The article written by Brett Buckner in November has been removed from the archives of the Ledger-Enquirer. Interesting! Do you think it hit too close to home?
I sent an e-mail to Valerie Canepa publisher of the Ledger-Enquirer and she has already replied that she would look into it.
The article is up in the Archives now and must be purchased in order to read it. Much older stories remain accessible under regular news.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
What Remains?
The Nutcracker is over but the wounds created still are visible. Jessica, who was so exuberant at the parents meeting when David was fired, has been let go. I wonder how she feels after being recruited by Maria to do all the work of the show only to be used as a scapegoat when the smoke cleared. If she had asked anyone who had been around for a while they would have told her. Did Maria ever mention her partner Beth when talking about HER studio in the past. doubtful! Did anyone ever see Maria lift a hand to help in any way with a show in the past, that wasn't her job I guess. I really like a comment that Daphne president of the board said, "I was told I only had to help with fund raisers", well Daphne that was when David was doing all of the work.
I think Mrs Pippas and Mr Beach were in for more than they bargained for as well.
So now, Maria has students teaching classes and a teacher taking a spot in the show from a student. Students are being forced to only take classes at Her studio. That way there can be no contention or strife, the students will only be exposed to her San Juan style of Ballet. They are also subjected to her tyrannical style of teaching, berating and mentally abusing the students until they feel she and only she is the well from which all ballet springs.
So, now Columbus is stuck with her until CSU and the "board" can decide what to do. She won't be easy to get rid of. She is motivated to stay so her daughter can have a place to dance. I hope for everyone's sake the contract isn't a long one.
Columbus State University, a small community college formed to provide a need in the community. Well they certainly seemed to have grown too big for their britches as my grandfather would have said. They wanted the Rankin Center for another purpose. Is it a semi-professional ballet company as Maria and the board think or is it for something else. Rumors have been flying that CSU wants to expand its theater department with music theater. Now wouldn't the space at the Rankin just be perfect for that. If that is the case why didn't they just ask the Columbus Ballet to leave? Give them notice and let them find another place. Why destroy something good in the community?
I wonder what other independent local organizations or even business's might be in the sights of CSU's dreams of expansion.
I think Mrs Pippas and Mr Beach were in for more than they bargained for as well.
So now, Maria has students teaching classes and a teacher taking a spot in the show from a student. Students are being forced to only take classes at Her studio. That way there can be no contention or strife, the students will only be exposed to her San Juan style of Ballet. They are also subjected to her tyrannical style of teaching, berating and mentally abusing the students until they feel she and only she is the well from which all ballet springs.
So, now Columbus is stuck with her until CSU and the "board" can decide what to do. She won't be easy to get rid of. She is motivated to stay so her daughter can have a place to dance. I hope for everyone's sake the contract isn't a long one.
Columbus State University, a small community college formed to provide a need in the community. Well they certainly seemed to have grown too big for their britches as my grandfather would have said. They wanted the Rankin Center for another purpose. Is it a semi-professional ballet company as Maria and the board think or is it for something else. Rumors have been flying that CSU wants to expand its theater department with music theater. Now wouldn't the space at the Rankin just be perfect for that. If that is the case why didn't they just ask the Columbus Ballet to leave? Give them notice and let them find another place. Why destroy something good in the community?
I wonder what other independent local organizations or even business's might be in the sights of CSU's dreams of expansion.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Servant Leadership
A friend asked that I post this anonymously. They felt it was too long and would get lost under comments.
Servant Leadership
As the events of the Nutcracker weekend unfolded, I found myself reflecting on leadership styles. It was particularly enlightening to recall the fact that our organization is associated with CSU, and that one of CSU's primary emphases is the concept of servant leadership. (Yes, the element of irony is ever-present....)
"A cornerstone of our values at Columbus State University is servant leadership; effective, ethical leadership through empowerment and service," said CSU President Tim Mescon. (2/11/2009, CSU website.)
I thought to myself, ok, if servant leadership is the emphasis here, let's try to find out what it is, where it came from, and apply it to this last weekend.
The basic definition of SL points to a philosophy of leadership that seeks first to meet the needs of those being led, in order to facilitate their growth as persons. Ok, sounds good. But where did this idea come from? Hmm....well, since our current leadership chooses to start performances with PRAYER, maybe we should look to scripture. In Matthew 20, Jesus states, "...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave--just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
But how is this different from the standard way of doing things? "Unlike leadership approaches with a top-down hierarchical style, servant leadership instead emphasizes collaboration, trust, empathy, and the ETHICAL USE OF POWER. At heart, the individual is a servant first, making the conscious decision to lead in order to better serve others, NOT TO INCREASE THEIR OWN POWER." Hmmm....
So, it seems that doing things this way would reflect how CSU would like to see things done. Let's see how this played out with one particular case study from this weekend.
We all know how tirelessly Becky White has served us all for the last several years in her organization of the cast party. We have been fed lavishly abundantly every year, and this year's spread was particularly sumptuous and beautifully presented. Becky has served us all with a sweet and loving spirit.
How wonderful it was, therefore, that Becky had the joy of seeing her baby as Clara this year! Imagine the excitement for child and parents; the pride and happiness; the hard work and demanding schedules which were endured simply for the joy of it all. This was the biggest thing that had ever happened to this precious little girl.
Her loving parents, being proud and excited, spent $106 on a custom bouquet when the current leadership told her that she needed to bring flowers to be presented. They brought the flowers, but the flowers were carelessly thrown in a pile in the child's dressing room without their knowledge or permission, and s simpler bouquet was handed backwards to the child--not even face to face with a smile--thereby minimizing what should have been a special moment for Tricia.
Why could Tricia not have had her parent's flowers given to her? Clara is in a class by herself; she is not competing with, let's say, the director's daughter. No one in the audience is going to sit there comparing people's flowers, and no one of any older age, even a teenage girl, could get upset at a little girl getting nice flowers from her parents.
This stingy, mean-spirited, uncaring, and petty act was the thanks Becky was given for all her years of service to us, and may very well be her last hurtful memory of the Columbus Ballet.
So, what did all this result in? A mother who was denied the opportunity to have her daughter either receive onstage or personally from her parents the gorgeous flowers she had bought her child on the biggest night of her life, was left, as a reward for all her loving efforts and support of our production, sad, weary, and frustrated at being lied to and reneged on at the 11th hour.
Uh, wait....what about servant leadership?????????? Wasn't there something in there about leadership serving those under them to facilitate their success and serve their needs?
I'd like to know exactly what need was being met by denying Tricia the flowers her parents had been told to buy for her. I certainly don't see "collaboration, trust, empathy, and the ethical use of power" being exhibited here.
Anyone care to Comment?
(P.S.--Another whole dissertation could be written on the subject of servant leadership as truly exemplified by David Herriot.)
Servant Leadership
As the events of the Nutcracker weekend unfolded, I found myself reflecting on leadership styles. It was particularly enlightening to recall the fact that our organization is associated with CSU, and that one of CSU's primary emphases is the concept of servant leadership. (Yes, the element of irony is ever-present....)
