01 & 14 (200)Public Comment
From:
Irma Ramirez <
Sent:
Tuesday, April 27, 2021 12:02 AM
To:
Harry Sidhu (Mayor); Public Comment
Cc:
Public Comment
Subject:
Anaheim Cultural Arts Center/ Anaheim Ballet
April 26, 2021
Anaheim City Council
Dear Committee Members,
This letter is in regards to my request that Anaheim Ballet is permitted to stay in the Anaheim Cultural Arts Center
Building.
My name is Irma Ramirez, and I am the grandmother of 3 students that have tremendously benefitted from Anaheim
Ballet.
Our family as a whole has been involved with Anaheim Ballet for at least 14 years, so I am very much aware of the
importance of it in the community.
My daughter volunteered there for years with costuming, while her 3 kids attended classes, and my two granddaughters
practically grew up there, and when their younger brother decided that he wanted to also dance he was encouraged and
welcomed immediately.
I am sure that you know that dancing ballet for boys is not a common event, but my grandson was so proud of being part
of Anaheim Ballet. That he did not care if anyone in his school found out that he was dancing. At the time that he joined,
my grandson was, if I am not mistaken in 3rd grade. My granddaughters are now 18 and 16, both still attending classes.
Ballet has taught my three grandchildren discipline, a love of classical music, mental and physical agility, and the grace of
learning to work as a team, and for a bigger cause.
The hours required to meet the high expectations of the founders of Anaheim Ballet, Mr. Larry Rosenberg (Larry) and
Mrs. Sarma Lapenieks Rosenberg were long, but the kids knew that it was necessary, so they learned the discipline of
hard work.
Larry and Sarma set the best example by always expecting excellence, they have also been very generous by offering a
number of scholarships throughout the years.
A benefit that many may not know about, is that Anaheim Ballet is known throughout the world. Their Summer Internship
class was attended by students from different parts of the world, we met some students from Japan, Russia, Spain,
Mexico, Canada, Alaska, France, etc. This was a wonderful opportunity for our students, and many friendships were
made.
Anaheim Ballet has put Anaheim in the map in regards to classical training with their Summer Intensive program.
The Summer Intensive program is a very coveted program, and aptly named. The students followed a very structured
dance schedule that was an all day event, and they loved it. Our family was fortunate to have hosted several out of town
Summer Intensive students.
Anaheim Ballet also provided a Summer Intensive community event, as well as The Nutcracker during the Christmas
season. A community performance was also done once a year in Nevada. These were beautiful, and inexpensive events
for our communities. All students, from beginning to advanced participated, which allowed Anaheim Ballet to be seen in
its full glory!
All of the events were mostly staffed by volunteers, as Anaheim Ballet has a very small staff.
Larry and Sarma as well as their family are incredibly dedicated to exposing our community to the beauty of ballet. I am
sure you know how hard it is for many families to attend any of these types of events. Exposure being a necessity.
I am profoundly grateful to the Rosenberg family, and pray that you will see what a truly wonderful asset Anaheim Ballet
is.
We need Anaheim Ballet in Anaheim, now more than ever!
Respectfully,
Irma Ramirez
Grandmother to: Isabel, Karina & Nathan Salazar