Born in Modesto, Alyssa Milano's introduction to dance began at an early age at Juline • School of Dance. Alyssa is among the few women currently in the Company who have been under Founding Artistic Director Gretchen Vogelzang. Since joining Central West Ballet Alyssa has been one of the Company's most dedicated lead dancers. A natural for Pas de Deux work and a dancer with great elegance, Milano is valued as Principal Dancer for her individuality and versatility in chosen roles. She excels in contemporary and modern styles but can also be a wonderful classical ballerina in parts such as the Sugar Plum Fairy and lyrical roles such as the Mazurka Lead in Les Sylphides. Her abilities in romantic dancing has enabled her to incarnate Cinderella and many other famous traditional roles such as the Lilac Fairy. A subtle entertainer, Milano has mezmerized audiences with her approach in stage appearances such as smooth and poetic renditions in Central West Ballet's Rat Pack in Revue, wearing tuxedo outfits reminicent of the great Marlene Dietrich. With a powerful persona delivery, Alyssa Milano can hold the stage on her own as well as in intimate partnering dances. Milano has a distinct and accurate musicality combined with great partnering skills. Statuesque and refined, she has been at the forefront of many creative works by Artistic Director René Daveluy. "She has angular qualities that enables me to create many dances and concepts", says Daveluy, "Alyssa is a first rate dedicated dancer and worker, she is a true inspiration"

A native of Modesto, Nicole Firpo started her dance training at a young age at Juline • School of Dance. Nicole is among the few women currently in the Company who have been under Founding Artistic Director Gretchen Vogelzang. Joining Central West Ballet, she quickly became a lead dancer within the Company and has maintained a prestigious line of roles from Juliet to Aurora. Firpo is in a class by herself as far as grace and stage presence. With distinguished manners, she approaches every role with the qualities of a great English Ballerina. Nicole Firpo is the quintessential classical and lyrical Ballerina. A natural, she easily conveys the beauty of movement in any choreographic work. Firpo's grace and dramatic acting abilities made her the obvious choice as Juliet for Central West Ballet's milestone production of Romeo and Juliet. "Nicole has the facility and ability to carry such great roles, her acting delivery is remarkable", says Artistic Director René Daveluy, "she has enabled me to create ballets with exquisite themes such as Of Faeries and Elves and 1001 Nights, Nicole is a delight to work with", he says, "she has distinguished manners and has a wonderful sense of humor". Firpo is also at home as a first class entertainer. Her appearances in CWB's Rat Pack in Revue have the charismatic presence of musical legend Judy Garland. Nicole Firpo is rounding up her studies at California State University Stanislaus. Firpo's Major is in Communications. She has shown a natural ability to be a great spokesperson and is equally confident in the many aspects of communications.

She also works at the Gallo Center for the Arts. She is talented in crafts and has expressed interest in choreography. This desire to choreograph has prompted Nicole to present choreographic works at CSUS every year. Artistic Director René Daveluy says he is glad to see Firpo taking such interest in choreography. Firpo extended one of her works to Dave Bruebeck music in Central West's first Choreogrphers Showcase in March to great acclaim. Daveluy says he looks forward to provided opportunities for her to choreograph in the future.

Daveluy says Milano has been the cornerstone of many works such as Existence, Fencing Concerto and The Red Shoes. He says she continues to be a force of creative collaboration. Alyssa Milano is completing her studies at California State University Stanislaus with a Major in Business. She works at the Gallo Center for the Arts and has other jobs and occupations. Very entrepreneurial and artistic. Milano is a talented drawer and is interested in film. Her intuitive film editing composition shows a creative and personal style that makes for a great potential in the industry of performing arts.

Central West Ballet News