"A cornerstone of our values at Columbus State University is servant leadership; effective, ethical leadership through empowerment and service," said CSU President Tim Mescon. (2/11/2009, CSU website.)
I thought to myself, ok, if servant leadership is the emphasis here, let's try to find out what it is, where it came from, and apply it to this last weekend.
The basic definition of SL points to a philosophy of leadership that seeks first to meet the needs of those being led, in order to facilitate their growth as persons. Ok, sounds good. But where did this idea come from? Hmm....well, since our current leadership chooses to start performances with PRAYER, maybe we should look to scripture. In Matthew 20, Jesus states, "...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave--just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
But how is this different from the standard way of doing things? "Unlike leadership approaches with a top-down hierarchical style, servant leadership instead emphasizes collaboration, trust, empathy, and the ETHICAL USE OF POWER. At heart, the individual is a servant first, making the conscious decision to lead in order to better serve others, NOT TO INCREASE THEIR OWN POWER." Hmmm....
So, it seems that doing things this way would reflect how CSU would like to see things done. Let's see how this played out with one particular case study from this weekend.
We all know how tirelessly Becky White has served us all for the last several years in her organization of the cast party. We have been fed lavishly abundantly every year, and this year's spread was particularly sumptuous and beautifully presented. Becky has served us all with a sweet and loving spirit.
How wonderful it was, therefore, that Becky had the joy of seeing her baby as Clara this year! Imagine the excitement for child and parents; the pride and happiness; the hard work and demanding schedules which were endured simply for the joy of it all. This was the biggest thing that had ever happened to this precious little girl.
Her loving parents, being proud and excited, spent $106 on a custom bouquet when the current leadership told her that she needed to bring flowers to be presented. They brought the flowers, but the flowers were carelessly thrown in a pile in the child's dressing room without their knowledge or permission, and s simpler bouquet was handed backwards to the child--not even face to face with a smile--thereby minimizing what should have been a special moment for Tricia.
Why could Tricia not have had her parent's flowers given to her? Clara is in a class by herself; she is not competing with, let's say, the director's daughter. No one in the audience is going to sit there comparing people's flowers, and no one of any older age, even a teenage girl, could get upset at a little girl getting nice flowers from her parents.
This stingy, mean-spirited, uncaring, and petty act was the thanks Becky was given for all her years of service to us, and may very well be her last hurtful memory of the Columbus Ballet.
So, what did all this result in? A mother who was denied the opportunity to have her daughter either receive onstage or personally from her parents the gorgeous flowers she had bought her child on the biggest night of her life, was left, as a reward for all her loving efforts and support of our production, sad, weary, and frustrated at being lied to and reneged on at the 11th hour.
Uh, wait....what about servant leadership?????????? Wasn't there something in there about leadership serving those under them to facilitate their success and serve their needs?
I'd like to know exactly what need was being met by denying Tricia the flowers her parents had been told to buy for her. I certainly don't see "collaboration, trust, empathy, and the ethical use of power" being exhibited here.
Anyone care to Comment?
(P.S.--Another whole dissertation could be written on the subject of servant leadership as truly exemplified by David Herriot.)
Merry Christmas Everyone
The 2009 Nutcracker is history. The events leading up to it have been well chronicled here and will remain posted for anyone interested. Following the most recent comments I feel my job here is done. My goals were to illuminate CSU's manipulations of the Columbus Ballet, and to give those conspirators a little taste of the personal attacks they had launched upon Mr. Herriott. The goals soon evolved into exposing the actions of the new directors as the Nutcracker neared. With much help I feel my goals were met.
It is December and Christmas will be here in a blink. Wrongs were committed, passions were stirred, things were said that left a bruise. (the truth isn't always pretty) From a quiet corner in the north east of Huntsville came a brief request. Let it go.
I want it understood from the start that Mr. Herriott had nothing to do with this blog. I started this because of my wife's love of ballet and my love for her. The conspirators never guessed when they launched their attacks on Mr. Herriott that anything like this would happen. He is much too much a gentleman and they were sure he would create no disturbance in any way. I, on the other hand, was unfettered by the threat of retaliation or attacks upon my character. However, when he askes me to let it go, I comply.
So, unless something unprescedented occurs, this will be my last post. I will continue to post any comments that I deem applicable.
Thanks again for your support.
Ward Joines
It is December and Christmas will be here in a blink. Wrongs were committed, passions were stirred, things were said that left a bruise. (the truth isn't always pretty) From a quiet corner in the north east of Huntsville came a brief request. Let it go.
I want it understood from the start that Mr. Herriott had nothing to do with this blog. I started this because of my wife's love of ballet and my love for her. The conspirators never guessed when they launched their attacks on Mr. Herriott that anything like this would happen. He is much too much a gentleman and they were sure he would create no disturbance in any way. I, on the other hand, was unfettered by the threat of retaliation or attacks upon my character. However, when he askes me to let it go, I comply.
So, unless something unprescedented occurs, this will be my last post. I will continue to post any comments that I deem applicable.
Thanks again for your support.
Ward Joines
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Don't forget the Real Deadline
You might have heard its the 15th, maybe even from Jessica or Maria, but the REAL DEADLINE is December 11.
If you don't withdraw by then you will be charged for next year.
Quality people
If you don't withdraw by then you will be charged for next year.
Quality people
SECURITY ALERT
It seems the RiverCenter security have been told to be on high alert. Has there been a bomb threat...NO. Have parents been seen carrying in sporks...NO. Are they worried that Melissa will set the place on fire...MAYBE.
A very overstressed tight-lipped Mr. Drew Beach was overheard saying "its because of the air horns, THE AIR HORNS. They must have heard about the air horns. I don't know how it leaked out. (picture the green-eyed man here from the movie Blot rubbing his hands together and frowning wickedly)
So, in order to diffuse a potentially explosive situation, I am asking everyone to PLEASE leave your air horns at home...And extinguish all smoking materials...prior to entering the RiverCenter
A very overstressed tight-lipped Mr. Drew Beach was overheard saying "its because of the air horns, THE AIR HORNS. They must have heard about the air horns. I don't know how it leaked out. (picture the green-eyed man here from the movie Blot rubbing his hands together and frowning wickedly)
So, in order to diffuse a potentially explosive situation, I am asking everyone to PLEASE leave your air horns at home...And extinguish all smoking materials...prior to entering the RiverCenter
Saturday, November 28, 2009
A Few Thoughts
As the morning of the Nutcracker performances dawn I muse about some things.
The words "Why Now" being repeated over and over again
Mr Drew Beach saying Mr. Herriott was causing such an uproar at the studio
Mrs. Jeanette Pippas telling me that Susan Wirt had threatened the Board
Ms Melissa setting off the fire alarm at the RiverCenter smoking (thats just funny)
Mrs Dove-Pearce saying I thought as president I would just have to do fund raising and get the name out in the community.
One dance teacher and her daughter who changed the Nutcracker for their own gratification
But mostly I think about what a tragedy this has been. The joy that was replaced with tears
The words "Why Now" being repeated over and over again
Mr Drew Beach saying Mr. Herriott was causing such an uproar at the studio
Mrs. Jeanette Pippas telling me that Susan Wirt had threatened the Board
Ms Melissa setting off the fire alarm at the RiverCenter smoking (thats just funny)
Mrs Dove-Pearce saying I thought as president I would just have to do fund raising and get the name out in the community.
