Configuration, established in 1999 by Joseph Cipolla and Catherine Batcheller, brings together artists from all points of the globe to create new work. Formed in a spirit of collaboration, this unique ensemble draws together leading dancers, choreographers, and musicians into a ‘liquid’ dance troupe, which changes its ‘configuration’ to suit each new group of artists. They perform to Cape Cod audiences as the region’s only professional dance ensemble.

Now based in Buffalo New York, this non-profit company showcases contemporary ballets and specially commissioned works, as well as excerpts from the classics. Configuration’s repertoire includes: Thadeus Davis’ Situation Red, choreographed for Configuration in 2003, Peter Quanz’s Corelli Variations, choreographed for the company in 2004. Yuri Zhukov’s Saying Goodbye, specially commissioned for the company, Royston Maldoom’s mesmerizing Adagietto #5, Resident Choreographer Harrison McEldowney’s witty Group Therapy and his poetic Enredandos Sombras, a piece specially choreographed for Configuration in 2002, to name just a few.

The company also offers aspiring, talented students the opportunity to be chosen to work as apprentices with the ensemble. Its residency programs give these students a rare insight into what being a professional dancer is all about.

MISSION STATEMENT
  • To carefully combine contemporary motif with classical tradition.
  • To provide a showcase for artistic and creative excellence serving a wide range of communities.
  • To raise awareness of the cultural and social importance of the arts.
  • To offer comprehensive educational opportunities to aspiring young dance students through an apprentice program.
  • To develop artistic partnerships through collaboration with other arts organizations.
GOALS
  • To commission new work by world-class choreographers that will be presented in each of three yearly concerts.
  • To enable talented Cape Cod dance students to work with local and national dance professionals through winter and summer residency programs, as well as, in performance with Configuration.
  • To reach a wider range of communities and constituencies and raise awareness of the cultural and social importance of the arts.
EDUCATION

Configuration is committed to developing present as well as future generation audiences. To this end, the company has produced one program devoted to explaining and exploring the process behind the creation of new works. Questions and answers follow the conclusion of the performance. Master classes are a regular part of our platform. The company is also willing and capable of going into schools for Lecture-Demonstrations or for University Residencies. The size of Configuration allows for intimate contact between the community and the professional dancers. The variety of repertory performed makes this company extremely accessible.

Configuration would be available for residencies of up to one week and would offer an exceptional opportunity for university students to experience what working in a professional company is like. Both Directors hold University Degrees; a Bachelors Degree and a Masters in Art respectively.

CATALOGUE FOR PHILANTHROPY

Configuration has been selected as a Massachusetts 2004 Catalogue for Philanthropy charity. This year’s edition of the Catalogue will profile 69 of Massachusetts' outstanding environmental, cultural, and human service agencies as "examples of excellence" in Massachusetts philanthropy. Configuration was chosen from a total applicant pool of over 150 organizations. See the entry for Configuration at their site.

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Configuration
P.O. Box 641

Williamsville NY 14231-0641
configure@gis.net
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