Steven Heathcote of the Australian Ballet and Megan Fairchild of Broadway’s On the Town and the New York City Ballet. Ballet Hawaii has also presented many international ballet companies, including Baryshnikov & Co., Les Ballet de MonteCarlo, Mark Morris Dance Group, Stars of American Ballet Theatre, Washington Ballet, Paul Taylor Dance Theatre, Ballet Stars of Moscow, Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet, Complexions and Bad Boys of Dance. “Ballet Hawaii has established itself as a leader in dance presentation in Hawaii,” summarizes Taylor Tongg. For Ballet Hawaii students in levels six through eight, they have an exciting performance opportunity through the Performing Ensemble, directed by Christine Kaminski. “Ballet Hawaii’s Performing Ensemble, which was launched in 2019, offers a unique, elite opportunity for students within the older levels of exceptional talent and focus,” describes Kolberg. “Students are selected dependent on ability and commitment and are given the chance to dance classical and contemporary works. They are given multiple, unique performing opportunities around Oahu to showcase not only their hard work and talent, but to also spread the art of ballet to as many people as possible.” Breaking down barriers to ballet “Since 2005, through the generosity of the sponsors and donors of the Angel Program, Ballet Hawaii has brought (thousands of) students from Title I schools to the Blaisdell to attend the magic of our annual performance of The Nutcracker,” shares Dawn Mostiler, associate director 72 HAWAII PARENT September/October 2024 of development. “There is an unimaginable presence of joy and wonder that fills the Blaisdell as 2,600 students see the professional guest artists dance, some for the very first time. The students in attendance (also) see keiki their age – that come from their very own schools – on our stage, allowing the dream to build, ‘If they can do it, I can do it.’” The idea of arts persevering – even in trying times – is what won Ballet Hawaii an Emmy Award in 2023 for its Arts Beyond Covid Public Service Announcement. With the leadership of Deborah Glazier and Stasia Droze Jost, Ballet Hawaii students and teachers created a beautiful online public service announcement encouraging others to pursue their art form, dancing for tomorrow. Premier ballet school “Ballet and all forms of art are integral to society in the most meaningful ways, giving human beings an outlet to their own natural creative potential and drive to give something beautiful to this world,” describes Kolberg. “If we were not able to have an outlet for all of the intense emotions that we humans experience, the world would know no joy and no harmony. During these specific times, art is integral to our survival and to providing the message of hope to all. It carries within it our history, our longing, and our quest to realize the best parts of humanity,” she continues. Concludes Vida, “Since 1976, Ballet Hawaii continues to offer programs, productions and presentations that contribute to the enrichment of the cultural climate in the community and provide the very best in dance for Hawaii.” "Art is integral to our survival and to providing the message of hope to all. It carries within it our history, our longing, and our quest to realize the best parts of humanity.”
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