT has maintained a rehearsal studio and gallery space since its opening September 21 of last year. “We love the location as both a rehearsal space for Configuration Dance Theatre and for studio space for our new school, Configuration School of Ballet,” Fischer says. “[The building is] a landmark in that area that many people are familiar with. The actual space is perfect for dance with ample space to jump and move.“
In addition to ballet, modern dance, and character dance instruction, the CDT will also offer Pilates classes. Focus is paid to all age groups and skill levels, with excellent students considered for possible inclusion in the company’s performances in New York City.
“[Our] Configuration of Ballet class offers classical ballet training for all ages as well as a professional training program for serious dancers,” Fischer notes. “We have had a good response and will be actively seeking new students by way of advertising and word of mouth. We are offering incentives for new students to sign up and also refer friends and family.
Since the company’s inception in 2000, the CDT has maintained diversity in terms of dancers, instruction, and choreography, performing in venues around Buffalo and across the country. Principal dancers have been associated with the American Ballet Theatre, the New York City Ballet, and Atlanta Ballet, to name a few.
Assemblyman Sam Hoyt says he is “happy that CDT has chosen the Elmwood Village as their new location for the company. … I am confident that the residents of our community will welcome this nationally recognized group with open arms. They will be a great new addition to our already rich inventory of cultural assets.”
Guest instructors and professional dancers will arrive to teach classes on a rotating basis, including Michael Shannon, a teacher and choreographer formerly with the Bolshoi Ballet, and Misty Copeland, a soloist from the American Ballet Theatre.
The CDT does not fit the false stereotype of stiff, prima donna ballerinas—rather, it maintains a distinctly contemporary and modern feel. Ballet, an art often misunderstood as conservative and uptight, can be a sensual, often sensational means of expression. The company’s inventive approach has already found a place within Buffalo’s creative landscape.
“We have had a great response from the community and a lot of interest in the company having a permanent home in the city,” Fischer says. “Opening a school has sparked a lot of interest as well. We have had four dancers move to Buffalo to be permanent residents of the company. We also have two local dancers that have stayed in Buffalo as part of the company.”
For more information, visit configurationdancetheatre.org or call 883-4510.
Ann Marie Trietley is a recent graduate of Fredonia State College.
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