Overwhelmed by the stress of holiday preparations at the North Pole, Santa Claus decided to take a much-needed mini-vacation. And where better to unwind than in beautiful Vero Beach. Unfortunately, Santa overdid it while training with the “Lifeguard Patrol” and ended up with amnesia after a rock-climbing mishap.
Fortunately, the limber members of the City of Vero Beach Recreation Department’s Aerial Antics Youth Circus were on hand to help Santa regain his memory and save Christmas. More than 200 performers, ranging in age from 3 to 31, danced, spun and tumbled their way across the stage in a production of “Santa Who?” – the 22nd annual Holiday Drama held at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center.
The acrobats, dancers and aerialists who train in the Performing Arts program at the Centerstage Acrobatic Complex at Leisure Square had the appreciative audience on the edge of its seats with their impressive routines, performed to the music of classic holiday songs with a bit of a twist.
Hannah Peters and Demond Bowers’ energetic hip-hop routine added a chill to the air as Bowers flung and caught Peters during their lively performance. Mike Perrault and Leomary Llorente took fans back in time, reenacting the courtship of a young Mr. and Mrs. Claus through a graceful ballet.
During this very Vero performance, synchronized “swimmers” and umbrella-wielding dancers did their best to help Santa along and, with a little bit of magic, the jolly old fellow regained his memory just in the “nick” of time. His faculties restored, performers sent Santa off with their impressive human Christmas tree.
The original holiday production was written and directed by Patty Howard, Angie Holshouser, Liz Matthews and Julie Norman.
“We incorporated some amazing props like a rock wall and aerial silks this year,” said Howard. “We try to come up with fresh and interesting choreography every year so the performers are always challenging themselves and learning something new.”
Many have been with the program since childhood and return yearly as performers and instructors.
“I was always in my front yard doing cartwheels,” recalled Vero Beach High School senior Hannah Peters, who has taken classes since she was 3 years old. “I would do them for hours and hours. My mom put me in gymnastics, and I loved it.”
While recalling many a fall and embarrassing moments, she swears it is all worth it in the end, adding, “It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Don’t be afraid. You just have to get out there and try. It’s so satisfying when I finish a performance. The best part is seeing my coaches’ smile after we do a really good job and seeing how proud they are of us.”
As the performers toddled off, many with visions of sugar plums tumbling in their heads, Howard reflected, “Our goal is to leave the audience wanting more, and this year they all had so much fun at this year’s production. And with the heartwarming, holiday-based storyline, many families make attending our annual show a holiday tradition!”
Upcoming shows include performances March 11 and 13 at the Firefighters’ Fair, and on Aug. 3, 4 and 5 at the 43rd Annual Aerial Antics Youth Circus at Saint Edward’s School.