One dance teacher and her daughter who changed the Nutcracker for their own gratification
But mostly I think about what a tragedy this has been. The joy that was replaced with tears
Thursday, November 26, 2009
A Call For Help
Dear Readers, I have heard back from several parents saying that the members of the board of the Columbus Ballet are not responding to calls or e-mails. The pleas are going unanswered.
I say lets help them out and demand a curtain call at the performance. At the end of Act I lets bring the house down. Let them know that you want a chance to show your appreciation. Claps, cat-calls, whistles, air-horns, whatever it takes to bring the Act I dancers back out for a bow.
I say lets help them out and demand a curtain call at the performance. At the end of Act I lets bring the house down. Let them know that you want a chance to show your appreciation. Claps, cat-calls, whistles, air-horns, whatever it takes to bring the Act I dancers back out for a bow.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
CURTAINS for Curtain Call Act I
Once again Mrs Hirsch is proving what little regard she has for the children. Not only is she not letting the children perform for the childrens show, she is not going to allow them to have a curtain call after Act I. This is the moment when the children and their families can rejoice together in the accomplishments of the past year culminating in this wonderful moment.
So much for that happy thought!
Herr Hirsch has spoken. And this woman teaches children in the Muscogee County School System. Why would she not want a curtain call? There is no good reason.
Parents, don't stand by and take this. Speak your mind. Call the board members, Mrs Marjorie Newman, Mrs. Janette Pippas, Mrs Daphne Dove-Pearce, Mr. Drew Beach, Mr Josh Mckoon. Hold their feet the fire and don't let go. The board is responsible for this mess, MAKE THEM CLEAN IT UP.
I have no child in the Nutcracker, I have nothing to gain or lose. I do however know right from wrong. And this is wrong!
So much for that happy thought!
Herr Hirsch has spoken. And this woman teaches children in the Muscogee County School System. Why would she not want a curtain call? There is no good reason.
Parents, don't stand by and take this. Speak your mind. Call the board members, Mrs Marjorie Newman, Mrs. Janette Pippas, Mrs Daphne Dove-Pearce, Mr. Drew Beach, Mr Josh Mckoon. Hold their feet the fire and don't let go. The board is responsible for this mess, MAKE THEM CLEAN IT UP.
I have no child in the Nutcracker, I have nothing to gain or lose. I do however know right from wrong. And this is wrong!
Step up Mr Drew Beach
So, where has Mr. Beach been when the parents of the dancers are waiting in the cold? Why he is inside with Mrs. Pippas and Mrs. Pippas entire family. Step up Mr. Beach and do your job. You are supposed to be representing the parents on the board and you sit by and watch and even assist in what is happening. Mrs. Pippas was overheard screaming at one dancer to "go ahead and quit, you are replaceable". Certainly the rational actions of a respectable member of society. Oh but we must feel sorry for Mrs. Pippas for she pulled her daughter out of the performance. Note, she didn't remove herself from the board though! (see earlier posts)
Mrs Hirsch, ever the consummate professional, has been screaming at some of the dancers..."I know you don't like me....I know your up to something, etc." I guess thats how they teach dance in San Juan
Where has Mrs. Wirt been during all of this? Her daughter is in the performance and yet the other parents have not spotted her. Is she sneaking in by some subterranian passageway. Or is she afraid to be seen with the parents wondering if this is all the results of her manipulations?
Maybe she just doesn't want to get her hands dirty.
Again I say, Step up Mr. Beach! You are the Representative for the dancers and their parents on the board. NOT JUST A FEW DANCERS but ALL OF THEM!
Mrs Hirsch, ever the consummate professional, has been screaming at some of the dancers..."I know you don't like me....I know your up to something, etc." I guess thats how they teach dance in San Juan
Where has Mrs. Wirt been during all of this? Her daughter is in the performance and yet the other parents have not spotted her. Is she sneaking in by some subterranian passageway. Or is she afraid to be seen with the parents wondering if this is all the results of her manipulations?
Maybe she just doesn't want to get her hands dirty.
Again I say, Step up Mr. Beach! You are the Representative for the dancers and their parents on the board. NOT JUST A FEW DANCERS but ALL OF THEM!
Such Sensitive People
As the parents of the young children dancing in the Nutcracker huddle outside on the loading dock behind the Rivercenter, the well-to-do elite of the board sit on their pampered bottoms inside watching the rehearsals. The father of the new executive director stands barring the door from any unauthorized entry.
The parents are unable to come inside the Rivercenter during rehearsals because why?
Where is the caring and concern for the people who have really made the Nutcracker possible! Thats right, the parents who have paid hundreds even thousand of dollars and rearranged their lives around the rehearsal ever-changing schedule. The parents who have already bought tickets to the performances and extra t-shirts, and who will buy trinkets to help support the ballet.
These are the people that CSU replaced Mr. Herriott with. So don't forget to sign up for classes next year, I'm sure they take check and credit cards.
The parents are unable to come inside the Rivercenter during rehearsals because why?
Where is the caring and concern for the people who have really made the Nutcracker possible! Thats right, the parents who have paid hundreds even thousand of dollars and rearranged their lives around the rehearsal ever-changing schedule. The parents who have already bought tickets to the performances and extra t-shirts, and who will buy trinkets to help support the ballet.
These are the people that CSU replaced Mr. Herriott with. So don't forget to sign up for classes next year, I'm sure they take check and credit cards.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Welcome New Readers
Thanks for joining us. I started this blog in order to vent frustrations my wife and I had concerning actions taken by CSU and the Board of the Columbus Ballet. I have collected data from numerous sources. Please pay close attention to the resume's of Mr Herriott and Mrs. Hirsch and I think you will see a huge difference.
The article in the Ledger-Enquirer loosely covered the events that transpired. The author did not, in my opinion, delve deeply enough into the motivations behind CSU and the Board of the Ballet. Those motivations are what I have been trying to illuminiate with this blog.
Comment all you want, just remember its my blog and I reserve the right to moderate it.
The article in the Ledger-Enquirer loosely covered the events that transpired. The author did not, in my opinion, delve deeply enough into the motivations behind CSU and the Board of the Ballet. Those motivations are what I have been trying to illuminiate with this blog.
Comment all you want, just remember its my blog and I reserve the right to moderate it.
Monday, November 23, 2009
But Its For the Kids, Right
I just cannot believe this latest development. The performance FOR THE SCHOOL KIDS is not going to have the little kids in it. ARE THEY OUT OF THEIR MINDS! Kids want to see kids, they want to see the party scene, they want to see the mice, they want to see their friends up on stage. The Nutcracker is a story and how can you tell the story without all the chapters. Also, the children want to perform for their friends.
Whats the Nutcracker without the Mice? What is it without Clara's Dream? The show should be for the target audience. I know that it has to be shortened as there is a time constraint. There are other scenes they could be cut out to save time. Arabian for instance probably isn't as appropriate for young children and it would save lots of time. Take out the curtain calls there are lots of ways they could keep the kids in the show.
