Romeo & Juliet: Getting Creative

Make it Sparkle Video with Michael Pappalardo
Artistic Director, Canyon Concert Ballet, CO

(6:40) runtime

Director's Notes

In this segment, Michael discusses

• Using scenery, color, and art/house style to reflect two different family identities.

• Having the whole production represent the story you're telling, not the dance and choreography alone.

• Viewing your production through the general public's eyes, and getting feedback from many perspectives.

• Working with a collaborative team and encouraging ownership, in order to create a powerful and memorable performance.

About Michael Pappalardo

Michael began his dance training at the age of 6 and was accepted into the New Zealand School of Dance. He worked with the Royal New Zealand Ballet during his time in New Zealand and was privileged to perform in works by Val Caniparoli, Jiri Kylian, Frederick Ashton, Stanton Welch, and George Balanchine. After returning to Australia, Michael worked with Queensland Ballet before launching himself into a very successful independent Dancer career working with Leigh Warren and Dancers, Melbourne Ballet Company, Victoria State Ballet, Opera Victoria, and various independent projects. Michael’s love for creating ballets came to the forefront when he was appointed Artistic Director of Melbourne City Ballet in 2013. There he guided the organization to become Australia’s largest classical touring company, performing over 100 shows across Australia, New Zealand, and Japan annually. In 2016, Michael was also invited to work as co-director with Niconomiel dance company in Osaka, Japan. In 2020 Michael joined San Jose Dance Theatre as Artistic Associate and choreographed Dido and Aeneus for Opera San Jose in 2021. In 2022 Michael was appointed Artistic Director of Canyon Concert Ballet in Fort Collins, Colorado.