As the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center opens the 2026-27 season, St. Augustine Ballet & Conservatory brings the haunting love story of “Dracula” to the stage for one night only. Among the dancers is Flagler County resident Emma Zwirn, who shares her excitement about bringing the classic tale to life through ballet.

Tell readers about yourself (age, school, field of study, etc.) My name is Emma Zwirn, I’m 15 years old, and I’m a sophomore at Suncoast Community School in Bunnell.

What attracted you to ballet?

I started ballet when I was 11, so later than most, but have been performing with Flagler Performing Arts Academy since I was 8.

I really love that, in ballet, there’s always something new to learn and improve, and I really enjoy the challenge.

Did you try out for Dracula or did they reach out to you?

I auditioned for Dracula. My ballet teacher, Ms Victoria Redig, at The Dance Method in Bunnell, studied with the St. Augustine Ballet and encouraged me to audition for the production! I’m really glad she encouraged me to go for it because it has been such a great experience.

I’m also grateful to Mr. Luis Abella, the director of St. Augustine Ballet, for giving me the opportunity to be part of the production and to all the dancers there for being so welcoming to me!

How exciting is it for you to be part of the show that will be on stage at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center?

It’s so exciting! Getting to perform at the Fitz with the dancers of St. Augustine Ballet and the amazing guest performers is something I’m really looking forward to.

It’s exciting to be part of a full-length ballet and experience everything that goes into putting together a production like this. I’m really proud to be part of the show, and I can’t wait for our local Flagler community to see it.

What do you think audiences should know about this show?

I think audiences should know that Dracula is more than just a scary story. It’s a dramatic and beautiful ballet with incredible dancing, music, costumes and storytelling.

There are some really exciting and dramatic moments, and I think both people who already love ballet and people who have never seen a ballet before will really enjoy it.

Bonus: Do you plan to pursue ballet/drama/acting professionally, and if so, why?

I definitely want dance and performing to continue to be part of my life, but my main goal is to pursue early childhood education and children’s ministry. Performing has been such an important part of my life, and I would love to continue sharing that love of the arts with children. Whether that means teaching dance, incorporating the arts into education, or finding another way to bring those things together, I hope performing and the arts will always be part of my future.

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