Parents please this is the time to put your foot down. Every parent of every child in the Nutcracker needs to call or e-mail, or tape a message on the door to the Rankin. Staple a note on Pat Beavers and her Mothers back. Just let them know you want your children to dance for the kids.
I have nothing at stake here. No ulterior motive. I just know that ALL the kids should be allowed to dance.
Whats the Nutcracker without the Mice? What is it without Clara's Dream? The show should be for the target audience. I know that it has to be shortened as there is a time constraint. There are other scenes they could be cut out to save time. Arabian for instance probably isn't as appropriate for young children and it would save lots of time. Take out the curtain calls there are lots of ways they could keep the kids in the show.
Parents please this is the time to put your foot down. Every parent of every child in the Nutcracker needs to call or e-mail, or tape a message on the door to the Rankin. Staple a note on Pat Beavers and her Mothers back. Just let them know you want your children to dance for the kids.
I have nothing at stake here. No ulterior motive. I just know that ALL the kids should be allowed to dance.
An Oxymoron
I'm looking at a flier from the Columbus Ballet called Tea With Clara. It describes this tea as a "New Christmas Tradition". I wonder what the NEW tradition will be next year. This is from the same people that Fired Mr. Herriott and changed the Nutcracker. The Nutcracker that had been the same excellent show for five years running.
Most of the choreography for the Nutcracker had been written by Mr. Herriott. In order to use the same choreography the Board would have needed the approval of him. THEY NEVER OFFICIALLY ASKED HIM! Mr. Herriott would have allowed them to continue with his Nutcracker IF they left it unchanged.
Mrs. Hirsch planned from the beginning to change the choreography so that her daughter could have two solo's. She gave no thought to the tradition that had been established over the last five years. She gave no thought to the children that had already worked so hard learning their parts. Her only desire was for her child to be the star of the show.
A Christmas tradition is something that has become part of our holiday culture. Last night I heard a teenager at Calloway Gardens complain that the lights were always the same. Her mother said "hush, its a Christmas tradition". In 1954 the New York City Ballet began performing George Balanchine's Nutcracker and it has been unchanged ever since. A Christmas Story the movie has been with us since 1983, unchanged I might ad.
Thank you The Board of the Columbus Ballet for the new Christmas tradition. I can't wait to see what new tradition you will have for us next year.
Most of the choreography for the Nutcracker had been written by Mr. Herriott. In order to use the same choreography the Board would have needed the approval of him. THEY NEVER OFFICIALLY ASKED HIM! Mr. Herriott would have allowed them to continue with his Nutcracker IF they left it unchanged.
Mrs. Hirsch planned from the beginning to change the choreography so that her daughter could have two solo's. She gave no thought to the tradition that had been established over the last five years. She gave no thought to the children that had already worked so hard learning their parts. Her only desire was for her child to be the star of the show.
A Christmas tradition is something that has become part of our holiday culture. Last night I heard a teenager at Calloway Gardens complain that the lights were always the same. Her mother said "hush, its a Christmas tradition". In 1954 the New York City Ballet began performing George Balanchine's Nutcracker and it has been unchanged ever since. A Christmas Story the movie has been with us since 1983, unchanged I might ad.
Thank you The Board of the Columbus Ballet for the new Christmas tradition. I can't wait to see what new tradition you will have for us next year.
Friday, November 20, 2009
The True Director of the Columbus Ballet
ladies and Gentlemen, Let me direct your attention to the New Director of the Columbus Ballet. That would be Ms. Susan Wirt the Director of CSU Continuing Education.
It seems that a Memorandum of Understand was signed by Ms. Daphne Dove-Pearce which places all power in the hands of Mrs. Wirt. No wonder Mrs. Wirt wanted to get rid of Mr. Herriott. So, here is a list of The Columbus Ballet Responsibilities:
Collaborate with CSU CE to recruit a mutually-acceptable candidate who will serve as both TCB Artistic Director and CE Program Coordinator.
FUND and supervise the Artistic/Executive Director and TCB administrative support staff.
Collaborate with Continuing Education to recruit and retain students
Collaorate with Continuing Education to advertise classes.
OBTAIN and maintain liability insurance for the Columbus Ballet to cover classes rehearsals and any other activities overseen by TCB and provide a copy of this document to the Director of CSU Continuing Education
Support the policies and procedures estabished by the USG Board of Regents and CSU Continuing Education.
Of course the Ballet much also Fund any performances including costumes, sets, paid principle dancers, etc.
So, it appears that CSU is taking all of the tuition money in exchange for the space? Wow, the Ballet out of whatever money it makes on the Nutcracker, selling trinkets and t-shirts and of course whatever donations the community can come up with pays for everything else.
Mr. Herriott was obviously against many of these policies. Policies designed to make the Ballet another exercise class under the thumb of Continuing Education. Policies that have been put into place since his resignation from CSU and subsequent firing from the Ballet.
There was much talk of the ballet leaving CSU and proposals had been drafted to that effect. CSU, however, had no intention of a big revenue generator walking out the door and they refused to any of the demands made by the Board of The Columbus Ballet. Pressuring the weak members of the board, who were there only to further their good name in the community, CSU was able to convince them that the Ballet could not stand on its on.
Mr. Herriott was the glue that made it possible for The Columbus Ballet to make it on its on. With him out of the picture the rest of the controllable board would fall into line. The president Mrs. Daphne Dove-Pearce has made it clear that this has all been inconvenient....why she thought the job would be just getting the name out into the community. I am sure she is very happy that CSU will be taking over so she can go back to her fund-raisers.
So there you have it people. Give your donations to the Columbus Ballet so that Columbus State University Continuing Education Department can make money off the tuition from the students. Don't think that isn't a substantial amount of money either. Mr. Herriott had increased the rolls to around 250 students. With one upper level ballet student paying $1200/year for classes and even students taking one class will pay hundreds of dollars/year you can see the earning potential.
Mrs. Wirt, my compliments on a job well done. With the removal of Mr. Herriott and the new MOU with the board you truly are the Ballet Mistress. Your expert manipulating of Mrs. Pippas, Mrs. Dove-Pearce and of course Mrs. Hirsch has moved The Columbus Ballet from an Artist in Residence at the Rankin Center to just another program offered by CSU's Continuing Education.
I anxiously await to see CSU's plans for the future. Once CSU starts its own Dance Program what will happen to The Columbus Ballet? Was getting rid of Mr. Herriott simply the first step in taking over the Rankin and phasing out The Columbus Ballet?
I bet these questions are not asked by the Ledger-Enquirer.
It seems that a Memorandum of Understand was signed by Ms. Daphne Dove-Pearce which places all power in the hands of Mrs. Wirt. No wonder Mrs. Wirt wanted to get rid of Mr. Herriott. So, here is a list of The Columbus Ballet Responsibilities:
Collaborate with CSU CE to recruit a mutually-acceptable candidate who will serve as both TCB Artistic Director and CE Program Coordinator.
