The 52nd annual Aerial Antics Youth Circus presented by the City of Vero Beach Recreation Department, soared to new heights during their 2016 Takeover themed summer show, showcasing acts that were inspired by pop culture hits and memorable moments from 2016.
The summer throwback spectacle, held at the Saint Edward’s School Gonzalez Lobo Activities Center, delivered an evening that blended high-flying aerial acrobatics, energetic dance numbers, and awe-inspiring gymnastics. Ranging in age from 3 to 21, performers from the Leisure Square Gymnastics and Aerial Antics Youth Circus programs kept the audience captivated from the moment they stepped out into the spotlight until their final bows.
For more than five decades, the Aerial Antics Youth Circus has showcased the talents and passion of local youth under the guidance of dedicated coaches and staff. The children devote a great deal of time and effort rehearsing as they hone their skills, and the result is the delivery of a polished, professional production.
“As one of Vero Beach’s most cherished traditions, our circus continues to prove that with hard work, passion, and encouragement, children can accomplish amazing things,” noted event emcee Laurie Lee during her opening remarks.
From delicate routines on the aerial silken ribbons and hoops to power tumbling on the mats, every routine showcased the skills these area youth cultivated within the city’s summer camp and performing arts programs.
Behind the scenes, the entire production remains a true labor of love. The city’s recreation and gymnastics staff double as creative directors, personally choreographing every routine, selecting the music, building backdrops and props, and designing costumes for the performers.
The overall goal of the Aerial Antics Youth Circus is to promote self-esteem, leadership and performing experience through skill-building in a non-competitive environment so that children can build their physical, mental and emotional capabilities.
Additionally, those staff members who achieved significant educational milestones were celebrated.
They included recreation coordinator Rylie Walker, who recently earned a political science pre-law degree from the University of Central Florida; Saniah Smith, who recently earned a degree in social work from the University of Central Florida and is pursuing her master’s degree next spring; and Haley Foulks, who graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in marketing.
Special recognition was also given to the program’s outgoing high school seniors, whose years of dedication at Leisure Square have inspired younger generations.
Among them were two young women who have participated in the program since age 3: Chaniah Gibson, a Sebastian River High School graduate, plans to study clinical psychology at Keiser University, and Kares Hasenauer, who will be studying abroad this fall.
As the performing arts group gathered for a showstopping Olympic routine to close out the show, they brandished Hula Hoops to represent the Olympic rings and global unity through sports.
Upcoming Recreation Department events include gymnastics registration, on Oct. 17 at Leisure Square; the 66th annual Halloween Parade in Downtown Vero Beach on Oct. 31; and the Performing Arts Holiday Drama on Dec. 13 at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center.
For more information about gymnastics, performing arts classes, or upcoming youth programs, visit covb.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
