01 & 14 (223)Public Comment
From: Emily Nicole Sharp <
Sent: Monday, April 26, 2021 7:23 PM
To: Public Comment
Cc: info@ifccenter.com
Subject: Save the Anaheim Cultural Arts Center
Dear City of Anaheim,
I've lived in our city my entire life, and have proudly supported our local tourist attractions, businesses, and arts. Most
Southern Californians associate one location with Anaheim: Disneyland. And rightfully so— it supports our city's overall
wellbeing and local businesses' success. But to many of us, another Anaheim business is just as important to our city and
culture: the Anaheim Ballet.
I have been a patron of the Anaheim Ballet for the past 21 years. My introduction was through my childhood best friend,
and company -star of the Anaheim Ballet, Victoria -Rose Viren. What was once was an opportunity to support my friend's
ambitions and talents, now has transitioned into a drive to support my community and local arts— which in our
country's climate is more important than ever to prioritize. While I understand that the repurposing of the Anaheim
Cultural Arts Center does not necessarily equate to the Anaheim Ballet's permanent closure, I must urge you to consider
the impact the potential loss of this program would mean for our community. Arts programs are constantly the first
thing to be cut in schools, leaving this business as one of the only opportunities for children and young adults to both
partake and spectate in this beautiful art. For me personally, attending Anaheim Ballet's annual performances has been
a source of pure happiness in the hardest of times— including last year's virtual showcase (which was one of the only
highlights for me in 2020).
However, beyond preserving one of the most beautiful art forms in our society's history, one of the greatest and most
significant elements that Anaheim Ballet encapsulates is it represents us. Anaheim. A diverse community. For years, I
have not only sat in awe watching these performers and their undeniable talent, but, I sat and enjoyed a cast who
honestly represented our community. Notjust the white narrative that ballet has a history of perpetuating. Further, in a
world of defining what gender roles "should" be— the Anaheim Ballet offers an outlet and role models to young boys
who are drawn to the arts (which, unfortunately are mislabeled as "feminine" and therefore carry characteristics that
are associated with being "weak"). There is no doubt that our country, rather our society, has an issue with setting up
males to fail and pushing them towards and along a toxic path of violence, misogyny, homophobia, and other
problematic mentalities. Having males showcase their talents, through the form of ballet, I believe can start chipping
away at that problem we have ignored for far too long.
Please please please consider alternatives. The Anaheim Ballet may not bring in the revenue that Disneyland does, but
its significance to our community is far more valuable.
Sincerely,
Emily Sharp