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This episode is number 55.10, which means that it concludes our special coverage of the 10 X 10 Upstreet Arts Festival going on in Pittsfield lo these many days. We have had such a wonderful time, talking with great artists of all stripes. From Kate Abbott’s insightful and at times emotion-filled conversations to images we’ve been able to share to music contributed by performers in the festival, our scandalous and highly unauthorized entry into the event has been one of our finest projects here at the Greylock Glass. Thank you so much for tuning in.
We focus in this episode on Dance 10—an increasingly popular spectacle that wows audiences with the work of 10 dance companies on one stage. The event takes place Sunday, February 26, at 3:00 p.m. at Barrington Stage Company at 30 Union Street, Pittsfield, Mass.
We could only squeeze representatives from two of the troops into the episode, but I think you’ll enjoy the conversations immensely. First, we speak with Jamal Ahamad of dysFUNKcrew, a company originally comprised of a group of friends from MCLA who couldn’t escape the gravitational pull of the bonds they’d formed dancing together as undergrads.
Then, Deirdre Swindlehurst explains what’s in store from the Cantarella School of Dance, the official training institution to the Albany Berkshire Ballet. Both the school and Ballet have been artistic landmarks for decades, and have been first home to generations of young dancers, as well as beloved home to return to as instructors.
About Cantarella School of Dance
from the official website
The Cantarella School of Dance is known for its outstanding balanced dance curriculum. Director Madeline Cantarella Culpo founded the School of Dance in 1955 with the goal of providing personal attention and training for students and professional dancers. Graduates have gone on to dance with the Albany Berkshire Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Jacob’s Pillow and the Pennsylvania, Ohio, Portland, and Washington Ballets. The School teaches the Cecchetti method of ballet developed by Enrico Cecchetti, world renowned teacher of the Ballet Russes and ballet master of Diaghilev Ballet Russes, who trained such dancers as Pavlova, Fokine, and Nijinsky. Among his proteges was English ballerina Margaret Craske who later taught at the Juilliard School and Jacob’s Pillow. From Miss Craske, Madeline Cantarella Culpo developed her technique.
At the Cantarella School, the welfare of our young dancers is paramount. The program provides inspiration and progressive physical development in a professional friendly atmosphere. Classes are offered at all levels and are held Monday through Saturday. Modern, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop and Lyrical classes are offered to complement classical ballet training. Students at the Intermediate and Advanced levels are encouraged to take a minimum of two classes per week; discounted rates apply for those taking multiple classes.
It is the mission of our school to provide ballet training that is exact and disciplined, but with an atmosphere of accomplishment and fun. Ballet is the foundation of all forms of dance and will develop strength, poise, discipline and grace which enriches a students life. Whether you wish to attain professional perfection or you just want to keep moving and have fun, the Cantarella school of dance is the place to be. In addition to developing coordination, posture and strength, dancing develops self confidence.
Serious students are encouraged to audition for acceptance into the Academies of the School or the Junior Company of the Albany Berkshire Ballet. This comprehensive training program for advanced students is designed for those who want to commit more time to the art of dance. Classes accelerate talented students, exposing them to nationally known teachers in a preprofessional instructional setting. In addition, both the Academies and the Junior Company perform frequently throughout the Berkshires and in the Capital Region.
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