Ballet Hawaii

Ballet Hawaii is a distinguished institution in the realm of dance, with a history that dates back to 1976 when it was founded as Friends of the Ballet. Its original purpose was to act as a support group for the Honolulu City Ballet, which was under the artistic direction of Jim Hutchison. The organization's early efforts were focused on raising funds for the ballet's production costs, such as sets and costumes, while Federal C.E.T.A. funding covered the salaries of the company's dancers and staff. Ballet Hawaii's commitment was to educate the public on the art of ballet through performances, demonstrations, and various programs. The Honolulu City Ballet faced a financial crisis in 1979 when the Federal C.E.T.A. funding ceased. As a result, the company was compelled to disband. However, the Friends of the Ballet persisted in their mission to support ballet in Hawaii, evolving from a support group to a producer and implementer of ballet productions. In 1980, the Friends of the Ballet produced their inaugural Nutcracker Ballet, a tradition that has continued annually. The production was a collaborative effort involving choreographer/directors Dame Sonia Arova and Thor Sutowski, and featured principal dancers from the San Francisco Ballet as well as former Honolulu City Ballet dancers. Open auditions expanded participation to the community, and the performances enjoyed near sell-out audiences at the Blaisdell. Over the past four decades, Ballet Hawaii has been instrumental in presenting, promoting, and developing dance throughout Hawaii. The organization's repertoire includes full-length productions such as The Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella, Peter Pan, and Alice In Wonderland, alongside the perennial favorite, The Nutcracker. Ballet Hawaii has also commissioned new works, including Urashima Taro and pieces by Tau Dance Theatre's Peter Espiritu. Ballet Hawaii's impact extends to nurturing Hawaii's finest young dancers, providing them with opportunities to perform alongside guest artists from prestigious companies such as American Ballet Theatre, Bolshoi Ballet, New York City Ballet, and many others. Notable guest artists have included Robbie Fairchild of Broadway's American In Paris, Sara Mearns of the New York City Ballet, and Megan Fairchild of Broadway's On the Town. The organization's training facilities in Honolulu and Waipahu enroll over 500 students annually, offering a comprehensive curriculum that ranges from pre-ballet to advanced levels. Ballet Hawaii's commitment to excellence in dance education is evident through its invitation to national and international master teachers to provide instruction and mentorship. Ballet Hawaii's Summer Intensive is a particularly notable program, drawing students from across the state, the mainland, and internationally. This three-week course, led by a distinguished guest faculty, culminates in a performance opportunity with guest artists, a rare and valuable experience for aspiring dancers. As a cultural leader in Hawaii, Ballet Hawaii has presented international dance companies, including Baryshnikov & Co., Les Ballet de Monte-Carlo, and Alonzo King's LINES Ballet, enhancing the cultural landscape of the community and ensuring that residents and visitors alike have access to world-class dance performances. In summary, Ballet Hawaii's history is one of resilience, growth, and dedication to the arts. From its origins as a support group to its current status as a premier dance institution, Ballet Hawaii continues to enrich the cultural fabric of Hawaii through its diverse array of programs, productions, and presentations.