Question: What do Ballet Hawaii and the Broadway hit musical "Movin' Out" have in common?

Answer: John Selya.

Audiences will be able to see this award-winning dancer at the Blaisdell Concert Hall when Ballet Hawaii premieres its version of the 19th-century ballet "Coppelia" this weekend. Selya, last seen here in 2001 in Ballet Hawaii's "Nutcracker," will dance the role of Dr. Coppelius.

Reached by phone at his New York home, Selya said he was looking forward to his visit. Since 2002, he has devoted his time and energy to performing in "Movin' Out," a creation of Twyla Tharp set to music of Billy Joel. The show tells a story purely through dance.

Asked how he has managed to survive three years of such intense dancing night after night, he responded, "I listen to my body, and I take very good care of it. Most important is that I love what I do, so I make sure to warm up thoroughly, eat properly and get enough rest."

Selya was nominated for a 2003 Tony Award for best actor in a musical, a category usually reserved for speaking roles. He received the TDF/Astaire and Theatre World Awards and was nominated for a Drama Desk Award.

Except for a short hiatus during his teens when break-dancing seemed more appealing, he studied ballet from the age of 10, intending a career as a classical dancer. Eventually he realized his powerful athletic body was better suited to a different repertory.

Instead of trying to attain lead roles in classical ballets, Selya says, "I wanted to fly around a lot more. I knew there was more of the athlete in me." In 1988 he joined American Ballet Theater. Twyla Tharp was appointed artistic associate of ABT at the same time. Selya found himself cast in character roles such as Dr. Coppelius and in numerous Tharp ballets. He was one of the six dancers Tharp invited to be a part of a new company in 2000; the creation of "Movin' Out" began with that group.

In contrast to the musical, in which he bounds and swoops about the stage, scales walls and fences, and spirals in the air, Selya's Coppelius will depend more on his acting ability and attention to detail.

"Coppelia" is a love story that involves a mechanical doll that seemingly comes to life. "I think 'Coppelia' is one of those ballets that start people dancing. It's a great story. This role also enables me to further my ability to tell a story through dance," Selya said.

Selya also looks forward to dancing with Amanda Schull and Joan Boada for the first time. "I jump at the opportunity to dance with other people and companies," he admits, although his schedule of five performances a week on Broadway leaves little time for guest appearances.

About dancing with Ballet Hawaii again, Selya says, "I fell in love with the company. They make performing so enjoyable and the audience appreciates it. There's a real spirit of aloha."

An avid surfer, Selya will be trying to catch a few waves — something he definitely can't do on Broadway.