Capezio

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Capezio is a trademarked name used by a privately held United States company, Ballet Makers, Inc., which specializes in dance apparel and dance shoes, including ballet pointe shoes.

The company markets dance accessories worldwide, focusing mainly on the USA and Europe.

Contents

[edit] History

Ballet Makers, Inc., of Totowa, NJ, was founded in 1887 Salvatore Capezio, who was only 17 at the time, under the name of "The Theatrical & Historical Shoemaker" located on Broadway and 39th Street, across the street from the old Metropolitan Opera House in New York City.

The head of Capezio from the 1950s through the 1980s was Ben Sommers, who "became like a son to [Salvatore] Capezio", though he was not a family member.[1] During his tenure Sommers branched into high fashion, and the company eventually won the coveted Coty Award in 1952 for its contributions to the industry, including its mainstream ballet flats.[1][2]

However, after that time the company faced financial difficulties. In 1980, Alfred Terlizzi, grandnephew of founder Salvatore Capezio, said in Dance Magazine that "in 1966, the company was broke; Capezio, the whole corporate structure."[1] At that time, Sommers made the decision to sell the Capezio name to the U.S. Shoe Corporation. (U.S. Shoe subsequently was purchased by Nine West, which was sold to Jones Apparel, which continues to own the Capezio name.) Ballet Makers, Inc., the company created in the wake of the sale of the Capezio name, currently licenses the use of this name on its dance products. [3]

[edit] Salvatore Capezio

Salvatore Capezio was born on April 13, 1871, in Muro Lucano, Italy. In 1887, he opened his shop near the old Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. The sign above his door read "The Theatrical & Historical Shoemaker." At the time, the Statue of Liberty was barely a year old - Salvatore was seventeen.

He began his business by repairing theatrical shoes for the Met. On the day he created an emergency pair of shoe for Jean De Reszke, Salvatore quickly made the transition from cobbler to shoemaker. He discovered dance shoes - pointe shoes in particular ] to be a challenging balance between delicate construction and complex engineering. In turn, his customers discovered that few shoemakers were as determined as Capezio to take on that challenge.

Soon, the shop became a meeting place for dancers who would stop by to discuss their needs and pick up a pair of his shoes. One dancer in particular Angelina Passone, a graduate of La Scala, lingered over the discussion of her shoes and later became his wife.

As his popularity grew, dancers from around the world made it a point to visit. In face, Anna Pavlova purchased Capezio pointe shoes for herself and her entire company during her first tour of the United States in 1910. Her generous praise of his work ensured Salvatore's success.

Eventually, he entrusted his superior shoe-making techniques to his family. They joined him in the business, and Capezio's exceptional reputation continues to spread.

[edit] Recent History

By the 1930's Capezio products were dancing across Broadway in the Ziegfeld Follies and in dozens of other musicals. In 1941, Claire McCardell showed the Capezio long-sole ballet shoe with her fashion collection.

The enthusiastic response provoked Lord & Taylor, Neiman Marcus and other major stores to purchase and promote Capezio footwear. This trend became so strong, that by 1949 Capezio made the cover of Vogue. And in 1952, Capezio received the Coty Award, fashion's highest accolade.

An eye for innovated products and the camaraderie he shared with dancers were the key to the company's success. In this spirit, the Capezio Dance Award was established in 1952. It was created to honor those who make a long standing, significant contribution to dance. The Capezio Foundation was established in 1953 to promote and recognize on-going achievements in dance.


[edit] The mission statement

Ballet Makers Incorporated is dedicated to the performer in dance, theater and recreation. We are committed to providing exceptional service to our customers with innovative, quality products and services, while continuously advancing market research and technologies. Our total commitment to performance has been our source of inspiration for over 100 years.

We believe our success is dependent upon the individual commitment of our customers, our suppliers and each of our employees to continually set new standards of creativity and performance, while preserving our reputation for dependability and distinction. We maintain an ethical, healthy and profitable environment in which each of our employees endeavors to provide excellence in our products and services, while promoting company growth. We pledge our support and dedication to the advancement of dance, theater and recreation in communities worldwide.


Capezio Ballet Makers Dance Foundation Inc. was established in 1953 as the Capezio Foundation.

