Island Dance Academy performs ‘Nutcracker’ at Palace

The Big Island’s only “The Nutcracker” will be on stage Dec. 13-15 at the Palace Theater in Hilo.

Island Dance Academy’s history of lavish productions, with elaborate costumes and sets, quality dancers and exciting choreography ensure a production that will entertain the entire family.

“The Nutcracker” ballet was first performed in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Dec. 18, 1892. The composer, Tchaikovsky, who had had previous success with his scores for “Sleeping Beauty” and “Swan Lake,” was commissioned by choreographer Marius Petipa to write the music for this new ballet.

“The Nutcracker” story is based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s book, “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” written in 1816.

In the story, Clara receives an enchanted nutcracker from her godfather Drosselmeyer. At midnight, the Nutcracker comes to life, and must battle a huge gang of rats. Clara saves his life by distracting the rat king. The nutcracker’s enchantment is broken, and he once again becomes a prince. In gratitude, he takes Clara through the land of Snow and Ice, to the Kingdom of the Sweets, where she is the guest of honor.

Island Dance Academy, under the direction of Suen Hughes, first began producing the full-length “Nutcracker” at the Palace Theatre in 1999.

There are 70 dancers performing this year. Six of the dancers, who play the boy “parents” in Act 1, and also the main role of the Nutcracker, are Hilo Intermediate, Hilo High and Waiakea High students. The remaining dancers are all from Island Dance.

There will be three performances: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, and Saturday, Dec. 14, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15.

Ticket prices are $10. general admission, and $8 for seniors 60 and older, and children 12 and under. Tickets are being sold at the Most Irresistible Shop and at the Palace Theatre box office. Credit card orders may be placed by calling the Palace at 934-7010.

For more information, contact Hughes at 961-3622 or at islanddanceacademy@yahoo.com.