New Program at Ballet Palm Beach

Ballet Palm Beach announces the launch of an outreach program thanks to PNC grant! Colleen Smith, artistic and executive director of Ballet Palm Beach, the professional ballet company of Palm Beach County, plans to launch Ballet by the Book, an outreach program that adapts children’s literature into free, live performances in local libraries, theaters and Title 1 schools.

Ballet by the Book is made possible through a $15,000 grant from the PNC Foundation through PNC Arts Alive. PNC Arts Alive is a multi-year initiative of PNC and the PNC Foundation dedicated to supporting visual and performing arts groups with the goal of increasing arts access and engagement in new and innovative ways. 

Ballet by the Book’s goal is to impact young lives from underserved communities through exposure to the performing arts, while simultaneously promoting literacy. Ballet Palm Beach anticipates offering the live performances in early fall 2021. 

“With the unanticipated impact of the pandemic on live performances, the support we give to the arts through PNC Arts Alive is more important than ever,” said Cressman Bronson, PNC regional president for South Florida. “Having new ways to bring stories to life through short ballets at Palm Beach libraries and schools will allow children to learn about and enjoy cultural entertainment this year.”  

During the program, Ballet Palm Beach will present an original ballet, Peter Pan & Tinker Bell, which delves into the imaginative world of J.M. Barrie and follows the adventures of “The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up” and his feisty fairy friend before they met the Darling children in London. “Ballet Palm Beach is grateful for the support from PNC,” said Smith. “For a strong, vibrant community, we must keep the arts alive!” 

For more information about the professional company or its school, Ballet Palm Beach Academy, or to support BPB’s outreach efforts call 561.630.8235 or visit www.balletpalmbeach.org.