MRS. ROSEMARY
October 17, 1939 ~ June 28, 2009
In 1959 “Mrs. Rosemary” Cappozalo, better known as “Mrs. Rosemary” began teaching dance to the children of South Beach. She was raised in Midland Beach, attended St. Louis Academy High School and the Julliard School. She was a lifetime member of The Dance Educators of America and has spent her career teaching and lecturing thousands of dance students and educators.
Mrs. Rosemary’s New Dorp Dance Studio, is one of the leading studios along the east coast. A professional dance school from where many students pursue careers in dance, with continuing education at performing arts high schools and scholarships for college. Many have gone on to work in professional ballet companies, Broadway shows, Cruise Ships, National Tours and six students became Radio City Music Hall Rockettes.
Mrs. Rosemary donated her life savings to “save” the St. George Theatre. With the help of her daughters, she found a way to share with the community the rich history which had been decaying behind padlocked doors. Since the opening in June 2004, over 600,000 guests have visited the St. George Theatre for a show, a tour, or a special event. Today the theatre serves as a celebrated, not-for-profit, cultural and performing arts center which hosts a myriad of activities. Mrs. Rosemary had the vision and the dream and her daughters have continued in her footsteps They are passionate about keeping their mom’s dream alive. It’s not just about putting on a great show every weekend. It’s about the tens of thousands of seniors and underprivileged families that have come to see a show thru the theatre’s “Night of Theatre” program…. The 10,000 school children that come running off the yellow school buses each year to see a show thru their educational series, and the 80 underprivileged children they teach every August during the theatre’s summer outreach program. THAT is what Mrs. Rosemary envisioned….a theatre for her community and of course bringing the best of entertainment to Staten Island. The re-opening of the theatre has given a major boost to the revitalization efforts of the St. George community.
Mrs. Rosemary has received numerous awards during her 50 years in business. She was recognized by the American Cancer Society for teaching therapeutic ballet classes at the Nalitt Institute for woman recovering from breast cancer. She was honored with the Woman in History Award, the Mayor’s Small Business Leader Award, the World of Women, Eger Nursing Home, St. John Villa Academy, Deborah Heart League, and in 2007 she was named Staten Island Advance’s Woman of Achievement.
Mrs. Rosemary passed away June 28, 2009 after a ten month battle with cancer. She will be remembered for teaching her “darlings” for 50 years and saving the St. George Theatre. Mrs. Rosemary was a giving and caring person ~ a great mother, grandmother, friend, businesswoman, teacher, mentor, and icon in the community! Her legacy will live on thru her three daughters who share her passion.