FUND and supervise the Artistic/Executive Director and TCB administrative support staff.
Collaborate with Continuing Education to recruit and retain students
Collaorate with Continuing Education to advertise classes.
OBTAIN and maintain liability insurance for the Columbus Ballet to cover classes rehearsals and any other activities overseen by TCB and provide a copy of this document to the Director of CSU Continuing Education
Support the policies and procedures estabished by the USG Board of Regents and CSU Continuing Education.
Of course the Ballet much also Fund any performances including costumes, sets, paid principle dancers, etc.
So, it appears that CSU is taking all of the tuition money in exchange for the space? Wow, the Ballet out of whatever money it makes on the Nutcracker, selling trinkets and t-shirts and of course whatever donations the community can come up with pays for everything else.
Mr. Herriott was obviously against many of these policies. Policies designed to make the Ballet another exercise class under the thumb of Continuing Education. Policies that have been put into place since his resignation from CSU and subsequent firing from the Ballet.
There was much talk of the ballet leaving CSU and proposals had been drafted to that effect. CSU, however, had no intention of a big revenue generator walking out the door and they refused to any of the demands made by the Board of The Columbus Ballet. Pressuring the weak members of the board, who were there only to further their good name in the community, CSU was able to convince them that the Ballet could not stand on its on.
Mr. Herriott was the glue that made it possible for The Columbus Ballet to make it on its on. With him out of the picture the rest of the controllable board would fall into line. The president Mrs. Daphne Dove-Pearce has made it clear that this has all been inconvenient....why she thought the job would be just getting the name out into the community. I am sure she is very happy that CSU will be taking over so she can go back to her fund-raisers.
So there you have it people. Give your donations to the Columbus Ballet so that Columbus State University Continuing Education Department can make money off the tuition from the students. Don't think that isn't a substantial amount of money either. Mr. Herriott had increased the rolls to around 250 students. With one upper level ballet student paying $1200/year for classes and even students taking one class will pay hundreds of dollars/year you can see the earning potential.
Mrs. Wirt, my compliments on a job well done. With the removal of Mr. Herriott and the new MOU with the board you truly are the Ballet Mistress. Your expert manipulating of Mrs. Pippas, Mrs. Dove-Pearce and of course Mrs. Hirsch has moved The Columbus Ballet from an Artist in Residence at the Rankin Center to just another program offered by CSU's Continuing Education.
I anxiously await to see CSU's plans for the future. Once CSU starts its own Dance Program what will happen to The Columbus Ballet? Was getting rid of Mr. Herriott simply the first step in taking over the Rankin and phasing out The Columbus Ballet?
I bet these questions are not asked by the Ledger-Enquirer.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Columbus Ballet Gulag
I was amazed when the new directors blacked out the windows so that parents could not watch their children dance. I was less surprised when they began driving parents out of the hallways and only admitting "the chosen ones" into the sewing room. But now the commandants have spoken and the rules are out for the Nutcracker.
THERE WILL BE NO PARENTS BACKSTAGE UNLESS YOU ARE A CHAPERONE!
IF YOU ARE A CHAPERONE YOU MUST STAY IN YOUR ASSIGNED ROOM!
CHILDREN ARE TO BE DROPPED OFF AT THE BACK DOOR!
NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE AUDIENCE DURING REHEARSALS!
NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO HAVE ANY FUN!
The last one I added but it seems to be pretty applicable. How insensitive to ask parents to leave their little children for three or four hours alone with them. We arnt exactly talking about the best parental role models here are we? Are they worried that if a parent comes to the rehearsal and watches that they won't PAY for tickets? Are they worried that the parents won't like what they see?
When I titled this blog six weeks ago I had no idea just how applicable it was. Obviously they don't get it. The Nutcracker production isn't just about the production for the community, its also about bringing the ballet community closer. When the dancers their families and the teachers get to enjoy the fruits of their hard work. It should be a time of fun and rejoicing in the dance. Instead the children are going to be treated like inmates on prison work details.
THERE WILL BE NO PARENTS BACKSTAGE UNLESS YOU ARE A CHAPERONE!
IF YOU ARE A CHAPERONE YOU MUST STAY IN YOUR ASSIGNED ROOM!
CHILDREN ARE TO BE DROPPED OFF AT THE BACK DOOR!
NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE AUDIENCE DURING REHEARSALS!
NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO HAVE ANY FUN!
The last one I added but it seems to be pretty applicable. How insensitive to ask parents to leave their little children for three or four hours alone with them. We arnt exactly talking about the best parental role models here are we? Are they worried that if a parent comes to the rehearsal and watches that they won't PAY for tickets? Are they worried that the parents won't like what they see?
When I titled this blog six weeks ago I had no idea just how applicable it was. Obviously they don't get it. The Nutcracker production isn't just about the production for the community, its also about bringing the ballet community closer. When the dancers their families and the teachers get to enjoy the fruits of their hard work. It should be a time of fun and rejoicing in the dance. Instead the children are going to be treated like inmates on prison work details.
Monday, November 16, 2009
The Mailbag brings a Surprising Letter
I debated posting this as it might be considered a little offensive. However, I let Kory and others have their say so.. here it is, another anonymous letter.
I was born and raised in a small "Suthun" town just like Columbus.
The self-appointed elite aristocracy (the rich folk) bring their
kids up thinking that they can act any ole' way, treat people any
way, and get away with murder (that already happened in Columbus, didn't it? Remember the poor black fellow that the aristocracy railroaded into death row for
a string of murders that one of their own actually committed, but of course,
Sonny Boy couldn't really go to jail. So, they do what they all do,
find some poor devil to take the blame.)
You see, the aristocracy don't raise their children to have
character or integrity; they just throw money at them, and that is
how they grow up--buying their way out of things, and buying their way into others (the ballet for instance). They are never taught that it is unkind to ruin a
person's reputation; to accuse; to bully another human, just so they are on top.
The royalty in Columbus were so intimidated with the
Herriott's--their talent, their good looks, their love for the youth
in the ballet. They are actually full of integrity and character, and those in the dark, those in the royalty, just don't like it when people with gifts and new ways just shine their light on all their ugly
I have the answer for those of the "Suthun" elite--this will solve
yo' problems with riff-raff like the Herriott's: simply lock that
little burg, throw away the key, and don't let in any of those different, new thinking, talented, good people in. You want to protect your children from people that might give them an idea into how the real world works. And after you have kept the town locked so that no one new and nice ever comes in, you will have the
same ole' town, but alas, as ya'll start to die off, the town will too. And,
the world will be a better place minus one Suthun town with all it's
royalty.
My friends that I tell about Columbus just laugh and say "How stupid
are they"? Why wouldn't they want someone as well-connected and as
talented as David Herriott running the ballet? Don't they know how much he
brings to the city with all his connections." But, alas and alack, he is not of royal lineage, and he actually has character and a conscience, and he treats people well. Probably not a good fit anyway?
So, kings and queens, prince and princesses of Columbus, keep those
city gates locked up tight. You wouldn't want any good thing spoiling
the cesspool you have going there.!!!
I was born and raised in a small "Suthun" town just like Columbus.
