The Lake Tahoe Dance Collective (LTDC) is a popular dance organization based in the Lake Tahoe region. It has a history of nine years and is dedicated to presenting exceptional dance performances and encouraging local communities. Under Director Christin Hanna, LTDC’s mission is to foster a thriving dance culture in the Lake Tahoe area.
The Lake Tahoe Dance Festival showcases a rich tapestry of choreographic works encompassing revered classics and innovative contemporary pieces. This carefully curated programming reflects LTDC’s commitment to providing a varied, engaging experience that resonates with diverse audiences.
Collaborations with renowned choreographers and dance companies are a hallmark of the festival, fostering an environment of artistic exchange and pushing the boundaries of dance as an art form. In addition to its remarkable performances, LTDC greatly emphasizes dance education and community outreach.
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Lake Tahoe Dance Collective Presents Fifth Annual Lake Tahoe Dance Festival
The Lake Tahoe Dance Collective is organizing the upcoming fifth annual Lake Tahoe Dance Festival from July 26th to 28th. The event offers a fantastic lineup of performances by renowned dancers and choreographers from classical, modern, and contemporary dance backgrounds.
LTDC Director Christin Hanna expressed her excitement by discussing the diverse program combining classical elegance and creativity. Since our founding nine years ago, we have strived to bring world-class dance to the Lake Tahoe area and provide opportunities for professional dancers to showcase their talents amidst the beauty of nature.”
The festival will feature works by James Graham Dance Theater, SFDanceWorks, and esteemed choreographers Constantine Baecher, Justin Peck, Christin Hanna, and Kristina Berger. Two premieres are set to occur: Mountainscape by Constantine Baecher and Departures by Christin Hanna herself.
James Graham Theater will present Mouse Marrow, a thought-provoking duet that explores themes of sameness, childhood, and the enigmatic nature of memory. This piece is part of a larger work called Alpha Mouse, set to premiere in San Francisco later in the year.
SFDanceWorks will showcase Never Was, a stunning duet choreographed by Alejandro Cerrudo. Set to the music of Handel and Purcell, this piece captivates audiences with its extreme physicality and ethereal beauty. Initially performed by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago II, Never Was has garnered critical acclaim for its mesmerizing portrayal of pure holiness.
Choreographer Constantine Baecher will present the world premiere of Mountainscape, a duet inspired by French artist Victoria Colombet’s collection of drawings called ‘Les Brumes’ or ‘The Mists.’ This pas-de-deux, performed by Baecher and long-time collaborator Traci Finch, pays tribute to the unparalleled beauty of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains.
Justin Peck’s Year of the Rabbit, created in collaboration with American singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens, will also be featured at the festival. This ballet, set to Stevens’ electronic album Enjoy Your Rabbit, explores the Chinese zodiac and features an orchestration of the score by Michael Atkinson. The excerpted pas de deux will be performed by Dustin True of Dortmund Ballet and Bianca Bulle of Los Angeles Ballet.
Christin Hanna’s Departures, a world premiere, delves into the challenges relationships face when facing a fear of the unknown while maintaining unwavering love and companionship. This emotionally resonant piece promises to captivate audiences with its poignant storytelling and expressive choreography.
Kristina Berger’s Threshold, a work initially premiered in Boston in 2017, completes the program. This piece explores the space and time between journeys, capturing the liminal moments of transformation and self-discovery.
In addition to the main performances, the festival will feature an excerpt from Coppelia and an improvisational work by the dancers participating in the Young Dancers Workshop.
This intensive program lasts three weeks and helps young dancers to train with artists and learn classical ballet and modern techniques.
The event venues: the Gatekeeper’s Museum in Tahoe City and the Truckee Amphitheater at Truckee River Regional Park. On July 26th, The Opening Night Gala marks the start of the festival at the Gatekeeper’s Museum with breathtaking performances, a silent art auction, food, and wine.
Ticket prices for the Dance Festival start at $25 for general admission and $150 for VIPs, which includes access to the Opening Night Gala. Visit the Lake Tahoe Dance Collective’s official website for buying tickets and other details.
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