January 20, 2006

Paul Terlizzi, president and COO of Capezio Ballet Makers, has been chosen as the Honorary Chairman of the USA International Ballet Competition, which will take place at Thalia Mara Hall from June 17-July 2, 2006.

“Considering the long and loyal support that Capezio has given to the USA IBC, it was a natural choice for us to select Paul Terlizzi as our national honorary chairman for 2006,” said Sue Lobrano, executive director of the USA IBC. “Capezio stands as a very visible example of good corporate stewardship, and we appreciate the many ways the company contributes to the dance industry.”

Terlizzi is a fourth-generation descendant of Capezio company founder Salvatore Capezio. Appointed president in 1991, he has expanded the company’s role as a leading dance retailer to include serving as one of the foremost patrons of the art of dance. Under Terlizzi’s direction, Capezio Ballet Makers has more than doubled its existing expenditures on financial support for dance education and teaching institutions, extending them to include significant cash contributions to performing groups and institutions as well as to dance competitions. At the same time, the company’s sponsorship of individual professional performers grew significantly.

"While Capezio’s success depends on its ability to sell dance shoes and dancewear, there is much more to it than that,” said Terlizzi. “My family and I have been involved in the world of dance for more than a century. Dance is in our blood, and we passionately believe that it should be encouraged and brought to as large an audience as possible.”

Capezio has been a flagship member of the dance community for nearly 120 years, since Salvatore Capezio first opened his store on New York City’s 39th Street. The company is one of the most loyal sponsors of the USA IBC, supporting the competition in a variety of ways since its inception in 1979. In both 1998 and 2002, the company sponsored the USA IBC Capezio Encore Gala, an evening of performance that showcases the competition’s medalists. Capezio has also provided free dancewear to children participating in the USA IBC CityDance program, which offers free ballet lessons to underprivileged youth in the Jackson, Miss., area.