Testimonials
Our Alumni and the Dance World
Natalie Blosser
Kirov Academy Student
Corps de Ballet- Royal Ballet
I feel so lucky to have studied with Michelangelo. Even though I started ballet at a young age, I was never made to feel that I was behind. When the lessons were difficult, Michelangelo always encouraged me, to keep pursuing my dreams and goals. I achieved them and more!
Natalie Blosser
Student - Kirov Academy
Corps de Ballet - Royal Ballet
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Leyland Simmons
Artistic Director, Harlem School of the Arts
I had the incredible opportunity to learn from Michelangelo Canale, who was not just a dance teacher but a true mentor during my formative years as a young dancer. His passion for ballet and dance was infectious, and he had an extraordinary ability to nurture talent and inspire confidence in his students. Under his guidance, I honed my technique and developed a deeper understanding of dance as an art form. He pushed me to reach my potential while instilling a strong work ethic and love for the craft. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence helped me transition from a young dancer to a professional artist.
Thanks to Michelangelo’s teachings, I had the privilege of working with major dance companies and touring the world internationally. His influence can be seen in every performance I give, and I am forever grateful for his guidance and support. He truly transformed my journey in dance and left an indelible mark on my life.
Oscar Rodriguez, ballet dancer
I have had the pleasure of knowing Maestro Michelangelo Canale, whom I met in 1999 as a dancer. We shared the stage as soloists at New Orleans Delta Festival Ballet. What struck me about Michelangelo was his exceptional character technique and classical technique as a soloist.
Later, he invited me to participate at his Anchorage Ballet, where I witnessed firsthand his remarkable capacity for creativity, strength, and discipline. His unwavering dedication to his vision and projects was inspiring, and he spared no effort in pursuing his goals.
I had the opportunity to collaborate with Michelangelo on various productions, including the staging of works such as "Carnival of the Animals," "Aurora," "Don Quixote," and "The Nutcracker," as well as neoclassical choreographies. Through these experiences, I gained a deeper appreciation for his exceptional choreographic ability and teaching technique.
I wholeheartedly endorse Maestro Michelangelo in any capacity in the art of dance. His discipline and teaching skills make him an exceptional professional in the field of classical ballet and character dance.
Alexandra Lammon
Richmond Ballet
Michelangelo is an exceptional teacher for any ballet dancer serious about becoming a professional. Michelangelo saw me in my first ballet class at age 13 and invited me to join higher classes to start studying more intensely. Because of his guidance, I had the tools to lead me to an Apprenticeship with the Richmond Ballet. I was always given plenty of advice and guidance which I still use to this day, that allowed me to “make it” having had a late start. I am forever grateful to Michelangelo for all the knowledge he gave me. I am where I am today because of the education that I received from Michelangelo.
Owen Barrington, World Irish Dance Champion
"I was under Michelangelo's tutelage for many years, and in that time I learned invaluable skills and lessons that have carried me throughout my professional career. One important lesson being the incredible value of holding yourself to the highest possible standard; whether that being the quality and precision of a dance movement, or how you conduct and present yourself to others. Michelangelo has the knowledge and experience to help propelle those who are willing and driven to reach the pinnacle of their abilities.
Gabrielle Johnson
Soloist American Ballet Theatre
"It is with great joy that I write this essay about Maestro Michelangelo Canale whose guidance, passion, and unwavering dedication have profoundly shaped my journey as a dancer. His mastery of technique and artistry, combined with his nurturing spirit, created an environment where I could grow as a performer and also as a young female dancer entering into the professional dance world!
Maestro Michelangelo's unwavering commitment to excellence and his ability to inspire each of his students to reach their fullest potential are truly remarkable. His mentorship went beyond the studio—he instilled in us a love for ballet, a sense of self-discipline, and a belief in the transformative power of dance. Thank you, Michelangelo, for your generosity, patience, and the countless lessons—both technical and personal—that continue to resonate with me. Your legacy lives on through every dancer you have inspired, and I am endlessly grateful to have been one of your students."
With deepest gratitude,
Gabrielle Johnson
Soloist American Ballet Theatre
Soloist Houston Ballet
Assistant Principal Colorado Ballet School
Larissa Saveliev
Founder and Artistic director of Youth America Grand Prix
My name is Larissa Saveliev and I am the founder and artistic director of Youth America Grand Prix, the world’s largest student ballet scholarship competition.We’ve worked with Mr. Canale for several years, as he entered many of his students into the competition. In our opinion, he is an extremely qualified teacher, and his training is in line with global standards. His students always exhibited excellent technique and artistry, and many of them have gone on to win scholarships in our competition and lead successful careers in dance, joining professional companies around the globe. Mr. Canale himself has won several awards from our organization for the work he’s done with students as a teacher and choreographer.
Michelle Katcher
Dancer, Sacramento Ballet
Michelangelo Canale not only prepared me to be a professional classical ballet dancer but a disciplined and self motivated person. He provides his students with the rigorous training necessary for a career in dance while also providing wonderful performance opportunities to instill the love of dance. I cannot thank Michelangelo enough for all the years of training and endless support. I look forward to teaching and finding ways to give back to the ballet world in the future.