The self-appointed elite aristocracy (the rich folk) bring their
kids up thinking that they can act any ole' way, treat people any
way, and get away with murder (that already happened in Columbus, didn't it? Remember the poor black fellow that the aristocracy railroaded into death row for
a string of murders that one of their own actually committed, but of course,
Sonny Boy couldn't really go to jail. So, they do what they all do,
find some poor devil to take the blame.)
You see, the aristocracy don't raise their children to have
character or integrity; they just throw money at them, and that is
how they grow up--buying their way out of things, and buying their way into others (the ballet for instance). They are never taught that it is unkind to ruin a
person's reputation; to accuse; to bully another human, just so they are on top.
The royalty in Columbus were so intimidated with the
Herriott's--their talent, their good looks, their love for the youth
in the ballet. They are actually full of integrity and character, and those in the dark, those in the royalty, just don't like it when people with gifts and new ways just shine their light on all their ugly
I have the answer for those of the "Suthun" elite--this will solve
yo' problems with riff-raff like the Herriott's: simply lock that
little burg, throw away the key, and don't let in any of those different, new thinking, talented, good people in. You want to protect your children from people that might give them an idea into how the real world works. And after you have kept the town locked so that no one new and nice ever comes in, you will have the
same ole' town, but alas, as ya'll start to die off, the town will too. And,
the world will be a better place minus one Suthun town with all it's
royalty.
My friends that I tell about Columbus just laugh and say "How stupid
are they"? Why wouldn't they want someone as well-connected and as
talented as David Herriott running the ballet? Don't they know how much he
brings to the city with all his connections." But, alas and alack, he is not of royal lineage, and he actually has character and a conscience, and he treats people well. Probably not a good fit anyway?
So, kings and queens, prince and princesses of Columbus, keep those
city gates locked up tight. You wouldn't want any good thing spoiling
the cesspool you have going there.!!!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Wow, over 5000 hits
I started this blog because my wife and I were frustrated about the actions taken by both CSU and the board of the Columbus Ballet. We felt that many parents and students had no voice in what transpired. I started writing simply for myself and sent the address to a few friends on Facebook. I was encouraged by many people to continue writing and inspiration came from many sources. Please remember, if you read this, that the thoughts are my own (except for a few anonymous contributors). The words do not necessarily reflect the opinions of anyone else but little old me. However, I think if you look closely you might find truth in what I have written.
So, read on if you are bored. I hope you enjoy but keep in the back of your mind that a good mans name was desecrated by someone. Someone who had something to gain. Unfortunately, I don't think they will get what they expected or maybe even what they wanted.
Thanks to all who have contributed and will continue to contribute. I hope I have earned your trust.
So, read on if you are bored. I hope you enjoy but keep in the back of your mind that a good mans name was desecrated by someone. Someone who had something to gain. Unfortunately, I don't think they will get what they expected or maybe even what they wanted.
Thanks to all who have contributed and will continue to contribute. I hope I have earned your trust.
Scratch My Back
I was curious when I discovered that Mr. Josh McKoon was on the board for the Columbus Ballet. That is until I discovered that Ms Daphne Dove-Pierce and Ms. Jeanette Pippas were both on his steering committee. With Ms. Pippas and Ms. Dove-Pierce both obviously against Mr. Herriott could a deal have been made. A little community good-will by placing you on the board (According to three board members he was not voted on as usual) and you help us get rid of Mr. Herriott.
I think its a shame that Mrs. Pippas took her daughter out of the Nutcracker, when it would have been much more appropriate for her to remove herself from the board.
Questions of Impropriety? I have no questions.
Mr. McKoon also invited me, while we were talking on the phone one day, to a board meeting. He later denied that he had said that to the board. Politics as usual, no vote from me Mr. McKoon.
I think its a shame that Mrs. Pippas took her daughter out of the Nutcracker, when it would have been much more appropriate for her to remove herself from the board.
Questions of Impropriety? I have no questions.
Mr. McKoon also invited me, while we were talking on the phone one day, to a board meeting. He later denied that he had said that to the board. Politics as usual, no vote from me Mr. McKoon.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Follow-up from Anonymous
Your harsh words wound the heart and disturb the soul. The words from the email are mine, not Mr. Joines and they were written for both sides to hear. I was simply trying to say God has not made us judges of one another, but FORGIVERS of one another. Since we are living by the Spirit, let our behavior be guided by the Spirit (Gal 5:25). As a Christian, I use the Word of God because it is specific, concrete knowledge of God's plan, promises and purpose. It takes 5% input to become a Christian, but 95% input to live as a Christian. The Christian life is not just a list of well meaning religious exercises. It is a new, full time attitude of heart, trying to show wisdom and tolerance, sincere kindness and loving towards others in word and deed. Can't we all use this circumstance to learn so we can have a closer fellowship with Him?
Thursday, November 12, 2009
What Have We Learned Children
Many of the thoughts expressed in the previous post really struck home. I hope Kory takes some of these to heart as well. Kory was very unhappy with my last post, so I have blocked her comments until she decides to come clean and tell us who she is.
I received another rather nasty anonymous comment saying how dare I use scripture to rationalize my words. Not me, an anonymous e-mail I received that I rather liked, so I posted it. I'm not one to quote the bible but the words seemed rather appropriate.
They also told me to shut-up. My blog not yours, take a hike.
I received another rather nasty anonymous comment saying how dare I use scripture to rationalize my words. Not me, an anonymous e-mail I received that I rather liked, so I posted it. I'm not one to quote the bible but the words seemed rather appropriate.
They also told me to shut-up. My blog not yours, take a hike.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
An Anonymous Entry sent by E-Mail
The real ugliness of the situation at Columbus Ballet began once the anonymous letter was sent out by several women. Not only sent out to the families but to Mr. Herriott’s new place of work, trying to ruin his reputation in his own home community. Nobody can judge people fairly except God, for He alone judges with perfect knowledge, certainty, and compassion. God is merciful because He is all-knowing and all-wise. St. James says, “There is one lawgiver and judge: He who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you that you judge your neighbor?”
The board was taken aback by the outcry of the parents in the meetings, especially two individuals and they have been working to defend their decisions they made for the ballet. It is time for them to stop the inuendos and the ear whisperings about Mr. Herriott to all the parents; after all, he is gone and cannot defend himself.
A person’s good name is his most valuable possession. The Scriptures say, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.” Every man has a right to his good name. That right remains as long as a person’s faults are not public. To invade that right is to commit an injustice. Reputation is injured not only by harming the character of another but also by exaggerating another’s faults. The fact that you know another’s weakness does not justify you in broadcasting that weakness. The fact that what you say may be true does not absolve you from guilt in the manner of unjust and uncharitable talk.
To exaggerate another’s faults, or to give out as certain what is uncertain or doubtful, is related to SLANDER. The words, “they say” often serve as an introduction to the most poisonous lies. The evils that follow slander are numberless. Slanderous talk is all too welcome, and it makes the rounds from mouth to mouth, ruining the reputation of its victim and sometimes causing them considerable harm even in temporal matters. Slander is a sin against JUSTICE, CHARITY, and TRUTH, because it violates not only the honor due to another, but also, the honor that he has rightly earned by his moral character and conduct.
