There are children in Tahoe who are talented and would flourish if they were given the opportunity to learn ballet. Unfortunately, not all kids in our community can afford dance lessons, practice wear, and transportation to a studio. By creating the Sierra House Ballet Club, we’re offering lessons free of charge, dance attire, and practicing at an elementary school which they already attend, kids can participate in a beautiful art form.
— An Tuan Tabor, Teacher & Ballet Instructor
The Sierra House Ballet Club had been using desks and chairs for instruction. With Marcella Foundation funds the Ballet Club bought its first real ballet bar and mirrors. The club also received an unforgettable trip to see the Nutcracker!
An Tuan Tabor is currently a teacher at Sierra House Elementary School. She began dancing at age 7 in an after-school dance class and was thrilled to perform her first role—as a skunk in Peter Pan! She eventually began studying ballet at the Oakland Ballet under the instruction of Ronn Guidi who put her on scholarship so she could attend more classes. At age 14, she was accepted to the North Carolina School of the Arts and was again put on scholarship. She performed with the Oakland Ballet and also choreographed and performed as a soloist at Berkeley High School. An Tuan joined the CitiCenter Dance Theater in Oakland and continued to perform around the Bay Area and participated in a public school outreach program where she enjoyed dancing for elementary students. This love of children led to her becoming an elementary school teacher.