01 & 14 (213)From:
Kaitlyn Jenkins
To:
Public Comment
Subject:
Regarding Anaheim Ballet
Date:
Tuesday, April 27, 202112:25:16 PM
Hello Mayor Sidhu and Council Members,
I am writing to you tonight regarding the possible demolition of the historical building along
with the incredible program that Anaheim Ballet offers to its community. I have had a difficult
time finding the right words to express how I feel, In short I'm hoping you have read enough
letters about the beautiful programs that Anaheim Ballet offers as well as the opportunities
they offer to the underprivileged youth in your community, so that I can talk to you about what
this place means to me and so many others. I want you to know how difficult and painful
hearing the news has been for, not just me but my fellow Anaheim Ballet family across the
country. I am saddened that this would even be considered as an option after how many people
have benefitted because of the directors and programs they have in place. In case you don't
know here is my story. I am just ONE of the HUNDREDS of lives that were changed for the
better because of this school.
This is my story.
As a little girl I loved dancing ballet, I never quite fit in at my school and was laughed at and
bullied because I was different. It wasn't until my mother saw I loved ballet that she took me
to Anaheim ballet. I was instantly taken in by the older girls en pointe, the costumes they had
the steps they performed but there was always something more there that I couldn't understand
at the young age of 8 years old. As I got older I was put on pointe and worked for years to
become Clara and because of the trust and love that my mother and the directors placed in me
I was able to accomplish that dream at 14. I learned that if you work really hard your dreams
could come true. As I got older body issues came up as they do for most girls. I remember my
director saying not to let that get in our way and hold us back from dancing. And that gave me
hope that I would one day find my place in the dance world as I was not as thin as most
ballerinas were "supposed to be," but my director still gave me roles and helped me flourish
regardless. When I was lucky enough to make it into the American Ballet Theatre summer
program I remember going there and when I was asked where I trained every dancer knew
where Anaheim ballet was, even the girls from China and Japan. That was thanks to Evan
Rosenberg who filmed some of the first instructional ballet videos on YouTube. As time went
on I had a hard time finding my place in the world but because of Anaheim ballet was able to
secure a job at Disneyland performing In the parades on my first try. Shortly after I was lucky
enough to Audition for a Disney Television series called Bunheads. I actually booked the main
character role Boo (you might've even seen it). It was about a girl who loved ballet but didn't
have the perfect body. I was able and still to this day receive letters of how I touched people's
lives and changed them for the better. Because of the training, love and support I received at
Anaheim ballet amongst the family and life lessons I learned, I was able to have my DREAM
Job. It wouldn't have been possible without them. Please know that this is just one story
amongst so many. I just wanted to let you know mine.
Please reconsider the option of demolishing this precious place.
It is more than just a building to me and my family. It's our home and the place we come back
to. It's where our heart is.
Truly Yours,
Life Is, short.
Donce your buns off.
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