The West Hawaii Dance Theatre and Academy lights up the holidays by presenting “The Nutcracker” Dec. 23 at Kahilu Theatre in Waimea.
Two showings are planned of the delightful traditional holiday classic ballet with performances at 2 and 6 p.m. In-person seating is available for both performances. Live stream performance will be available on Kahilu.TV.
“The Nutcracker” 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.
This visually stunning festive family friendly production includes more than 45 local dancers, returning WHDT alumni, and guest professional dancers. Re-imagined by West Hawaii Dance Theatre’s Founder Artistic Director Virginia Holte and choreographed by Special Guest Timour Bourtasenkov, the production creates a magical experience that is certain to uplift your spirit.
“The Nutcracker” 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 delicate 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, Mother Ginger and her Polichinelles and beautiful Waltzing Flowers.
Guest professional dancers for the production include Timour Bourtasenkov (Cleveland Ballet) Derek Daniels (Derek Daniels Productions) Amar Ramasar (New York City Ballet) Zachary Cantazerno (Cleveland Ballet) and July/August Pointe Cover featured Ballerina Chloe Misseldine (American Ballet Theatre).
West Hawaii Dance Theatre’s 2022 Nutcracker Ballet is sponsored by Hawaii Public Radio and the Hoku Concert Series. Tickets, which range in price from $35 to $65, can be purchased by visiting www.whdt.org/nutcracker.