The young gymnasts who performed in last week’s 41st Annual Aerial Antics Totally ’80s Youth Circus, presented by the City of Vero Beach Recreation Department, may not have been old enough to actually remember the music of the era, but they certainly took to the billboard hits with pizzazz and enthusiasm.
Performed by students enrolled in gymnastic and dance classes throughout the year, as well as those who just attended the summer gymnastic camp, youngsters of every skill level showcased their talents at three consecutive evening shows at St. Edward’s School gymnasium to crowds overflowing with proud parents, relatives and friends.
The youthful performers are encouraged to go out and perform with their whole heart and give it their best try, whether high-flying from the rafters or doing small tumble-rolls on the mats. And that they did. Every student, from the tiny Acrotots to the more seasoned Performing Arts Troupe displayed every ounce of passion and talent in their amazing performances.
Each boy and girl was encouraged with shouts and applause – even the foibles were cheered enthusiastically for their effort as participants in the much-loved community event. Children’s lives are transformed every year, gaining confidence as they build their athletic acumen. Many past performers return to watch the show and recapture that sense of community and cheer on the next generation.
Sisters Ashton and Amber Atwell came to support this year’s crop of performers, many whom they had worked with over more than 10 years with the camp.
“We feel nervous. This is the first time we have not seen any part of the performance before the show and we just want all of them to do well,” they said, adding later that they had been proud of everyone.
“This is my fourth year and last year volunteering as camp staff,” said Jennifer Kramer. “I have watched these kids get better each year. I loved watching them progress from not knowing anything into skilled young performers.”
Crowd and fellow-participant favorite Micah Nalzaro has been involved in Aerial Antics for the past four years and his performances were one of the highlights of the evening. “Getting to see all these kids perform and to know that it’s their time to shine and no one can ever take that away from them is the best part,” he said.
City Recreation Director Rob Slezak passed out accolades and awards to special campers and junior staff each night. Hailey Bolduc received the Outstanding Camper Award; Jirrio Jones the Deborah Demorest Award for Outstanding Gymnast; Justine Higgins received the Tammy Hutchinson Award for Outstanding Junior Staff Volunteer, and Gabriella Oshadiya was honored with the Cindy Bieschke Award for Outstanding Camper.
Longtime Recreation Department staff members Patty Howard, Angie Holshouser, Liz Matthews and Julie Norman coordinated the event, with a large group of technicians, support staff and junior staff volunteers helping to pull it all together.