01 & 14 (208)Public Comment
From: Melody Collins <
Sent: Tuesday, April 27, 2021 10:54 AM
To: Public Comment
Cc: info@anaheimballet.org
Subject: In Support of Anaheim Ballet
Dear City Council of Anaheim,
I am writing to show my support for the Anaheim Ballet, and for the Anaheim Cultural Arts Center. I believe this
institution to be a place of profound inspiration, history, and value to the community. I first learned of the Anaheim
Ballet as a teenage aspiring dancer from Santa Barbara, who regularly watched their YouTube videos. I was in total awe
of the incredible talent I saw. I was captivated by the skill, energy, and fun that the dancers from Anaheim Ballet
showcased. I had a real life dream come true when I auditioned for the Anaheim Ballet's Nutcracker in 2015 and was
cast in their production. Walking into that yellow building in the heart of Anaheim's cultural district was an excitement I
had never before felt. I entered their main studio and realized that I recognized that iconic stage from all of their videos!
Each day that I rehearsed there, I could feel the nostalgia, the contribution of artistic excellence, and the sense of
community. I was cast alongside dancers of all ages, races, and backgrounds, something often rare in the ballet world,
who all shared the love of dance and desire to show something beautiful to the world. Anaheim Ballet is an institution
that benefits the community, through performances, outreach, and opportunities for all dancers to learn and improve. It
is a world class training ground that does Anaheim proud, and puts Anaheim on the map of excellence within the dance
world. As a young dancer, I was inspired by the incredible artists from Anaheim, and as an adult, I recognize how vital
arts companies are for the vibrance of a community. Please consider voting to continue your partnership with Anaheim
Ballet, to ensure that the inspiration, the excellence, and the community continue.
Thank you,
Melody