A modest charity concert in 1999 has blossomed into Pasadena’s Lineage Performing Arts Center, a multidisciplinary arts hub now celebrating its 25th anniversary. The organization will mark this milestone with a gala event on Saturday, September 7, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at their center in Pasadena.
Hilary Thomas, Lineage’s artistic director, recalls the serendipitous beginnings: “It was October of 1999 and I was a dancer and trying to figure out what I was doing with my life and maybe get a real job or something.”
A fundraising appeal from Young and Healthy, a local nonprofit providing healthcare for children, sparked an idea. Thomas gathered talented friends for a benefit concert, featuring actor Kathy Baker reading poetry and a Caltech Jazz trio.
This initial success led to more benefit concerts, evolving into a framework for supporting various nonprofits. Within a few years, Lineage began touring across the country in a rented minivan, creating performances for organizations between Pasadena and Boston.
The group, initially five dancers, operated on a minimal budget, often sleeping on floors and couches. As the company grew, they eventually transitioned to flying for tours.
“All of those little lineage kids are now tweens running around who are, they’ll be volunteering at the gala, and they’re here performing in our Broadway kids classes,” Thomas said.
The organization has transformed from a dance-focused company to a multidisciplinary arts center. In 2010, Lineage opened its permanent space in Pasadena, coinciding with many company members becoming parents, shifting focus to local programs.
Lineage has developed community-oriented initiatives like Dance for Joy for people with Parkinson’s disease and dance education programs in local schools. The center has become a resource for artists and community members, fostering partnerships with various nonprofits.
Financial challenges, particularly maintaining a physical space and supporting employees, have necessitated changes in Lineage’s approach to collaborations and fundraising. The initial model of raising funds for other organizations proved unsustainable, prompting a reevaluation of their operational strategy.
Looking ahead, Thomas envisions Lineage continuing to grow as a community resource in Pasadena. “I would love to see more and more of that full circle happening,” she said, referring to students returning as interns, performers, or staff members.
Thomas hopes to see more people utilizing the space for classes, performances, and pursuing their artistic dreams, fostering a cycle of community engagement.
The 25th anniversary gala will feature an interactive experience with surprises in every room, performances by Lineage artists, a silent disco, and cocktails and appetizers served by performers. The event aims to showcase Lineage’s history and impact on Pasadena’s cultural landscape.
For more information about the gala or to purchase tickets, interested parties can call 626-844-7008 or visit https://lineagepac.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/instances/a0FUP00000161AX2AY.
