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‘Swan Lake’ dances into Brighton Beach

‘Swan Lake’ dances into Brighton Beach
Photo by Steve Solomonson

These dancers are on pointe!

The second annual Pink Pig Ballet show at the Shore View Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Brighton Beach on Sept. 3 mixed classic with contemporary. The Pink Pig Ballet — a professional dance company for young adults — wowed the crowd with its rendition of “Swan Lake” and other popular pieces.

“They really liked it — it seemed like a good time,” said Valerie Mae Browne, the artistic director of the Pink Pig Ballet. “They seemed to be just thrilled.”

Susanne Jeffrey, a choreographer who once designed shows for Radio City Music Hall and now is a summer patient at Shore View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, organized the show.

Colorful and coordinated: Joanna Sienkiewicz performs a festive piece for the crowd.
Photo by Steve Solomonson

Browne said the dance company wanted to show its appreciation for Jeffrey, so the members performed one of her favorite modern pieces, “Soft As Whispering Trees.”

“It is one of Miss Jeffrey’s favorites so we always do that for her,” she said.

Browne said the costumes — elaborate, colorful, and intricate — were an ode to Brighton Beach’s Russian culture. The performers’ costumes can range from simplistic to sparkly, depending on the occasion and the dance, she said.

“We like to nod to our possible roots,” said Browne.

Swoon for the swan: Natasha Sheptalova performs a piece from “Swan Lake.”
Photo by Steve Solomonson

Reach reporter Vanessa Ogle at vogle‌@cngl‌ocal.com or by calling (718) 260-4507. Follow her attwitter.com/oglevanessa.