Allan Cozzubbo Academy of Dancing (AAD) 1963 to 2003
- May 29
- 3 min read
Allan, born in 1939, was the youngest of five children of Agatino and Betha Cozzubbo. He began his dance career as a youngster and pupil of his cousin, Lillian Cozzubbo Coulson, and further studied with Dr. Ruth Carse of the Alberta Ballet. His advanced training took place in New York with well‑known teachers such as Luigi, Robert Joffre, Matt Mattox, Al Gilbert, and Leon Danielion.
These studies enabled him to enter pupils for examinations in various syllabi and to choreograph entries for dance competitions and festivals. Allan also received scholarships from the Government of Alberta to further his dance studies and remain current in the world of dance.
After graduating from high school, he studied and taught ballroom dancing with Frank McNerney, Oonagh Young, and Tom Lane. The ballroom studio “Delmar” hosted the weekly television show Let’s Dance With Delmar, featuring performances by the studio staff.
Allan officially opened the Allan Cozzubbo Academy of Dancing (ACAD) in September 1963, with locations in northwest, southwest, and southeast Calgary. The Academy became well known for its entertaining year‑end recitals held at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, where all students received a certificate or ribbon, and selected pupils received medals and trophies. Ballroom classes were also taught at the YMCA, YWCA, and various community centres. Allan taught theatre numbers at Tweedsmuir Girls School prior to its amalgamation with Strathcona Boys School, as well as ballet at Christopher Robin School.
The Academy was instrumental in bringing dance icons to Calgary for workshops held at the Palliser Hotel Ballroom, including Joe Tremaine, Doug Caldwell, and Alfonso Riveiro. The studio was also home to the “Calgary Rockettes,” an entertainment group that provided teachers and advanced pupils with opportunities to perform. Many members of this group went on to teach and dance professionally. Costumes for the group were designed by Charles Thompson. The school also provided entertaining dance numbers choreographed by Lynette Fry Abra (A former principal dancer with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet for the annual) " A Night in the Vienna Ball" – sponsored by Austrian Canadian Club held at various Ballroom.
The Academy was highly involved in competitions and festivals and was well known for large production entries. Allan’s tribute to Calgary’s 100th anniversary received a mark of 100% at the ADEA Festival. Allan became an official examiner for the Al Gilbert Tap and Jazz syllabus and a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dancing (RAD). As an associate member of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing in Glasgow, Scotland, his students were eligible for examinations in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Acrobatics, Baton, and Highland. He continues to be a life member of the WRDAA, ADEA and BATD.
Further professional affiliations and examining bodies included the Canadian Dance Ring, Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, British Association of Teachers of Dancing, Dance Masters of America, Associated Professional Dance Teachers Association, and the Canadian Dance Teachers Association. Festival participation included the Western Region Dance Association of Alberta, the Associated Professional Dance Teachers Association, and the Alberta Dance Educators Association. Advanced students were also entered in the Calgary Stampede Talent Contest, with results very well received, including a first‑place award for a jazz routine by an intermediate pupil.
Allan received numerous honours, including being featured as a “CNN Volunteer in Profile,” receiving a “White Hat Award” for Customer Service, a “Great Albertan Award,” and being named Chairman of the Ballet Committee for the 1988 Opening Ceremony of the Calgary Winter Olympics. He was well known as a teacher, choreographer, examiner, and adjudicator, teaching at summer workshops and adjudicating throughout Canada and the United States. Many of his students went on to successful professional careers and became well known for their “Spirit of Dance.”
Highlights of his adjudicating career included several occasions in Las Vegas, sharing adjudicating duties with Hollywood actor and dancer Gene Nelson, a respected dance friend and mentor. Al Gilbert, also of Hollywood, was another strong mentor and close friend.
The studio officially closed in June 1997. Allan then became Special Events Coordinator for the Calgary Chinook and Downtown locations of the Hudson’s Bay Company. Drawing on his dance background, he used dancers as models, dressing, choreographing, and providing commentary for fashion shows. The models received a discount on the clothing they wore. Allan was presented with a Hudson’s Bay blanket upon retiring in 2003.
In 2007, he moved from Calgary to Abbotsford, British Columbia. As of the writing of this Allan continues to be asked to guest teach and adjudicate.
The Academy’s website remains his legacy and can be viewed online as “Allan Cozzubbo Academy of Dancing.”