There’s a new wind blowing through Tahoe City this fall. With the help of one renowned ballet artist and some re-energized business community members, the performing arts are making strides to have a home downtown.

Tahoe Youth Ballet Founder and Artistic Director Christin Hanna, who was recently appointed to the Tahoe City Downtown Association Board of Directors to fill the at-large seat, said possibilities abound on the North Shore.

“The board members really perked up their ears when I talked to them about the possibilities of making Tahoe City a destination for the arts,” the 27-year-old dancer said. “The possibilities are endless: a theater or dance festival in the spring or fall would bring visitors to Lake Tahoe at a time when our other attractions are slow and businesses struggle.”

In support of Hanna’s effort, longtime Tahoe City resident and business owners Kathleen and Douglas Dale of Wolfdale’s Cuisine Unique have decided to donate all of this year’s proceeds from the Wolfdale’s 13th Annual Bud Davis Memorial Abalone Dinner to Tahoe Youth Ballet and the TCDA’s new Performing Arts Committee.

“We’ve always supported the Arts and the Downtown Tahoe City business community,” said Douglas Dale. “In such a beautiful setting, it’s a natural relationship for both to thrive and for everyone to enjoy!”

Hanna has recently also secured studio space in Tahoe City’s Cobblestone Center in which to hold her rehearsals as well as offer studio space to local artists at an affordable hourly rate.

“Space for artists is an issue everywhere, from San Francisco to New York City,” she said. “So we are very fortunate to have a place to call home. With the new Performing Arts Committee at the TCDA, we’ll be creating a new membership category for local artists with one of the perks being the use of the space. Photographers, actors, painters — anyone who needs time in a beautiful space to create something magical will have a place to go.”

As time goes on and support builds, Hanna also hopes to host more visiting artists, as she did recently during Tahoe Youth Ballet’s June debut performance with New York choreographer Deborah Lohse.
“Bringing this opportunity not only to the students, but to choreographers like myself to share our work beyond our tiny little hole of a life in New York is very special” said Lohse of her experience with Tahoe Youth Ballet.
To attend Wolfdale’s 13th annual Bud Davis Memorial Abalone Dinner or to find out more information on Tahoe Youth Ballet or the Tahoe City Downtown Association’s new Performing Arts Committee, please contact Christin Hanna at (530) 613-4363 or email christin@tahoeyouthballet.com. Information is also available online at VisitTahoeCity.com.

This year’s event will take place on Monday, Sept. 28 at 5:30 p.m. at Wolfdale’s in Tahoe City. Reservations are required. Tickets are $85 per person.