In Hawaii Ballet Theatre's variation on the E.T.A. Hoffman story, which can be seen at Leeward Community College, the detailed telling of the story through dance is featured. The character delineations allow us to experience the sense of magic and wonder of the child. Ing, leaving no doubt who is in charge here, allows the mysterious Dr. Drosselmeyer to weave his magical spell over the entire ballet, enchanting Clara into the land of dreams and returning her safely again to her own home.

Every character and action onstage is believable. The portrayals of the young Clara (Kristin Ing), the sinister Drosselmeyer (Vernon Campbell) and the elegant Daniel Nelson as both the father and the Prince, are especially outstanding. While Kristin Ing may be the daughter of the company's artistic director, nepotism was hardly an issue in casting. An excellent dancer/actress, her flawless technical ability, added to great personal charm, allows her to explore both the young girl side of the character and the budding young woman.

Further outstanding performances are given by Greg Zane (as Soldier Doll, Mouse King and Chinese Pretzel), Andrew Sakaguchi (Nutcracker Soldier and Arabian), who also choreographed three variations in Act Two, and guest artists Hiroko Kurokawa Ota and Alexander Forsythe.

Landovsky's retelling of the story gives us a kinder, gentler Drosselmeyer, lovingly played by actor John H.Y. Wat. He is the visiting uncle who charms children with his story-telling, gifts and magic tricks.

While Charlys Ing's production for Hawaii Ballet Theatre brings dancers together from many different schools, Landovsky casts his ballet with dancers trained at his own Hawaii State Ballet school. The advantage is, of course, a unity of style which is best seen in the group numbers.

It is evident from their carriage, placement and upper body fluidity that Landovsky's dancers are well trained. They also display a confidence which allows them to attack movement with a definite kinesthetic gusto.

Particularly outstanding performances were given by the Hawaii State Ballet's 16-year old Donna Salcedo as Clara, along with Jennifer Rowe as the Snow Queen.