Configuration Dance’s world-class performances have been described as elegant and daring as well as innately classical yet boundary-expanding. Such complex descriptions reflect the contrasting influences behind the troupe’s creations as Configuration innovatively melds classical ballet with contemporary dance. These disparate disciplines are beautifully integrated to create physically challenging but artistically compelling performances. The New York Times, The Boston Globe, Dance Magazine, and The Buffalo News are a few of the numerous publications having praised the troupe’s programs, and Configuration’s principal dancers have earned international renown through their affiliations with the San Francisco Ballet, England’s Birmingham Royal Ballet, and Germany’s Stuttgart Ballet among other highly respected companies.

Configuration’s appearance at the Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts follows two successful Buffalo programs. Their most recent appearances, a pair of history-making performances at Studio Arena Theatre, dazzled audiences and impressed critics. For the Elmwood show, Configuration is planning to reprise an excerpt from No Time Jazz, featuring live music by local jazz sensation Babik. The troupe will also premiere a portion of a new piece by Michael Shannon along with other works.

Configuration Dance was co-founded in 2000 by Artistic Director Joseph Cipolla, a Buffalo native, and Associate Director Catherine Batcheller, and the troupe anticipates soon calling Buffalo home. Both Cipolla and Batcheller have been encouraged by the incredibly warm reception Buffalo audiences have given Configuration and by the enthusiastic support the local community provides for artistic ventures.

Dance Tent Schedule

SATURDAY

10:00                                      TBA
11:00                                     Amanda Nagurney
11:30                                     Michael Weber
12:30                                     ROCKED
1:30                                      Dr. Z and Doug Yeomans
3:00                                     Sitar Jamz
4:00                                     Jama Jama Community Drumming with Baba M'Baye
5:00                                    Outer Circle Orchestra

SUNDAY

11:00                                    Tapestry Charter School Ukelele Band
11:30                                    TBA
12:00                                    Ismail & Co.
1:00                                    Rey Scott + Co.
2:00                                    Nikki Hicks and the Soul Music Souljahs
3:00                                    Aediem
4:00                                    Remembering Mark Freeland with Carla, David Kane, Bud                                                 Redding, The Painkillers, and other guests