TWO OF BENICIA’S DANCE SCHOOLS have merged to be come Benicia Academy of Performing Arts, a spokesperson said Monday.

Benicia Ballet School and Susie Harper School of Dance began their merger this summer, Renee Albrecht said. Both are long-time operations in Benicia, each with its own followings.

The new school, BAPA, will be directed by Margaret Kenrick, the current director and managing partner of Benicia Ballet.

BAPA will operate as Benicia Ballet School until legal processes are completed, Albrecht said.

The original director of Benicia Ballet, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary production of “The Nutcracker” in December, is Jeanie Pors, who is continuing to teach. Another long-time affiliate is costume mistress Jeanette Hunter.

Susie Harper School of Dance has been a sole proprietorship operated by Harper for more than 40 years, during which it has offered non-competitive and supportive dance instruction to those of all skill levels.

“With the addition of Susie’s staff and existing students, BAPA will now offer multiple studies in dance including hip-hop, jazz, tap and contemporary styles in addition to the classical ballet and modern dance training that BBS has provided since 1986,” Albrecht said.

The new school is accepting registration now for fall classes that will start Aug. 18. Classes will meet in two studios across a parking lot from each other; one is at 938 Tyler St., No. 204, and the other is at 954 Jackson St.

Benicia Ballet Theatre is the sister company and performing arm of BAPA, and will remain intact as a separate 501(c )(3) nonprofit organization, Albrecht said. It will continue to offer two full-length ballets annually, including “The Nutcracker.”

“Nutcracker” auditions will take place Aug. 29, and its general membership meeting will be Sept. 12. Those interested may call 707-746-6757 or email info@benicia ballet.org.

Solar information available at bank event

Solar City and Umpqua Bank will give residents an opportunity to learn more about solar products and whether they qualify for what Dan Ryken, field energy consultant, called “a better way to buy electricity” at the Solar Social Event at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at Umpqua Bank, 1395 East Second St.

BHS Soroptimist Club recycling for Relay For Life

Soroptimist Club of Benicia High School will recycle bottles and cans through Aug. 22 to raise money for Benicia Relay for Life.

The club is a teen community service club focused on helping women and girls live their dreams, said Eliza Partika, vice president. “This will be the second year that the SClub participates in Relay for Life,” she said.

Last year, the SClub raised $1,400 for the event, and members are hoping to pass this year’s goal of $1,000.

Several companies already have contributed to the club’s fundraiser, including Kinder’s, Twin Oaks, Bank of the West, Bank of America, World Projects, Benicia Fitness, Benicia Main Street, Benicia Herald, Hamann Real Estate, Estey Real Estate, Realty World and Taco Bell.

Companies and individuals who have bottles and cans to donate can email Eliza Partika at EPink13@comcast.net or call her at 916-640-9994.

The Benicia Herald’s weekly Benicia Business Beat column is an opportunity for local businesses and companies to tell our readers about business-oriented news, such as moves, grand openings, awards, promotion of employees, staff changes and changes in goods and services.

Submissions will be edited for length and content; and need to answer the questions who, what, when, where, why and how, preferably in the body of an email; and provide contact information.

Deadline is 3 p.m. Friday for news items that will appear in the next Tuesday edition’s Benicia Business Beat.

Please email news releases and accompanying high-resolution photographs and logos to beniciaherald@gmail.com, and put “Attn. Business Beat” in the subject line, as well as the name of the business.

The Benicia Herald also appreciates area companies’ advertising patronage. For advertising services, call 707-745-0733 or email adsbenicia@yahoo.com.