Shelly Jenkins and Sue Sharpe. PHOTO BY JOSHUA KODIS

Supporters of Ballet Vero Beach enjoyed another wonderful Ballet Under the Stars fundraiser at Tree House Vero Beach.

Its importance, as proceeds go toward the nonprofit’s educational and community engagement initiatives, became even more critical after Gov. Ron DeSantis, with one sweep of the pen, vetoed all state grants to Florida arts organizations, including the $38,000 grant to BVB that had been approved by the legislature.

Chaired by Sue Sharpe and Shelly Jenkins, the evening featured an extensive buffet by Adrienne Drew Catering, signature cocktails from 21st Amendment and craft beers from Sailfish Brewery, live entertainment by the terrific Dave Capp Project, and a lively auction.

After thanking all those who have had a part in the success of the organization over the past 10 years, Adam Schnell, BVB artistic director/CEO, pointed out Yves de Bouteiller, who choreographed this year’s performance of “West Side Story.”

“When I lost my first job as a professional dancer, Yves hired me sight unseen on the recommendation of a friend, and changed the entire trajectory of my career. I model my artistic directorship off him and a few other mentors, so thank you Yves; we’re glad you’re here,” said Schnell.

There was also a wonderful performance by BVB dancers, which Schnell said was choreographed by dancers Marlyse Noble, Darien Santos and Abriella Mauldin, with no help from either him or Camilo Rodriguez, BVB ballet master.

“A lot of what we do at Ballet Vero Beach has absolutely nothing to do with what you see on stage,” said Schnell, before expounding on “why we do what we do” and the many partnerships with other nonprofits.

Among them the Fellowship Initiative for Dancers with Indian River State College; the Stage to Page Program with the Learning Alliance; assistance by the United Way of Indian River County in facilitating ticket donations to local agencies; the Endowment Partners Program with the Indian River County Community Foundation; and a new relationship with Childcare Resources to assist in the development of preschoolers’ gross motor and development milestones.

Additionally, through a partnership with Riverside Theatre, BVB helped rehearse a cast of young Gifford Youth Achievement Center students to compete in the Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta with a production of “The Lion King, Jr.,” which, out of 8,000 children, earned the GYAC students the top Inspiration Award.

“All of these amazing organizations definitely deserve your support,” said Schnell. He noted that by supporting BVB, which provides those services at no cost to the school district or the agencies, they are able to do more for the nonprofits.

“We can keep doing exactly what we’re doing, or we can expand, and we can reach further and deeper into this community, which is always my goal. And while I love the tutus, that’s not what keeps me up at night. What keeps me up at night is how can we make the community better for all of us.”

For more information, visit BalletVeroBeach.org.

Photos by Joshua Kodis