Discover Delmarva Arts: Eastern Shore Ballet Theatre

SALISBURY, Md. — The Eastern Shore Ballet Theatre has been bringing performances to Delmarva for more than 30 years. This spring, they’re switching things up with a new show inspired by a familiar tale: The Little Mermaid. With over 90 people on board, this ballet is set to be one of the theatre’s most magical performances yet.

“There’s a wonderful mix of both contemporary and classical music in this production. The sets are designed to be dazzling — the backdrops, and we have beautiful light effects by Ken Johnson, who has done our lighting for a very long time. When it all comes together, it’s really magical,” said Leslie Belloso, a member of the Board of Directors.

The dancers, some of whom have been with the Eastern Shore Ballet Theatre for more than a decade, say the show is unlike anything they’ve ever performed.

“This show is very diverse and different from any of the shows we’ve ever done. I like that I get to dance with my friends, obviously, and it’s all new choreography, so everything we learn is all new,” said ballerina Naomi, who is playing Scuttle the seagull.

Nadeen and her fellow dancer, Naomi, said putting a show of this caliber together isn’t easy.

“It takes a lot of work. Even when you leave the studio, you have to go home and make sure you’re taking care of your muscles: resting, stretching, and just recovering. That’s where most of the work happens, I feel,” said ballerina Naomi, who is playing Ariel.

Beyond the stage, the Eastern Shore Ballet Theatre plays a bigger role in the community.

“It really is a gem in the community that brings people together — not just the dancers, but also the families. Generations of families have been involved with this… Any big production that brings young people together to create something artistic, and also something that uses a lot of energy, is a beautiful thing,” Belloso said.

Performances of The Little Mermaid will be on 5/8, 5/9, and 5/10 at Wicomico High School. To purchase tickets and view show times, visit https://www.esbt.org/tickets