Performing arts studios take the stage at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center

Queen Kaʻahumanu Center is highlighting its growing community of performing arts studios with a lineup of performances and programs open to the public throughout May. 

Alexander Academy will host a free student showcase at Center Court on Saturday, May 24 at 2 p.m. The academy, which offers ballet, jazz, hip hop and other dance classes for all ages, also operates the Maui Dance Boutique—the only dedicated dancewear store on island.

Later in the month, the academy will present “La Bayadère,” a classical ballet that premiered in 1877 at the Imperial Bolshoi Kamenny Theatre in Saint Petersburg. The production will take place on May 31 and June 1 at Seabury Hall.

While Alexander Academy brings classical and contemporary dance to the center, Wonderful World of Aloha offers Polynesian dance classes, music lessons and cultural crafts for keiki and adults. Their studio just celebrated its one-year anniversary at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center.

Every fourth Sunday of the month, Wonderful World of Aloha presents its “Spectacular Polynesian Hula Show” at Center Court. This free performance showcases traditional and modern Polynesian dance, with routines that share the stories and cultures of Hawaiʻi and the greater Pacific. The next show will take place on Sunday, May 25 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

In addition to their monthly hula show, Wonderful World of Aloha presents “Migrations,” a stage production featuring dances from Hawaiʻi, Tahiti, the Philippines, Korea, Japan, Spain and Mexico. “Migrations” runs every Friday and Sunday at 5:30 p.m. in its studio. 

“Queen Kaʻahumanu Center is Maui’s premier shopping destination, but it’s also a place where community, culture and creativity come together,” said Kauwela Shultz, general manager of Queen Kaʻahumanu Center. “We’re committed to supporting the performing arts on Maui by providing accessible platforms for local organizations to share their work and connect with the community.”

For more information about Alexander Academy of Performing Arts and Wonderful World of Aloha, or to purchase tickets to their upcoming performances, visit alexanderacademy.info and onifoundation.org.