01 & 14 (94)Public Comment
From: Marissa Ortega <
Sent: Friday, April 23, 2021 12:52 PM
To: Public Comment
Dear Mayor Sidhu and Council Members,
The arts are an important part of any community, and for more than 20 years, Anaheim Ballet has been a valued arts force and
presence in Anaheim. Anaheim Ballet provides free community-based after-school programming, workforce and recreational
training, bus -in presentations, lecture/demonstrations and concert performances and has been recognized both locally and
internationally as apoint ofpride to the City.
I would like to add a personal note, my only child has been a part of this company for 7 years. We come from the next county
over because there is no school in Los Angeles compared to the education she received here. She has competed in national
competitions and placed with awards. She has learned way more than an artform. She learned balance, determination, how to
set goals, teamwork and respect for those in authority and her peers. She could have learned these things nowhere like she
learned them here. At this point she is looking at ballet as a career and what a beautiful gift to the world is art? Nothing more
precious is the gift of beauty to a lost or distressed soul. I hope and pray that you would take deep consideration of keeping this
company placed in your city's plans and support of this beautiful art that helps so so many children that went through so much
turmoil during the pandemic. This company went above and beyond to care for children and adults who were deeply depressed
and had no where to go and feel any sort of joy. Please consider our plea, thank you so much for your time and consideration
The Anaheim Cultural Arts Center (the current home of the Anaheim Ballet) is slated to be demolished without plans for a new
Cultural Arts Center or home for the Anaheim Ballet. If the City demolishes this architecturally unique building, you will be
removing the only Cultural Arts Center in the City and displacing the City's treasured arts organization. It is best for the
community, and especially for our underserved youth, that Anaheim Ballet remains in its current accessible location!
Please vote in support of the Cooperative Agreement with Anaheim Ballet. Thankyou foryour consideration.
Sincerely,
Marissa Ortega