VERO BEACH — The 39th annual Aerial Antics Circus drew sharp gasps, thunderous applause and partial standing ovations during Friday night’s performance – one the acrobats and dancers plan to repeat one last time Saturday evening.
The Aerial Antics Circus de Colores is three-day performance that is the culmination of hours upon hours of practice and training during various summer camps and programs.
“It’s a lot of fun,” said 12-year-old performer Nicole Charest. She participated in three of the acts Friday night and was gearing up for five acts Saturday night.
For the last three or four years – she’s lost track – Charest has been a part of the Aerial Antics Circus. Getting to be with her friends and performing keeps her going, she said.
“It’s amazing” how flexible she is, said Charest’s mom, Kathy. She marveled at how far her daughter has progressed over the last couple years.
Nicole’s brother, 10-year-old Alex, said it was cool watching the show because you don’t often see people doing back flips and other such gymnastic moves.
“It’s unusual,” he said of the show.
When asked if he had any interest in joining the circus, Alex and Nicole’s dad, Eric Charest, interjected, “Dad can only handle one kid up there at a time!”
Two Oslo Middle School teachers attended Friday’s show to watch a few of their former students perform.
“It was great,” said Gayle Gatton, adding that her favorite act was “Nights in White Satin” – not just because of the song, but also for the performance by Andrea Woodson and James Charlton.
Ellie Cope, a fellow teacher, had been to previous Aerial Antics Circuses and declared this year’s the best.
“It was awesome,” she said. “There seemed to be more – everything!”
Cheering on three Vero Beach Junior Varsity Cheerleaders was their squad coach, Bailey Chisholm. Her favorite performance of the night was the finale – a three-piece number that started with “True Colors” that melted into “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/I’m Yours” and then finished with “White Wedding.”
The middle portion tickled Chisholm’s funny bone as the performers danced in silly sacks (stretchy full body bags).
“It was very entertaining,” Chisholm said.
The 1 ½-hour show is being held at St. Edward’s School on A-1-A in Vero Beach at 7 p.m. Admission is a suggested $5 donation.