'Swan Lake' like it oughta be

By Meredith Deliso

“Black Swan” this is not.

“Swan Lake” was one of the most popular ballets ever to be performed before Darren Aronofsky based his much-acclaimed film, which won Natalie Portman an Oscar, on it and creating newfound fans of the enduring Russian ballet’s challenging choreography and beautiful, swelling score.

So whether you’re longtime fan of the classic or curious to see the real thing, it’ll be a real treat when the ballet comes to Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts in Flatbush on April 17, especially since the Russian National Ballet Theatre, known for its high levels of passion and technical skill, will be performing the fairy tale story about a princess, a prince, and the evil spell that threatens their happiness together.

Surprisingly, tickets are still available — a run by the New York City Ballet easily sold out earlier this year — so get yours now to relive the haunting ballet. Just don’t expect anything akin to Portman sprouting feathers on stage.

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College [2900 Campus Rd. at Hillel Place in Flatbush, (718) 951-4500], April 17 at 2 pm. Tickets $27-$50. For info, visit www.brooklyncenter.com.