Carol Mezzacappa – Founding Director
Carol Mezzacappa, is one of the founding Directors of Young Dancers in Repertory and oversaw the organization’s On-Site and Off-Site educational programs and year-round performing activities. She fostered the works of American modern dance pioneers Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman through Young Dancers in Repertory and its professional wing, Dance Consort.
She was a pillar of strength in a petite form and a ball of energy. – Chi
As a performer Carol danced at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music in addition to numerous NYC theaters, off-Broadway, across the United States and in Europe, as a featured dancer in regional operatic and theatrical productions, and on television. Carol was the resident choreographer of the Regina Opera Company.
Carol made me laugh and strive to do my best…Carol produced so many fond memories for me. I will cherish my friendship with her forever. – Lauren
Carol directed dances, choreographed original works, and taught in NYC’s finest institutions, among them are: Teachers College Columbia University, NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Brooklyn College, Purchase College, the Fieldston School for Ethical Culture, and the Poly Prep Country Day School. She has also taught for university, college and independent dance programs across the United States, as well as in England, Canada, and Taiwan.
Carol of the dancing hair
You braided us together in the beauty of your movement
You showered memorable strength and determination
You provided strong friendship
You still dance in our hearts
Carol of the dancing hair
– David
Carol was named the Year 2000 Fine Arts Artist/Scholar in Residence by the University of Nebraska and the 2000 Distinguished Lecturer for the School of Health Physical Education and Recreation at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. In 1997, Carol was one of 13 artists/companies honored by the University of Nebraska at Omaha for her contributions to the modern dance world. While in her hometown, in 1998, she was the recipient of the Performing Arts Award bestowed upon her by Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes honoring important Brooklynites of Italian-American Heritage.
Carol held a B.S. in Dance and an M.F.A. in Performing Arts Management, both from Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, as well as an Intermediate Certificate in Labanotation from the Dance Notation Bureau. She served as President and Board Member of the Charles Weidman Dance Foundation, Board Member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education, Advisory Board for the Dance Professional Associates, and the Beacon IS 220 (Pershing) Community Program.
Carol served as a consultant for the Dance Directory. She has also served as a panelist for the National Guild for Community Arts Education, Brooklyn Borough President Howard Golden’s Civic Conference, The New York Foundation for the Arts, PASE – The Partnership for After School Education, and the Brooklyn Arts Council.
She was the Dance Coordinator for the Brooklyn College Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts from 1983-1992 and also worked in the Development Department of The New York City Ballet and as comptroller for Nappi/Eliran Advertising, a theatrical advertising agency in NYC.
Carol led professional development training sessions, not only for YDR’s staff members, but also for the Directors and staff of The After School Corporation (TASC) and PASE’s New York City sites. In addition, she also provided professional development sessions for NYC Department of Education dance and academic teachers of grades K-8.
In May of 2003, doctors discovered that Carol developed brain cancer. She continued to guide Young Dancers in Repertory until her passing on October 12, 2004.