01 & 14 (42)Public Comment
From: jasperpeakpilates@yahoo.
Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2021 6:24 PM
To: Public Comment
Subject: Re: approve an agreement stating the city and Anaheim Ballet have one year to
negotiate a home and continued partnership.
To Whom It may Concern:
Although I now live in Colorado and teach at a similarly dedicated ballet school (Colorado
Conservatory of Dance), my relationship with Anaheim Ballet goes back to the the late 1990's and
early 2000's. I have a strong artistic and heartfelt relationship with Anaheim Ballet, Larry Rosenberg
and Sarma Lapenienks.
From 1984 until 2000, 1 was the Dance Department Chair at Orange Coast College. I was also an
adult dancer who continued my own ballet study with Larry Rosenberg at their studio that preceded
Anaheim Ballet. As a professional educator and dancer, I recognized the quality of training Anaheim
Ballet provided to Orange County and areas beyond. When Anaheim Ballet School got settled in, I
was invited to teach Pilates mat classes at the studio which I did for about a year before moving from
Southern California.
A strong partnership began with the city when Anaheim Ballet moved into the facilities that were
provided. Anaheim Ballet made improvements in the facilities in order to provide safe and adequate
spaces needed for the dance program. Through the 20 or so years, the City/Anaheim Ballet
relationship has grown in strength, breadth.
Their reputation has grown by providing training in a variety of dances styles, out reach programs,
training for diverse populations. Dance and all arts are vital to a culturally strong and balanced
society.
Anaheim Ballet is a highly respected training facility and performing company, known nationally and
even internationally. Renowned guest artists come to teach and coach dancers, thus putting the city
of Anaheim and Anaheim Ballet in the spotlight.
I encourage the members of the City Council to find a positive solution to this situation; at best a
rescinding of the mandate for affordable housing at this site. And if that is not possible, to provide a
relocation site and continuation of the partnership with the city.
Thank you for attention to my letter.
Karen Shanley
Lafayette, CO, 80026
Instructor at Colorado Conservatory of Dance
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