By Danielle Smith
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In honor of Ballet Hawaii’s 40th anniversary, their annual performance of “The Nutcracker” takes a different perspective on the classical ballet by incorporating Hawaiian culture. Included in this year’s performance are MHS students Senior Kirra Empting and Freshman Emma Empting and Kimie Fujioka. While the production will still have the same classical numbers, the set will now incorporate changes in characters and props. This new twists will take the dancers and audience to the Kingdom of Hawaii during 1858. “It is so different from the original Nutcracker story. I don’t think anyone has ever done a Hawaiian (themed) nutcracker before. It’ll be interesting,” expressed Kirra Empting.
The ballet production will be performed at the Neal Blaisdell Center from Dec. 16 to 18. Tickets and more information are available at www.ballethawaii.org.
