Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Brighton Ballet Theater is a not-for-profit 501-c3 organization that has existed since 1987.
What is your primary product or service?
Brighton Ballet Theater was created to preserve and further the tradition of classical ballet and folk dance in New York City and foster unification through dance.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
Irina Roizin founded Brighton Ballet Theater in 1987, thereby fulfilling a childhood dream to teach dance and have her own school in America. She studied Russian character dance and gymnastics in Ukraine, including training at the Lvov Circus School, and was a soloist with the Ukrainian National Folk Dance Companies “Yunost” and “Mria” before immigrating to the United States. After arriving in the US, Irina was a student of Galina Rybak and Rona Rybak; the sisters were both students of Agrippina Vaganova and Galina danced at the renowned Bolshoi Theater in Moscow whereas Rona taught at the Moscow Choreographic School. Irina also studied with Celia Marino, who was a principal dancer with Ballet Nacional de Venezuela and long-time faculty member with The Ailey School.
At Brighton Ballet Theater Irina is responsible for training new teachers as well as creating the curriculum and methodology used both at Brighton Ballet Theater and in public school partnerships such as art residencies, after-school programs, and dance education for children with special needs. She also takes a special interest in costuming at Brighton Ballet Theater since her mother was a seamstress. Irina brings her passion, professionalism, and commitment to every aspect of theBrighton Ballet Theater experience.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Located in an ethnic and immigrant community with a diverse economic population, we pay special attention to teaching our students the art of dance, keeping them off the street and gadgets, and raising them through dance discipline into well-rounded individuals.
We always have a place in our school for underprivileged children who cannot afford to pay for dance instruction. We give these children an opportunity to study and grow through scholarships and free tickets.
Through the discipline and dedication dance requires, BBT molds and develops healthy, passionate, responsible, and well-rounded individuals who have the potential to succeed in any field.
As a one-of-a-kind school, we offer you a unique package of benefits:
- Year-round classes and ongoing registration;
- The broad selection of classes and flexible schedule;
- Talented, experienced, and professional dance instructors;
- Performance opportunities;
- Live piano music in the classes;
- Family atmosphere: Brighton Ballet Theater students stay with us on average for seven years, the most extended period among the schools in the area.
- Unique methodology for working with children as young as two years old and preparing them for ballet and other dance classes. At the same time, there is no age limit at our school.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
BBT has headquartered its Brooklyn operations on the campus of Kingsborough Community College (KCC) since 2005. KCC, part of The City University of New York system, offers both associate degree programs and a wide array of continuing education courses. In 2013, KCC was even named one of the top four community colleges in the United States by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program! We are fortunate to partner with KCC and appreciate the access they provide our students to their excellent performing arts center, classrooms, shuttle, and of course their beautiful setting by the sea.
Our goal in Brooklyn is to foster the development of well-rounded, healthy, passionate, imaginative and resilient young adults who have the potential to succeed in any field. Unlike many dance programs in Manhattan and other parts of the country, our program is open to dancers at all different levels, from recreational dancers to those who are preparing for careers in dance. By nurturing their minds and bodies, delivering the highest level of training and instruction and sharing the daily discipline and rigor required in the life of a professional artist, we enable our students to discover their inner strengths, achieve new competencies, and identify and pursue career choices aligned with their talents and interests. Our location on a college campus further enhances our students’ exposure to other cultures and provides opportunities to work as a team with individuals of different abilities, backgrounds, languages, and outlooks.
Provide detailed directions to your location
Brooklyn
Brighton Ballet Theater/School of Russian American Ballet
2001 Oriental Blvd., Bldg. T7, Room 7211
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Directions
MASS TRANSIT
SUBWAY
F Line:
Take the F Line to the Ave. X Station, then transfer to the eastbound B1 to KCC
N Line (Sea Beach):
Take the N Line to the Bay Parkway / 86th St. Station, then transfer to the eastbound B1 to KCC
Q or B lines:
Take the Q or B Line to the Brighton Beach Station, then transfer to the eastbound B1 to KCC or take the Q or B Line to the Sheepshead Bay Station, then transfer to the B49 to KCC.
D Line (West End):
Take the D Line to the 25th Ave. Station, then transfer to the eastbound B1 to KCC
2, 3, 4 or 5 Lines:
Take the 2, 3, 4 or 5 to the Franklin Ave. Station/Eastern Parkway, then transfer to the S Line to the Prospect Park Station, then transfer to the Q or B Lines; take the Q or B Line to the Brighton Beach Station, then transfer to the eastbound B1 to KCC
BUS
Take B1 or B49 to the last stop, Oriental Blvd. and Mackenzie St., then walk east on Oriental Blvd., which leads directly to the entrance of KCC
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
From Manhattan and Staten Island
Take the Belt Parkway eastbound to Exit 8A (Coney Island Ave.). Cross Coney Island Ave. and continue along Guider Ave. to the traffic light. Turn RIGHT onto E. 12th St. and continue for one block. Turn LEFT onto Neptune Ave. at the traffic light. Turn RIGHT at traffic light onto Cass Place and proceed to the second traffic light. Turn RIGHT onto West End Ave. Turn LEFT at second traffic light onto Oriental Blvd, which leads directly to KCC campus.
From Queens and Long Island
Belt Parkway westbound to Exit 8A (Coney Island Ave.). Turn RIGHT onto Voorhies Ave. Turn RIGHT at a second traffic light at Sheepshead Bay Rd. At third traffic light turn RIGHT onto Emmons Ave. At second traffic light turn LEFT onto West End Ave. Turn LEFT at the third traffic light onto Oriental Blvd and enter the KCC campus.
What type of payments do you accept?
cash/check, debit/credit cards, PayPal
Which areas do you service?
Brighton Beach, Sheepshead Bay, Flatbush, Bay Ridge, Gravesend, Midwood, Coney Island
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
For details about registration, scheduling, questions about invoices or other day-to-day operations, please email Vladimir Lepisko at info@brightonballet.org
For information about grants, BBT sponsorship opportunities, charitable giving or any other development issues, please email Development Coordinator at development.bbt@gmail.com
To reach our Founder and Executive Director Irina Roizin, please email irina.bbt@gmail.com
What are your hours of operation?
Office hours:
Monday-Friday 4:30pm-9pm
Saturday 10am-2pm
Sunday 10am-3pm
Contact Brighton Ballet Theater / School of Russian American Ballet:
