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Performing Arts
Oahu's cultural make - up sets the foundation for an appreciation for a diverse range of performing arts that visitors can enjoy. A natural first taste of the island's culture is to immerse oneself in the legends and tales of Hawaii through the graceful movements of hula. Discover kahiko (ancient) hula and auwana (contemporary) hula from one of Oahu's many hula halau (school) performances found at venues around town - including the hula mound on Kuhio Beach in Waikiki nightly. Don't stop there. Find out if Iona Contemporary Dance Theatre or Tau Dance Theatre has a performance around town and discover interpretations unique to the islands. Check out what's playing at the historic Hawaii Theatre, Honolulu's pre-eminent venue for national and local theater, concerts and film. During the first couple months of the year, look into the performances of the Hawaii Opera Theatre, which surprises and delights opera lovers with their performances of the Classics. Mingle with our residents at our community theaters from the performances at Diamond Head Theatre (third oldest community theater in the US) to the stage performances of Manoa Theatre to the family oriented theatrics of the Honolulu Theater of Youth. Get a real feel for the soul of Hawaii's people and history by attending productions by local playwrights at Kumu Kahua Theatre. All in all, Oahu will keep you busy just by the performances around the island.
PERFORMING ARTS EVENTS
Mikhail Baryshnikov and Ana Laguna in “Three Solos and a Duet”
Presented by Baryshnikov Arts Center in Cooperation with Ballet Hawaii
September 12 & September 13, 2009
Honolulu, HI; July 28, 2009 – A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of the Grand Masters of dance will occur in September as the Baryshnikov Arts Center and Ballet Hawaii present "Three Solos and a Duet” a contemporary dance performance with two dance legends --- Mikhail Baryshnikov and Ana Laguna. The performances will take place at the historic Hawai‘i Theatre on Saturday, September 12, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.
Baryshnikov and Laguna will kick off Ballet Hawaii’s 2009 Fall Dance Season with a performance of “Place” created by famed Swedish choreographer Mats Ek specifically
for these two giants of dance. Ana Laguna for many years has been Ek’s muse.
The evening’s program also includes “Solo for Two” originally conceived by Ek for the Cullberg Ballet. In addition, Baryshnikov will perform a new solo by Alexei Ratmansky (former artistic director of the Bolshoi Ballet and now artist in residence at the American Ballet Theatre) and a new solo by Benjamin Millepied (first soloist at the New York City Ballet).
"I dance 20-30 shows per year, mostly during the summer. I prefer new productions," Baryshnikov said in an interview with the "Opera Newspaper" in September 2008. Asked what it meant for him as a dancer to make the transition from the classical to the modern dance, Baryshnikov said: "That was not a cardinal changeover, it did not alter my direction altogether. I have always danced both in neo-classical stagings and in contemporary dance shows. The choice came naturally and I had no doubts about it."
Tickets go on sale to the public on Saturday, July 25th for the September 12th and 13th performances. Tickets $50.00 to $125.00 are available for purchase at the Hawaii Theatre Box Office, at www.hawaiitheatre.com or call (808) 528-0506.
There also will be a $175 VIP Dinner Show Package available through Ballet Hawaii that includes a premium show ticket, dinner, and reserved parking. Call 521-8600 for details.
Ballet Hawaii has been the cornerstone ballet school and presenter of dance in the islands for 34 years, best known for its annual “Nutcracker” at the Blaisdell Concert Hall.
“Peter Pan” and a Tinkerbell Pirate Party
Presented by Ballet Hawaii *** TICKETS NOW ON SALE ***
Honolulu, HI; August, 2009 – Peter Pan flies into the Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall
for two matinee performances by Ballet Hawaii on Saturday August 15th and Sunday August 16th at 1:00 p.m. Prior to the matinee performance on August 15th, a special pre-show Tinkerbell Pirate Party will be offered on the lawn in front of the Blaisdell Concert Hall for children young and old at 11:30 a.m.
The Tinkerbell Pirate Party will create excitement for the children attending the production that afternoon. Every child attending will receive a special favor and VIP seating from Ballet Hawaii. In addition, lunch will be provided – with pirate talk, grub and grog!
A costumed storyteller will be on hand to relay the whimsical tale of Peter Pan and all of its fantasy, magic and lore. There will be photo opportunities for children and make-believe pirates in real sand with treasure for all!
“It’s not often that you get to dig for treasure and see dancers fly in the same day,” says dancer mom, Paralumen Stice-Durkin. Ballet Hawaii will be performing Septime Webre’s version of the timeless tale of Peter Pan. Mr. Webre is the Artistic Director of Washington Ballet. The sets and costumes are coming from the Cincinnati Ballet.
Tickets for the Tinkerbell Pirate Party are available only through the Ballet Hawaii office at Dole Cannery. Call (808) 521-8600 for party details and reservations. Tickets for the August 15th and 16th performances are priced from $35 to $75 at the Neal Blaisdell Box Office, www.ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000.
Ballet Hawaii has been the cornerstone ballet school and presenter of dance in the islands for 34 years, best known for its annual “Nutcracker” at the Blaisdell Concert Hall.
ONGOING EVENTS
DOCENT TOURS AT HAWAII THEATRE
Every Tuesday, 11 a.m., Theatre schedule permitting; $5
(808) 528-0506/Hawaii Theatre/1130 Bethel Street/www.hawaiitheatre.com
One-hour guided tours of the 1922 Hawaii Theatre feature the art, architecture and history of this restored Honolulu landmark, named 2005 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres. Enjoy a demonstration of the classic Robert Morton theater organ, too.
YOUTH SPEAKS HAWAII
Every Wednesday; 4 - 5:30 p.m.; Free
(808) 521-2903/The ARTS at Marks Garage/1159 Nuuanu Avenue / www.artsatmarks.com
Teen slam poetry writing & performance workshops. Recently rated top teen slam poetry team in the world! Supported by the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.