Slander is a verdict of guilty pronounced in the absence of the accused, with closed doors, without defense or appeal by a disinterested and unprejudiced judge. The worst feature of slander is that the offense can hardly ever be made good. “When we injure others, what else do we do but scatter dust into the air, which blinds our eyes, so that we see less of truth, the more evil we speak about others?”
Only when the talking stops is every one going to be able to move on. And there is a lot of forgiving to be done before the good things begin again. I, for one, have begun to do just that.
The board was taken aback by the outcry of the parents in the meetings, especially two individuals and they have been working to defend their decisions they made for the ballet. It is time for them to stop the inuendos and the ear whisperings about Mr. Herriott to all the parents; after all, he is gone and cannot defend himself.
A person’s good name is his most valuable possession. The Scriptures say, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.” Every man has a right to his good name. That right remains as long as a person’s faults are not public. To invade that right is to commit an injustice. Reputation is injured not only by harming the character of another but also by exaggerating another’s faults. The fact that you know another’s weakness does not justify you in broadcasting that weakness. The fact that what you say may be true does not absolve you from guilt in the manner of unjust and uncharitable talk.
To exaggerate another’s faults, or to give out as certain what is uncertain or doubtful, is related to SLANDER. The words, “they say” often serve as an introduction to the most poisonous lies. The evils that follow slander are numberless. Slanderous talk is all too welcome, and it makes the rounds from mouth to mouth, ruining the reputation of its victim and sometimes causing them considerable harm even in temporal matters. Slander is a sin against JUSTICE, CHARITY, and TRUTH, because it violates not only the honor due to another, but also, the honor that he has rightly earned by his moral character and conduct.
Slander is a verdict of guilty pronounced in the absence of the accused, with closed doors, without defense or appeal by a disinterested and unprejudiced judge. The worst feature of slander is that the offense can hardly ever be made good. “When we injure others, what else do we do but scatter dust into the air, which blinds our eyes, so that we see less of truth, the more evil we speak about others?”
Only when the talking stops is every one going to be able to move on. And there is a lot of forgiving to be done before the good things begin again. I, for one, have begun to do just that.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Response to Kory
Wonderful sentiments which do not excuse what was done. Again, that is what bothers me, the manner in which things were handled. After the fact apologies and transparent excuses. Obvious acts of impropriety showed us all the motivations behind the conspirators.
You talk of discipline and yet you seem to approve of how Mrs. Hirsch maneuvered behind the scenes in order to get what she wanted. How the board lied over and over to parents, dancers and even teachers. These are the lessons the children have been taught.
You hide behind a pseudonym and ask me for facts. You write of the golden age but do not address the transgressions. You say that Mothers are off-limits. Yes, but not if they are conniving shrews. You ask to give her a chance, I personally don't associate with liars and thieves. You try and placate me while you act as if the end justifies the means. SHAME ON YOU!
Everyone has faults including Mr. Herriott. NO ONE deserves to be treated the way he was treated. So you justify yourselves and your actions anyway you feel necessary. The lot of you can thump your chest about how you are bringing art to this city. What you have brought is contempt.
You talk of discipline and yet you seem to approve of how Mrs. Hirsch maneuvered behind the scenes in order to get what she wanted. How the board lied over and over to parents, dancers and even teachers. These are the lessons the children have been taught.
You hide behind a pseudonym and ask me for facts. You write of the golden age but do not address the transgressions. You say that Mothers are off-limits. Yes, but not if they are conniving shrews. You ask to give her a chance, I personally don't associate with liars and thieves. You try and placate me while you act as if the end justifies the means. SHAME ON YOU!
Everyone has faults including Mr. Herriott. NO ONE deserves to be treated the way he was treated. So you justify yourselves and your actions anyway you feel necessary. The lot of you can thump your chest about how you are bringing art to this city. What you have brought is contempt.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
A Response to Ms. Harrison
Ms. Harrison,
Well said. I agree with many things you have said. In a perfect world the art would exist solely for itself. However, its not a perfect world. Thank you also for your frustration, for one of my desires has been to share that emotion with others about what has transpired
The ballet isn't just for that one girl. The ballet is for everyone. For the seven year old who gets her first chance to dance in a real performance, and for her family sitting in the audience. Its for the man who discovered the joy of dance after high school and who has danced just as many years as the senior company girl.
Twelve years at the back of the class and three years being admired. Thats a wonderful sentiment. However, you sound as if ballet ends at eighteen. For the truly gifted, those really able to bring tears to an audience, their careers are just beginning at eighteen. Now they are at the back of the studio again hoping to one day be "that" dancer.
A child terrified to perform but goes on anyway. Everyone experiences that fear, how wonderful to learn to overcome it at an early age. There are adults who will never be able to perform, or even speak, on stage due to horrible stage fright. However, much more often I see the joy on the tiny dancers face and the pride in the parents, as the dancer executes their first true ballet move for the audience.
If you are able to bring tears to an audience, should you not be able to continue your dance. Instead will you become the shrewish mother who demands her daughter get promoted in the company. The mother who throws money at the school in order for her daughter to have a better part. Maybe, you become the frustrated part-time ballet teacher who lives out her abbreviated career trough her daughter. That Ms Harrison happens much more often than a local high school dancer in Columbus, Ga bringing tears in an audience to anyone other than her family.
You speak of discipline. the discipline to do as you are taught and told. Do you think the girl in New York will care one iota if the male dancer she partners with smells like a beer? Could be Gin and cigarettes and she would dance because the director let her. But noooooo....Mommie he smells bad I don't want to dance with him. Please, grow up. He might not be happy that he has to dance with you either. That doesn't sound like discipline to me. EVERYONE is paying to be there, not just the company girls, and some are paying with their own money.
Maybe, as you get a little older you will become like my wife. Who finds as much joy now, in being able to perform a leap or a turn just right in class, as when she was a child. She has danced with all the teachers at this school and many other as she has moved around during her life including New York. This exposure, to not just many different ballet instructors but also styles, has given her a unique multidimensional insight many here don't have.
I hope that you will continue to dance. Anyone reading your comments will be able to see the love you have for the art. However, with every passing year you will find it more difficult to find a studio that will allow you to dance. Not only that, it will be difficult to find a good studio that will let you dance. We found both here when we returned to Columbus.
When you are young the world is somewhat one dimensional, sort of like standing on one side of a large building not knowing what is around either corner. As you age, you begin to walk around those corners and see new things as well as look back from where you came differently. The statement that ballet is not about grants and funding shows your naivete. The art cannot exist without the money. Money makes the world go round and money is one reason this whole thing started.
It seems that some people feel that money entitles they and their children.
Without money where is the venue that allows the crowds to comfortably watch the dancers. Where does the violinist, or is a tape alright for that. Without money where is the school and the teachers to teach the dancer so that she may learn to elicit those tears.
A few people with money wanted their daughters to have better parts and positions in the company. Expel a dancer because she cannot do a double pirouette, how about taking the double pirouette out of the piece so that the monetarily elevated dancer might be able to dance it.
