Our history and mission

Founded in 1980, Hawaiʻi Ballet Theatre is a non-profit organization dedicated to producing and presenting professional dance for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Our mission is to create performances that inspire and educate, to develop young artists’ full potential, and to enhance the cultural dynamic of our islands.

The company has a diverse repertory of over 60 original works, including 16 evening-length ballets and a popular series of youth concerts enjoyed by thousands of elementary school students. HBT’s annual presentation of The Nutcracker has been a Christmas tradition for Honolulu audiences for over 40 years. The production involves local professional dancers, mainland and international guest artists, and students from dance studios across the island. The Honolulu Advertiser has praised HBT’s Nutcracker as "grand...full of energy and excitement...does what good ballet should do...leaves us cleansed and ennobled...."

HBT’s colorful history includes performances across Oʻahu, as well as tours to the neighbor islands and continental U.S. It has danced with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, Honolulu Symphony, Royal Hawaiian Band, Spring Wind Quintet and others. It has experience in both classical and contemporary programming in a wide variety of performance spaces, including concert halls, gymnasiums, public parks, hotels, and at the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Shell.

In the fall of 2022, the company established HBT Studios, a home for aspiring young artists to train in ballet, jazz, musical theatre, tap and contemporary dance. Through training and performance, we encourage students to develop confidence, discipline, respect for self and community, and an abiding love of the arts. Our dedicated, passionate faculty is some of the best on the island, with decades of performance and teaching experience. We offer a broad range of classes for all ages and levels, providing a welcome space for beginners, professional-level technique for advanced dancers, and everything in between. In addition to fall, spring and summer sessions, HBT offerings include open and master classes, workshops, free public performances, and two large-scale dance productions each year.

Hawaii Ballet Theatre is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.