Brooklyn, New York, April 6, 2007 -- Twenty years ago, the pioneering Brighton Ballet brought the rich tradition of Russian ballet and dance instruction to Brooklyn’s shores. Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz will celebrate the BBT’s growth from an outpost of Russian culture in the Brighton Beach community to a major contributor to New York’s cultural life at a ceremony marking its 20th anniversary at Brooklyn Borough Hall.
The milestone event will be held in collaboration with the Brighton Beach Business Improvement District (BID), which is also celebrating its 20th anniversary. BBT and the Brighton Beach BID have grown and prospered together during this vital period, as they worked to develop the Brighton Beach Business and Cultural Community.
The BBT Award Presentation will include remarks by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, and Yelena Makhnin, Brighton Beach BID Executive Director, who will serve as Honorary Chair of the event.
Occurring during National Dance Week, the celebration will commemorate the history and achievements of Brighton Ballet Theater. BBT is proud of its role in restoring and reviving the heritage and best tradition of the Russian dance culture. Serving as a community cultural oasis, BBT creates affordable and professional dance education and performance opportunities, allowing children of many ethnic communities the chance to share the joy of dance.
BBT will present Special Awards to individuals who have provided vital support allowing BBT to thrive and contribute to the community. This includes:
- Dr. Regina S. Peruggi, President of Kingsborough Community College/CUNY, who will receive BBT’s Cultural Preservation Award;
- Rabbi M. Weiner, Executive Director of the Jewish Community of Greater Coney Island, who will receive BBT’s Community Leadership Award; and
- Dr. Vladimir Kvint, BBT Board of Directors Chairman, who will receive BBT’s Cultural Support Award.
Local elected officials and other community leaders have been invited, along with media, BBT’s students, their families, supporters and friends.
A roster of special events in the following months will continue the celebration of BBT and the Brighton Beach BID 20th Anniversary:
- Sun., May 20, 2007 at 10:00 AM - Family Day at Brighton Beach (outdoor event)
- Wed., June 20 & Thurs., June 21, 2007 at 6:30 PM - 20th Annual Children’s Festival “The World of Dance” at the Leon Goldstein Performing Arts Center, KCC.
About BBT/School of Russian Ballet:
BBT is dedicated to providing the highest quality dance education for children and adults. It is a well-established cultural center that has been in existence for 20 years with more than 400 students attending each year. BBT's curriculum includes ballet (Russian method), character dance, modern dance, Latin and ballroom dance, folk dance and hip-hop. BBT provides all children with a unique opportunity to perform full-scale ballets, with costumes and scenery.
This program is supported in part by Public Funds from The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and the New York City Council.
Images courtesy of Brighton Ballet Theater Co., Inc.
Photo by Wayne E. Yang
http://img201.imageshack.us/
Photo by Nancy Opitz
http://img201.imageshack.us/
Brighton Ballet Theater productions from previous years (Video):
The Radish
http://www.youtube.com/
The Nanny’s Story, by Tchaikovsky
http://www.youtube.com/
The Ugly Duckling, by Offenbach and Sen-Sans
http://www.youtube.com/
Press contact: Vladimir Lepisko,
Phone: 718-769-9161;
http://www.brightonballet.org
