West Hawaii Dance Theatre and Academy lights up the holidays by presenting “The Nutcracker Ballet.”
The holiday classic is performed at 6 p.m. Dec. 21-22 and 2 p.m. Dec. 23 at Kahilu Theatre in Waimea.
A full orchestra under the baton of Maestro Brian Dollinger with members of the Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra will accompany the dancers.
This visually stunning festive family friendly production includes more than 70 local dancers, guest dancers from The Maui Academy of Performing Arts, and guest professional dancers from the Matsuyama Ballet, Carolina Ballet and Bolshoi Ballet.
Choreography is based on the original Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo version, and has been updated for this year’s production by WHDT Artistic Director Virginia Holte, Co-Director Midori Satoh, instructors Jenna Ojeda, Ann Marie Pargett and Megan Joy Chapman and Guest Choreographers Soili Arvola and Miho Tsutsumi.
The ballet combines the music of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky with the charming, old world fairy tale based on the original E.T.A. Hoffman story, “The Nutcracker and the King of Mice.”
It tells the story of Clara, who is given a magical Nutcracker Doll on Christmas Eve by her eccentric Uncle Drosselmeyer. Adventure awaits as she and her transformed Nutcracker Prince battle the frightful Rat King before embarking on a journey through the Land of the Snow.
With the the help of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara and her Prince travel to the Land of the Sweets where they are entertained by an Arabian Princess, Spicy Spanish Dancers, Giggling Chinese Dancers, delightful Marzipan, and beautiful Waltzing Flowers.
A silent auction and Nutcracker Boutique will be held in the lobby. Proceeds benefit WHDT’s ongoing programs, scholarship fund, and studio renovations.
Tickets range in price from $23-$38 and can be purchased online at www.kahilutheatre.org..
WHDT is a nonprofit educational arts organization supported in part by the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Hawaii Community Foundation, Atherton Family Foundation, Cooke Foundation, Vance Wall Foundation, Ironman Foundation, Macy’s and local businesses and families. Founded in 1989, WHDT Academy transforms individuals and builds community by providing a comprehensive educational dance and theater program on the Big Island.
Info: Call West Hawaii Dance Theatre at 329-8876 or visit www.whdt.org.