Capezio Ballet Makers Dance Foundation's Mission: Create a greater awareness and appreciation of dance as an art form and support efforts which preserve the legacy of the past, recognize the accomplishments of the present and encourage new or emerging talents, trends and practices.

To accomplish this mission, the Capezio Ballet Makers Dance Foundation operates two programs: the annual Capezio Dance Award and a Grants Program that supports dance organizations.

[edit] Capezio Today

Capezio's recognition, however, extends well beyond awards. Plenty of the world's greatest performers have recognized Capezio as the only way to dance - Anna Pavlova, Fred Astaire,Gene Kelly, Sammy Davis, Jr., Charles "Honi" Coles, Alicia Alonso, Bob Fosse, Mick Jager, Liza Minelli, Gregory Hines, Tommy Tone, Ann Reinking, Debbie Allen, Ben Vereen, Charo, Merrill Ashley, Ashley Tuttle, Rob Marshall, Fatima, Savion Glover, Brian Friedman, Madonna, Will Ferrell, Nicole Kidman and Gwen Stefani.

Although the business is radically different today, third and fourth generation family members resolutely continue Salvatore's legacy of craft, innovation and commitment.

In the midst of computerization and robotics, Capezio Special Make-Up Department is still hand crafting footwear for an eclectic mis of performances. Capezio products have been featured in film and television productions such as MTV Made, Center Stage, The Company, Chicago, Cotton Club, A Chorus Line, Cabaret and All That Jazz.

Capezio's customer base also includes ice skaters. This growing market led direclty to the creation of Capezio Skatewear in 1998 and the selection of Olympic Gold Medalists Tara Lipinski, Sarah Hughes and Michael Weiss as Capezio's spokespersons.

That same year, Capezio Dancesport was created to outfit the growing population of ballroom dancers. Capezio's dedication to providing dancers with technologically advanced, quality tools for their art continues to inspire innovations like the Dansneaker, the Dansleeker, the split-sole and the stretch-insert.

Capezio Professional Outfitters works with Broadway designers to create custom made theatrical and dance shoes.

"Special Make-up Theatrical Shoes. In the grand tradition of our founder, Salvatore Capezio, we continue to create hand-crafted historical and theatrical shoes for an eclectic mix of performers. We have graced the feet of countless casts, including those of Broadway's: The Color Purple, The Lion King, 42nd Street, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia, Chicago, Movin' Out, The Producers, My Fair Lady and many, many more. Capezio footwear is worn by The Radio City Rockettes and Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus - even Disney.

Countless production companies have relied on Capezio/Ballet Makers Inc's quality, service dependability to ensure their success. We are proud to lead the industry in Special Make-Up (SMU) theatrical shoes. Special Make-Up shoes are designed and crafted precisely to the customer's specifications. All of our in-stock shoes can be altered to meet custom requirements. We also offer to copy a sample shoe or illustration the customer provides."

"Special make-up Pointe Shoes. A Special Make-Up (SMU) is a shoe that is precisely made to conform to the dancer's anatomy and performance style. It is the ultimate achievement in the art of crafting pointe shoes. The SMU is truly an extenstion of the dancer's body and his or her artistic expression. Capezio cobblers have been supplying the world's greatest dancers with custom made shoes since 1887. We are proud to make SMU pointe shoes for the leading ballerinas worldwide. Our shoes can be altered and dancers may request modifications to virtually every part of the shoe. Developing an SMU may take several fittings, and the dancer assumes financial responsibility for the process. Capezio recommends first experimenting with an in-stock shoe. Capezio shoes are handcrafted and natural variations are expected. While Capezio/Ballet Makers, Inc makes every attempt to fulfill each dancer's request, slight variations of up to 1/8" may result and are considered accurate."

Capezio Professional Outfitters is located at the Capezio Flagship Store at 1650 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York City.

Capezio's Professional shoe line seen in professional productions:

  • Elan Pointe Shoe
  • Sylphide Pointe Shoe
  • Odette Pointe Shoe
  • Prelude Pointe Shoe

All shoes can be made in any custom color.

[edit] Important Dates

[edit] Capezio Dance Award Honorees

[edit] Famous Supporters of Capezio

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c Capezio/Ballet Makers, Inc.
  2. ^ Capezio Company History
  3. ^ FTC.gov, Nine West Group, Inc.

[edit] External links