Tea Up for the Nutcracker [Photo: Denise Ritchie]

Pirouettes, pliés and relevés were on the menu during the fourth annual Tea Up for the Nutcracker luncheon last Saturday afternoon at the Oak Harbor Club to benefit the numerous Ballet Vero Beach education and outreach programs.

“At Ballet Vero Beach, our mission is to promote the art of dance as a universal language in our community and beyond. And we do that through performances by our professional resident company, our education and community outreach initiatives, and performances by reputable national and international dance artists,” said Adam Schnell, artistic director/CEO.

Student performers from the upcoming “Nutcracker on the Indian River” productions gave attendees a preview of the good things to come before event sponsors, toting and walking with their adorable children and grandchildren, walked the runway clad in festive holiday attire from Casp Baby, GT Rhodes, Lily Pad, Sara Campbell, Sassy Boutique and Vernon Scott.

The second act of the production is set on the shores of the Indian River Lagoon circa 1919 and, through a partnership with the Indian River Land Trust, Ballet Vero Beach has been able to share information about the lagoon’s health and the environment.

Tables were adorned with Christmas greenery interspersed with crustaceous treasures, tying the ballet classic with such lagoon-centric creatures as turtles, manatees and pelicans. Guests enjoyed a light luncheon, perused auction items and purchased last-minute chances for an elegant Jose Hess diamond necklace, generously donated by Leigh Jewelers.

After the show, the big kids in the crowd indulged in champagne and gourmet desserts, while the little ones scurried off to play miniature golf, decorate cookies and have a chat with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“We’re trying to raise awareness,” said Schnell. “To get out of the theater and show people that we do more than just productions.”

BVB provides free mainstage production tickets to 16 different social service nonprofits in Indian River County, as well as providing educational programming to schools and local nonprofits. This year, children from Dodgertown and Fellsmere elementary schools will perform alongside the professional dancers in “Nutcracker on the Indian River.”

New this year, BVB will present a special, abbreviated “Nutcracker for All” performance underwritten by Quail Valley Charities for differently-abled members of the community.

“We are the only professional arts organization in the area that is reaching out to this population and providing them with a holiday arts experience that these families can come to together,” said Schnell.

“Nutcracker on the Indian River” performances will take place at 8 p.m. Dec. 30 and 2 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center. The “Nutcracker for All” production will take place at 2 p.m. Dec. 29. For more information, visit balletverobeach.org.