Michelle Katcher
Professional Dancer
Sacramento Ballet
Alena Callaway
Dance Teacher
Choreographer
Mr. Michelangelo is a shining star. His training is the best in the state. His Academy embraces Ballet in its art form; excellence is forefront and he prepares his students for success. Mr. Michelangelo encouraged me to audition for Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and recommended a grant from the Alaska State Council on the Arts for financial aid and helped me apply. I was fortunate to receive a grant from the Alaska State Council on the Arts, along with his support. Performing and teaching for Mr. Michelangelo was always a privilege and I would highly recommend to all aspiring Alaska dancers looking to make it in the dance world to study with Michelangelo.
Ana Kokaurova
Training Director at Studio One Pilates
Certified Advanced Rolfer®
My years with Michelangelo taught me many valuable life skills about hard work, achieving what you think are impossible goals and staying focused. After going on to apprentice with BalletMet, I realized that the technique and level of professionalism I learned from Michelangelo matched the level expected from me as a dancer with other professionals. I always felt he worked very hard on my behalf and held a high standard for every student. I am grateful to have developed my curiosity and love for working with the body at Alaska Ballet.
Allen Merritt
Former President
Garold Gardner Scholarship Foundation
I have had the privilege of knowing Michelangelo Canale for many years through the Garold Gardner Scholarship Foundation, which has proudly supported him and his exceptional students at the Anchorage Ballet. His boundless energy, unwavering dedication, and profound passion for the art of dance exemplify the highest standards of excellence. Michelangelo’s artistry, discipline, and commitment to nurturing the next generation of dancers make him not only worthy of recognition, but a true standard-bearer for integrity and excellence in the world of ballet.
In my opinion, Michelangelo Canale is a master ballet instructor and visionary artistic director whose distinguished career reflects decades of excellence, discipline, and artistry. With elite training and education from renowned institutions including Canada’s National Ballet School and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, his expertise spans classical, neoclassical, and contemporary ballet. Moreover, as Artistic Director of Anchorage Ballet, Canale transformed the company into a thriving center for professional dance education and performance, inspiring countless dancers to achieve technical mastery and expressive depth. His leadership, innovative choreography, and commitment to nurturing talent continue to elevate the cultural landscape and uphold the highest standards of ballet artistry.
Courtland Weaver
Artistic Director
The North Star Ballet
Fairbanks, Alaska
I met Michelangelo Canale a few months after I moved to Anchorage in September of 2002 to work at Alaska Dance Theatre. He was director of the “other” ballet school in Anchorage, and our paths crossed in the civil function of raising awareness of performing arts in Anchorage. Michelangelo has been tireless in his effort to bring the highest level of ballet performance to Alaskan audiences. Michelangelo sets a very high standard of classical ballet instruction. While in direct competition with our studio, Michelangelo was respectful and cooperative in our occasional collaborations. When I left Alaska Dance Theatre in 2009, Michelangelo insisted that his company produce the celebration for Alice Bassler Sullivan that I directed, and offered me as much teaching work as I wanted while I searched other opportunities. I worked closely with Michelangelo Canale for several seasons returning to Anchorage to act as Ballet Master and Choreographer for The Nutcracker and various Spring Galas erstwhile directing Fidalgo DanceWorks in Anacortes, Washington. I know Michelangelo to be an exigent and demanding director whose primary focus is the development of his students to be not only excellent dancers, but responsible people and good and helpful citizens as well. The excellence of his training is indisputable. The number of dancers from his tutelage that are making a living dancing throughout the world is a testament to this.
Alexandra Lammon
Corps de Ballet -Richmond Ballet
Michelangelo is an exceptional teacher for any ballet dancer serious about becoming a professional. Michelangelo saw me in my first ballet class at age 13 and invited me to join higher classes to start studying more intensely. Because of his guidance, I had the tools to lead me to an Apprenticeship with the Richmond Ballet. I was always given plenty of advice and guidance which I still use to this day, that allowed me to “make it” having had a late start. I am forever grateful to Michelangelo for all the knowledge he gave me. I am where I am today because of the education that I received from Michelangelo.
Phyllis Rothwell
Professional Principal Dancer
Master Teacher
In my time In Anchorage, I was very impressed by the overall professionalism of Michelangelo’s students and the staff. The respect and openness that the students showed me were beyond reproach. They paid attention to their instructors as well as helping their peers. Michelangelo and his instructors are so well prepared. The classes started on time and were appropriate to the abilities of the dancers to provide them with strength and proper technique. I witnessed a nurturing environment that is rarely seen in this day and age. I felt that each student was looked at as an individual with needs that were seen, assessed, and nurtured. Anchorage is so lucky to have an institution under Michelangelo’s direction and with his direction, his students will continue to create beautiful and respectful artists and people.
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