Through the looking glass

When McKenna Myerson takes the stage Saturday in the lead role in a local production of “Alice in Wonderland,” it will be her last performance with the Kauai Dance Theatre. For six years she has been putting on her ballet or toe shoes and dancing for the sheer fun of it.

“I’m a little nervous, but also excited,” said Myers who will graduate high school this spring and plans to study at Portland Bible College in August.

Myerson is looking forward to wearing her costumes: an Alice dress and apron as well as a new pink tutu and her toe shoes.

“It’s so much fun to know all your weight is balanced on your toes,” Myerson said.  Her experience with Kauai Dance Theatre is leaving her with well-developed self-confidence and poise, said her Mom, whose younger daughter is also dancing in the show in the role of the Cheshire Cat.

“It’s done a lot for my daughters,” said Dolly Myerson. “It’s not only given them opportunities to have a skill, but also be tall, poised and graceful, too.”

Their teacher, Janie Crane, has been involved in the dance world for more than 40 years. She says this year’s show at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall is not only fluffy and bright, but has significant messages as well.

“One theme is treating others the way you would want to be treated,” Crane explained. “The other one is about taking each moment in life as it comes and making the most of it.”

Thirty-eight dancers will perform in the ballet based on the Lewis Carol story about Alice’s adventure through the looking glass.

“That is where another message comes into play about doing your best with the hand you’ve been dealt,” Crane said.

Children as young as four will take the stage as well as an adult dancing the role of the Queen of Hearts. Azusa Nash is a new dancer on the island who used to dance in Japan prior to relocating to Kauai.  

There will be two shows on May 3 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door and free for children 3 and under.  

Info: kauaidancetheatre.com.