Lori Silvaggio, owner of the prestigious Academy of Dance and founder of the Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo, has been a major force in the dance world for over thirty years.

 

In 1978 Lori founded the Civic Ballet, which is thriving now in its 27^th year. The company continues to delve into arenas, both classical and contemporary, with an excellence and creativity that continue to inspire audiences and participants alike.

Lori is not only founder of the Civic Ballet, but also of the Academy of Dance, home of the San Luis Jazz Dancers, a professional jazz troupe renowned world wide for their lively and artistically excellent performances.

 

In August of 1997, Lori and eighteen of her finest dancers, were the United States Representatives at the International Festival de Danza in Bareclona, Spain. Her choreography was displayed in a touring festival featuring performers from all over the world.  The performances were met with rave reviews and the opportunity for international touring continued. In July of 1999, twenty-eight selected dancers traveled to the People’s Republic of China, and by decree of the Ambassador of Culture, danced a four-city tour, beginning in Beijing and culminating in Shanghai. NBC affiliate anchor, Tony Cipolla accompanied the troupe. His documentary entitled “In Step With China” garnered an Emmy nomination in January of 2000.

 

In August of 2000, eighteen of Lori’s dancers, by invitation of the Cuban government, performed in Havana, Cuba at the Hotel National, and at the Teatro National in Revolution Square. History was made, recorded by NBC affiliate KSBY News and CNN International, as these dance events marked the first time since 1957 that an American troupe of entertainers performed in Cuba. This is now a part of the legacy of American dance.

 

The summer of 2001 included two more international tours for some of Lori’s dancers.  Performances included an invitational modern dance performance in Pskov, Russia under the direction of Lisa Deyo, former Hubbard Street principal dancer. Also included that year was an encore performance, under Lori’s direction, of a spirited performance of
American dance styles in China.

 

The Fall of 2003 was exciting for Lori’s dancers again, as a special troupe of fifteen dancers performed in Paris at historic venues, including a celebration of the liberation of Paris by American soldiers 60 years before.

 

Lori’s weekly radio show, “From Ballet to Broadway” can be heard on KCBX, FM90, on Tuesdays from 7:00 to 8:00 PM.  Her spirited stories and insights into the lively arts are shared with her listeners from Paso Robles to Ventura.

 

In 1994, Governor Pete Wilson recognized Lori as California’s Representative of Dance Excellence. At a gala celebration at Fullerton College Theatre, Lori was awarded “Most Inspirational Teacher of 2000” by Carrie Burbank, President of Dance in Action, a national organization dedicated to providing professional dance education for aspiring leaders in the industry.

 

Lori holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies, a graduate degree in Behavioral Sciences, a lifetime California Secondary Teaching Credential, and a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology (complete in 2005).  Lori is currently working toward her PhD in Educational Psychology.