HOLIDAY TRADITION

COURTESY HAWAII STATE BALLET
Hawaii State Ballet stage their annual productions of "The Nutcracker" next month.

Classic ballet soothes the harried soul

Star-Bulletin staff
features@starbulletin.com

Just because Hawaii Christmases are balmy doesn't mean we're immune to the rest of the holiday experience. There's still the mad rush to the malls, holiday traffic and endless parties to attend. But one aspect of the season does provide respite, complete with snowflakes and magic: "The Nutcracker."

Tickets are on sale for this year's lineup, which features the usual performances by Ballet Hawaii and the Hawaii State Ballet, as well as a lighthearted, modern twist on the show by Castle DanceForce titled "The Knightcracker."

So take your pick and escape for a few hours to the world of sugarplum fairies:

COURTESY BALLET HAWAII
Ballet Hawaii stage their annual productions of "The Nutcracker" next month. Also look for modern dance concert "The Knightcracker," a fun twist on the classic ballet.

Nutcracker Performances

» Ballet Hawaii: 8 p.m. Dec. 21; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22; and 2 p.m. Dec. 23 at Blaisdell Concert Hall. Tickets are $25 to $75. A special $150 Nutcracker Celebration package is available for opening night. Staged by Pamela Taylor-Tongg and featuring New York City Ballet's Joaquin De Luz and Megan Fairchild, with special appearances by local dancers. Call 521-8600. For tickets, call (877) 750-4400 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Maui performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 and 2 p.m. Dec. 2 at Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Tickets are $25 to $45. Call (808) 242-7469 or visit www.MauiArts.org.

» Hawaii State Ballet: 7 p.m. Dec. 14, 15, 21 and 22; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 16 and 23; and 6 p.m. Dec. 16 at Mamiya Theatre. John Landovsky's annual production. Tickets are $18 to $27 adults; and $16 to $24 children. For tickets, visit www.hawaiistateballet.com/tickets or call 550-8457.

» "The Knightcracker" Dance Concert: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1; and 3 p.m. Dec. 2 at Castle Performing Arts Center, Ronald E. Bright Theatre. Castle DanceForce puts a modern twist on "The Nutcracker." Tickets are $5. Visit www.showtix4u.com or purchase tickets at the box office on the day of the show. Call 233-5626.