Swan Lake

Professional quality ballet thrives and can be appreciated without
having to leave the county when Agape Dance Academy performs Swan Lake June 16 and 17 at
Aptos High School.
Known as one of the most technically challenging ballets in the dance world, Pyotr Ilyich
Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake is a beautiful story about how love conquers all. Agape dancers and
choreographers have all pushed themselves hard to attain the high level of professionalism that
owner Melanie Useldinger envisions for her students and the show.
“Every year we choose music that moves our dancers and our audience,” said owner Melanie
Useldinger. “Our ballets are professional quality because the students are highly skilled and they
also learn to dance from their hearts, which adds depth to their performance.”
In just a couple of weeks, all the long hours of training to be super athletes, and graceful swans,
will reach its apex for the dedicated performers. The Academy hopes to see some familiar faces,
and new friends at the show. Local residents have already expressed much interest about both
Petite and Grande versions of the show, and dance lovers are encouraged to get their tickets soon
before they sell out.
Agape has only been open for four years, and already has several studios in operation throughout
the county. Swan Lake marks the fifth spring performance by the troupe, which originally started
in Scotts Valley.
“We are fortunate this county has so many residents who appreciate dance,” said Meredith
Useldinger, who teaches at Agape’s Westside studio. “It is because of student demand that we are
able to expand and offer beautiful dancing right here in Santa Cruz area.”
Students maintain high standards under guidance of seasoned ballet dancers and master
choreography by Melanie Useldinger herself. Her ballet experience includes dancing with some
of the best-known companies in U.S. and Canada.
The studio also shines thanks to master instruction by Anton Pankevich. A renowned dancer in
the ballet community, Pankevich has Russian as well as American training. He has formerly
performed and taught throughout the world, and now helps Agape dancers reach their full
potential.
To get tickets for Swan Lake, visit https://events.ticketprinting.com/event/23425.
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218E Mount Hermon Road, Scotts Valley CA 95066
783 Rio Del Mar Blvd St. 53 Aptos CA 95003
509 Swift St Bldg H Santa Cruz CA 95060
831-359-0850
www.agapedance.com