More Than Ballet: Why Brighton Ballet Theater Will Always Have a Special Place in My Heart?

Today was a special day.

I was honored to be invited by Irina Roizin, Founder and Executive Director of Brighton Ballet Theater, to attend Peter and the Wolf and the 39th Annual Children's Festival, The World of Dance.

From the moment my 12-year-old son and I arrived, we felt welcomed.

As we waited in line, Vladimir Lepisko, Administrative Coordinator at Brighton Ballet Theater, warmly greeted families, checked in with parents, greeted familiar faces, made jokes, and invited everyone to enjoy the performance. To me, it's these small moments that make Brighton Ballet Theater feel different. From the moment you arrive, you feel a genuine sense of community, belonging, and one big family.

Before the curtain rose, Irina Roizin welcomed the audience and shared a few words. As I listened, I found myself thinking about the many roles she carries. She is an immigrant, a mother, a dancer, a teacher, and a leader. Like so many women, she wears many hats. Through her vision, she has created a place where generations of children grow through dance, culture, creativity, and community.

The performance began with the mesmerizing music of Sergei Prokofiev, beautifully brought to life by the talented dancers of Brighton Ballet Theater.

What could be better than experiencing culture through music and dance?

My 12-year-old son and I loved every minute of the performance, and judging by the smiles, laughter, and applause, so did the rest of the audience.

One thing that especially stood out to me was how family-friendly the performance was. I saw children as young as two years old attending with their parents and grandparents. Three generations enjoying music, ballet, and culture together. What a beautiful way to spend Father's Day.

I also appreciated that Brighton Ballet Theater took time to recognize fathers and acknowledge the important role they play in supporting their children's dreams. It was a thoughtful reminder that behind every young performer stands a family.

The second part of the performance featured Don Quixote Suite, choreographed by Eduard Kouchnarev, Artistic Director of Brighton Ballet Theater.

The dancers did a beyond-beautiful job on stage.

But behind the scenes are dance teachers' hard work, parents' and grandparents' support, and every child's persistence.

Beautiful dance requires persistence.

Beautiful dance requires resilience.

Beautiful dance requires creativity.

Beautiful dance requires practice...

and then more practice.

As a bilingual therapist, one of my favorite parts of the afternoon was seeing the diversity represented on stage. Brooklyn is one of the most multicultural places in the world, and performances like these remind us that music and dance can celebrate different cultures while bringing people together.

The performance also brought back memories. Brighton Ballet Theater will always have a special place in my heart.

The show reminded me of a photo of my daughter performing the Chunga Changa dance at Brighton Ballet Theater almost fifteen years ago. Fifteen years ago, my daughter was just four years old when she stepped onto the BBT stage for her very first performance.

At that time, I was a fairly new immigrant and a new mother, trying to build a life in a new country. Every week after work in Manhattan, I rushed to pick up my daughter from her Russian daycare and bring her to ballet class at Brighton Ballet Theater.

I remember sitting in the hallway, listening to the live piano music played by the accompanist. I watched talented teachers patiently working with the children. I watched little dancers in their leotards learning, growing, and dreaming. Where else could a new immigrant parent experience classical ballet, live piano music, and the beauty of culture every week? At that time, I didn't realize that I was finding something important at Brighton Ballet Theater, too. Those 5 p.m. ballet classes gave my daughter ballet, friendships, discipline, and confidence.

They gave me a sense of safety.

They gave me a sense of belonging.

They gave me a community of like-minded parents while I was still trying to find my own place in a new country.

Soon, my daughter's best friend joined Brighton Ballet Theater too. Her mom was my closest friend. Our girls made lifelong memories, and I found something more than ballet.

I found community.

I also remembered Vladimir Lepisko, known to many families as Volodya, who was always there handing out class schedules, helping with registration, and answering questions. But he did much more than that. He chatted with parents about life, world news, and our children. Looking back, I realize those conversations were also part of what made Brighton Ballet Theater feel like a community rather than just a dance school.

Fifteen years later, I returned with my son to watch the performance.

As I looked around the theater, I realized that the same warmth, the same feeling of belonging, and the same love for children, families, and the arts are still here.

Some places become part of your story.

For me, Brighton Ballet Theater will always be one of them.