Members of the Aerial Antics Youth Circus, gymnastics and performing arts programs enthralled the audience as they danced, tumbled and dangled from silks during an Enchanted Christmas Ball at the Vero Beach High School PAC, the 28th annual holiday production hosted by the City of Vero Beach Recreation Department.

Students used movement, acrobatics and a compilation of edgy Christmas tunes to tell the story of how a town’s annual Christmas ball is nearly spoiled by a group of nefarious people, until the townspeople come together to ensure the holiday celebration goes as planned. After foiling the plans of those with anger and greed in their hearts, the townspeople forgive them and the darkness melts away.

Among the highlights of the show, little ones swept the stage and the show with broom stunts and a dash of cuteness, an octet of performers in a rainbow of dancing sacks wowed the audience, aerialists gracefully manipulated silks, and gymnasts used chairs as props for their daring moves.

Ilyana Reed, a Vero Beach High School graduate and Disney Imagineer, wrote the original script for the highly anticipated holiday performance.

Performers, ages 3 to 19, participate in fitness and gymnastics to “promote self-esteem, leadership and performing experience through skill-building and positive encouragement” through the Leisure Square Aerial Antics Youth Circus.

Winter gymnastics registration begins on Jan. 21 at Leisure Square. For more information, visit COVB.org.

Photos by Joshua Kodis