Photos by Kathleen Connelly
This April, Punahou Dance School’s expansive production of “Robin Hood” took center stage, featuring the collective talent of 419 students, who dazzled spectators at Dillingham Hall.
“The students performed ‘Robin Hood’ for the first time,” said Punahou’s Dance School Director Annri Opitz-Kostick. “We chose this production because its wide cast of characters allowed us to feature lead dancers across genres, including ballet, jazz, contemporary, street, musical theatre and tap.”
Inspired by “The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood,” the production followed the legendary archer’s journey from the bustling Nottingham Archery Battle to the enchanting Sherwood Forest and the heart of Nottingham Castle. Along the way, audiences were treated to lively choreography, playful storytelling and a cast of familiar characters, from Little John and Friar Tuck to Maid Marian, who joined together in a spirited stand for justice and friendship.
“This story perfectly captures the spirit of our program. Over the past few years, I have watched our students grow as dancers, artists and individuals. Our dance community is defined by a strong sense of connection, where new friendships blossom and existing ones grow stronger,” Opitz-Kostick said. “We are incredibly proud to see our students developing into courageous leaders who stand up for their beliefs, qualities that will serve them well throughout their lives.”
Divided into two acts, the production blended humor, adventure and heart. Act 1 introduced Robin’s daring escape and the formation of his band in Sherwood Forest, while Act 2 highlighted clever disguises, festive dances and a joyful village wedding celebration that brought the story to a triumphant close.
This production was especially meaningful because it showcased new dance genres introduced in fall 2025, including breakdancing and dance tumbling, giving students fresh opportunities to expand their skills and explore new forms of movement.
“We are proud of how eager our dancers are to expand their skills and knowledge,” Opitz-Kostick said. “I am beyond thankful to the volunteers, staff, faculty, production team, students and parents who contributed their time to make this production a success.”
