01 & 14 (146)Public Comment
From: Michael Hanna <
Sent: Sunday, April 25, 2021 8:32 PM
To: Public Comment
Cc: info@anaheimbaIlet.org
Subject: Anaheim Ballet Company
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 a point of pride to the City.
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!
Furthermore, I would like to offer my most sincere intercessions for the Anaheim Cultural Arts Center, and
specifically for the Anaheim Ballet Company. I have been very enriched and blessed by the work and
outreach of the Anaheim Ballet Company over the years. I have attended a number of their performances
throughout even given year and have always been inspired by the professional and creative genius of the
productions. Their motto, "More than Dance," becomes a reality when a person experiences the uniqueness
of the company and their sacred trust of the classical form of ballet. Having spoken with and interacted with
Lawrence and Sarma Rosenberg has allowed me to understand what makes the Anaheim Ballet Company
truly a city "treasure." Their respect and acclaim in the world of ballet is very prominent in the national and
international scene over many decades as numerous ballet master teachers and prodigy ballet students and
famous ballet dancers have graced their halls and performed in their shows. And then there is the outreach
to the underserved youth of our city which gives this generation an unprecedented opportunity to see their
incredible value and realize their dreams. For the sake of the beloved city of Anaheim, and even our
precious nation, if there is ever a time to stand up for what is right and virtuous, please allow the Anaheim
Cultural Arts Center, and especially the Anaheim Ballet Company, to remain in its historic setting and
continue to inspire all peoples.
Please vote in support of the Cooperative Agreement with Anaheim Ballet. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Hanna