01 & 14 (97)Public Comment
From: Samantha Bell <
Sent: Friday, April 23, 2021 1:59 PM
To: Public Comment
Cc: info@anaheimbaIlet.org
Subject: The Arts are Essential -Vote in Support of the Anaheim Cultural Arts Center!
Dear Mayor Sidhu and Council Members,
I am writing with regards to Anaheim Ballet losing their long-time home without any plans for a new building. The
arts are an essential 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 a point of pride to the City.
I am a proud alumni of Anaheim Ballet, growing up in their scholarship program, joining their professional company
and eventually, joining the faculty teaching in the StepUp! program and school. Anaheim Ballet assisted me
financially when my family couldn't afford lessons and ultimately, was my second home for 10 years of my life.
Anaheim Ballet provides a sanctuary for local, underserved students and offers them a space to feel safe, explore
their creativity and encourage their dreams. The StepUp! program is invaluable and many of these scholarship
students have gone on to dance for prestigious ballet companies. Additionally, being a part of the professional
company, I had the honor of performing in many outreach shows all throughout Orange County. Bottom line is
Anaheim Cultural Arts Center is a sanctuary for local Anaheim residents and truly, serves their community.
The arts are ESSENTIAL! It would be devastating to demolish the building and not continue to support the wonderful
work that Anaheim Ballet has provided for the past two decades. Many of students would lose their second home of
the Anaheim Cultural Arts Center, where they are safe and furthering their education through hard work and
discipline. The arts HEAL, the arts inspire us to see our humanity, the arts provide a beacon of hope to all, and the
arts are crucial to creating safer communities. Not only would the loss of the Anaheim Cultural Arts Center have a
devastating impact on the community it serves, but also the City of Anaheim would suffer greatly as being a major
hub city without any professional dance organization.
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!!!! Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Samantha Bell
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