To the editor:
I am writing in response to the articles on Ballet Kelowna, so disheartened to hear of the idea of it folding.
I am a ballet teacher here in Kelowna and I have seen Ballet Kelowna grow right from the very beginning. Over the years, I have seen the bar be raised for young students, as now they have professional role models to look up to and greater heights to achieve.
With the continuation of Ballet Kelowna, the future for these young dancers looks a lot brighter.
For example, Desiree Bortolussi, now an apprentice dancer with Ballet Kelowna, was just a young ballet student at the Canadian School of Ballet when Ballet Kelowna started. Over the years, she had Ballet Kelowna to watch and a goal to aspire to, and is now a beautiful young dancer with a career in dance.
I have watched as the dancers in the company have evolved as artists. Ballet Kelowna is a launching pad for young dancers across Canada to come to and thrive and gain invaluable experience in this field. There are few opportunities for Canadian dancers to dance professionally and the experience this company gives them in the diversity of roles and performing opportunities is priceless.
David LaHay has done an amazing job in founding this company and carrying through its vision over the last 10 years. His dedication, hard work and perseverance is second to none.
Everyone who loves Ballet Kelowna, let’s do what we can so it can continue. The future of dance in the Okanagan is in our hands today, and with our out-spoken support, it will continue.
After all, the arts give our culture a voice. Without them, we are a blank and monotonous people. How can you put a price on that?
Emma Donley,
Kelowna
