Ballet Vero Beach Partners With TBS

Ballet Vero Beach, in partnership with Benjamin’s Dazzlers dance team, performed The Nutcracker on the Indian River in Benjamin Hall the evening of December 10. 

Associate Director of College Counseling Bekka Goldberg, a former dancer herself, spearheaded the collaboration between Benjamin and the ballet. Goldberg’s brother, Adam Schnell, serves as the Artistic Director of the organization.

“I wanted to connect Benjamin and Ballet Vero Beach because I believe in the power of the arts and arts education. Benjamin has such robust arts offerings and stellar facilities that I knew the two organizations could form a mutually beneficial relationship,” said Goldberg.

Ballet Vero Beach’s Nutcracker on the Indian River offers an abbreviated version of the beloved holiday classic. Its incarnation of the original features the shores of the Indian River in Vero Beach, Florida and all the flora and fauna that line its coastline.

The Florida mangroves, manatees, land crabs, and river otters made the production “particularly exciting” said Performing Arts Department Chair Sara Salivar who helped prepare her Dazzlers dance team for the professional performance. 

Artistic Director Adam Schnell said the performance has been years in the making.

“I am thrilled we have arrived at this momentous occasion,” said Schnell. “I am struck by the similarities between the school and the Ballet . . . this partnership seems like a match made in heaven and I hope that this will be the beginning of a robust and fruitful relationship between Benjamin and Ballet Vero Beach.”