Palm Beach Gardens Lving - November 2026

6 PA L M B E A C H G A R D E N S L I V I N G | N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 6 – By Elizabeth Dashiell - BUSINESS PROFILE Silver Stages, Golden Leadership HOW BALLET PALM BEACH’S DOUBLE MILESTONE IS RESHAPING SOUTH FLORIDA’S ARTS SCENE B allet Palm Beach , the county’s own professional ballet company, is marking a quarter-century of bringing world-class professional dance to South Florida. What began as a humble ballet school has blossomed into a cultural powerhouse, reshaping the region's artistic landscape. As the company celebrates its silver jubilee with an electrifying lineup of page-to-stage masterpieces and world premieres, it also honors a monumental personal milestone for the woman who started it all: Founding Artistic and Executive Director Colleen Smith , who is celebrating 50 years of ballet leadership. The origins of Ballet Palm Beach trace back to 1993, when Smith opened a small dance school called The Esther Center, teaching her first classes in a room above her garage. Driven by a passion to give local students the chance to perform in full- scale productions, Smith founded Florida Classical Ballet Theatre. The student troupe grew steadily in technique and popularity, and by 2013 the organization officially rebranded as Ballet Palm Beach. For five decades, Smith has shared her passion, grace, and technical expertise with generations of dancers. A native of Palm Beach County, she trained at top-tier institutions before returning to her hometown to share her knowledge with others. Smith’s studio has served as a sanctuary where thousands of students have discovered the joy and discipline of dance. The Ballet Palm Beach Academy is renowned for its RPM (Revolutionary Principles of Movement) technique. RPM is a science-based, biomechanical approach to teaching that focuses on how the body uses energy and physics rather than just traditional aesthetics. This style of instruction adapts ballet for every body type and helps prevent injuries. By fostering future professional dancers, the Academy serves as a homegrown cultural anchor for the community. Today, many of these celebrated alumni take the stage as Company members in Ballet Palm Beach’s performances. Through its signature outreach initiatives like "Ballet by the Book," the Company brings beloved children’s literature to life via cost-free performances at public venues and schools. It also provides public access to page-to-stage literary masterpieces through its full season of performances at the Kravis Center. This year, Ballet Palm Beach is launching its silver anniversary season with an original, world-premiere production of Mary Shelley’s FRANKENSTEIN on October 22 – 24. The gothic monster hit from the 1800s is brought to life through the electrifying power of dance. Next, the signature classic holiday tradition of THE NUTRACKER takes the stage from December 4 – 6. On March 5 – 7, the Company presents the world’s most famous diary in a poignant new ballet honoring the legacy of ANNE FRANK . This powerful production blends haunting choreography with a timeless message of kindness, understanding, and hope. Presented with support from the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s Center to Combat Antisemitism & Hatred. Next, patrons are invited to step into a world of magic with the classic rags-to- riches tale, CINDERELLA on April 9 - 11. Set to Prokofiev's lush score, this dazzling ballet is a delightful treat for audiences of all ages. Finally, Ballet and The Bard unite in a moonlit forest of magic and mischief during the summer solstice with A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM on June 26. This joyful tale of romantic mayhem is the perfect, lighthearted summer treat for the whole family. Twenty-five years after its first studio steps, Ballet Palm Beach has firmly hit its stride. Under Smith’s enduring vision, the company continues to enrich the region through the universal language of dance, proving that world-class artistry belongs right here at home. MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN OCTOBER 22-24, 2026 RINKER PLAYHOUSE THE NUTCRACKER DECEMBER 4-6, 2026 DREYFOOS HALL ANNE FRANK MARCH 5-7, 2027 RINKER PLAYHOUSE CINDERELLA APRIL 9-11, 2027 RINKER PLAYHOUSE A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM JUNE 26, 2027 DREYFOOS HALL SEASON SPONSORED BY ANKA PALITZ FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TICKETS VISIT BALLETPALMBEACH.ORG BALLET PALM BEACH 2026/2027 SEASON