Again I tell you that a performance lives or dies on the executive director and the artistic director. When Mrs Hirsch stated, in the parents meeting after Mr. Herriott was fired, That she could pull off the Nutcracker in seven weeks she put the yoke on her shoulders. It was this assertion to the Board that prompted the sudden firing and it was that same deed that prompted this blog.
The seven weeks are more than half-way gone. Hundreds of lives have been affected by that one statement by Mrs. Hirsch. I hope it was worth it to her.
You do seem a little confused about things. To my knowledge there is no Millie and Dan that have anything to do with the ballet. Those are simply characters in a little piece of fiction that I have been writing for my nephew (who loves it). Nick Saban maybe a stretch, but a good hook to attract attention to the blog.
Well said. I agree with many things you have said. In a perfect world the art would exist solely for itself. However, its not a perfect world. Thank you also for your frustration, for one of my desires has been to share that emotion with others about what has transpired
The ballet isn't just for that one girl. The ballet is for everyone. For the seven year old who gets her first chance to dance in a real performance, and for her family sitting in the audience. Its for the man who discovered the joy of dance after high school and who has danced just as many years as the senior company girl.
Twelve years at the back of the class and three years being admired. Thats a wonderful sentiment. However, you sound as if ballet ends at eighteen. For the truly gifted, those really able to bring tears to an audience, their careers are just beginning at eighteen. Now they are at the back of the studio again hoping to one day be "that" dancer.
A child terrified to perform but goes on anyway. Everyone experiences that fear, how wonderful to learn to overcome it at an early age. There are adults who will never be able to perform, or even speak, on stage due to horrible stage fright. However, much more often I see the joy on the tiny dancers face and the pride in the parents, as the dancer executes their first true ballet move for the audience.
If you are able to bring tears to an audience, should you not be able to continue your dance. Instead will you become the shrewish mother who demands her daughter get promoted in the company. The mother who throws money at the school in order for her daughter to have a better part. Maybe, you become the frustrated part-time ballet teacher who lives out her abbreviated career trough her daughter. That Ms Harrison happens much more often than a local high school dancer in Columbus, Ga bringing tears in an audience to anyone other than her family.
You speak of discipline. the discipline to do as you are taught and told. Do you think the girl in New York will care one iota if the male dancer she partners with smells like a beer? Could be Gin and cigarettes and she would dance because the director let her. But noooooo....Mommie he smells bad I don't want to dance with him. Please, grow up. He might not be happy that he has to dance with you either. That doesn't sound like discipline to me. EVERYONE is paying to be there, not just the company girls, and some are paying with their own money.
Maybe, as you get a little older you will become like my wife. Who finds as much joy now, in being able to perform a leap or a turn just right in class, as when she was a child. She has danced with all the teachers at this school and many other as she has moved around during her life including New York. This exposure, to not just many different ballet instructors but also styles, has given her a unique multidimensional insight many here don't have.
I hope that you will continue to dance. Anyone reading your comments will be able to see the love you have for the art. However, with every passing year you will find it more difficult to find a studio that will allow you to dance. Not only that, it will be difficult to find a good studio that will let you dance. We found both here when we returned to Columbus.
When you are young the world is somewhat one dimensional, sort of like standing on one side of a large building not knowing what is around either corner. As you age, you begin to walk around those corners and see new things as well as look back from where you came differently. The statement that ballet is not about grants and funding shows your naivete. The art cannot exist without the money. Money makes the world go round and money is one reason this whole thing started.
It seems that some people feel that money entitles they and their children.
Without money where is the venue that allows the crowds to comfortably watch the dancers. Where does the violinist, or is a tape alright for that. Without money where is the school and the teachers to teach the dancer so that she may learn to elicit those tears.
A few people with money wanted their daughters to have better parts and positions in the company. Expel a dancer because she cannot do a double pirouette, how about taking the double pirouette out of the piece so that the monetarily elevated dancer might be able to dance it.
Again I tell you that a performance lives or dies on the executive director and the artistic director. When Mrs Hirsch stated, in the parents meeting after Mr. Herriott was fired, That she could pull off the Nutcracker in seven weeks she put the yoke on her shoulders. It was this assertion to the Board that prompted the sudden firing and it was that same deed that prompted this blog.
The seven weeks are more than half-way gone. Hundreds of lives have been affected by that one statement by Mrs. Hirsch. I hope it was worth it to her.
You do seem a little confused about things. To my knowledge there is no Millie and Dan that have anything to do with the ballet. Those are simply characters in a little piece of fiction that I have been writing for my nephew (who loves it). Nick Saban maybe a stretch, but a good hook to attract attention to the blog.
Friday, November 6, 2009
The Blog's Sources
Since I began this blog I felt sure that those implicated would somehow respond to it. Look me in the eye and deny my allegations, however, there has been no response. The closest they have gotten is pointing their fingers blaming each other for supplying me with information. In fact, a board member asked me where I was getting my information.
How about I tell them where I have gotten my information. From parents and students that are invisible to them. Phone calls, e-mails, and text messages I have received giving me quotes from conversations over-heard in the halls. Actions taken by the directors which have impacted them personally they could not wait to tell me and ask that I post it on the blog. They wanted anonymity in order to prevent a back-lash from the directors. Punishment doled out by being demoted in the company or loosing a part in a performance as has happened to so many already. Invisible because they arn't the "special" girls or their families name isn't on the who's who list in town.
But they were not invisible to Mr. Herriott. He recognized the joy that each and everyone found in dancing or in watching their children dance. The same joy he feels teaching ballet.
Maybe that was why you wanted him gone. He didn't play the game the way he was supposed to. Why he was accused of showing preferential treatment, because he wasn't showing preferential treatment to those he should have, Right!
The ballet should not just be about those with the perfect body type, or those privileged children from wealthy families. It should not just be for children but for anyone who find joy in dancing.
So, run off all of the students and lock out the parents. That will shut the blog down.
How about I tell them where I have gotten my information. From parents and students that are invisible to them. Phone calls, e-mails, and text messages I have received giving me quotes from conversations over-heard in the halls. Actions taken by the directors which have impacted them personally they could not wait to tell me and ask that I post it on the blog. They wanted anonymity in order to prevent a back-lash from the directors. Punishment doled out by being demoted in the company or loosing a part in a performance as has happened to so many already. Invisible because they arn't the "special" girls or their families name isn't on the who's who list in town.
But they were not invisible to Mr. Herriott. He recognized the joy that each and everyone found in dancing or in watching their children dance. The same joy he feels teaching ballet.
Maybe that was why you wanted him gone. He didn't play the game the way he was supposed to. Why he was accused of showing preferential treatment, because he wasn't showing preferential treatment to those he should have, Right!
The ballet should not just be about those with the perfect body type, or those privileged children from wealthy families. It should not just be for children but for anyone who find joy in dancing.
So, run off all of the students and lock out the parents. That will shut the blog down.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Response to Comments
I have been asked to show what qualifications I have to judge a good Ballet Artistic Director from a poor one.
Absolutely none!
However, the numerous disgruntled customers, as you call them, do. People who have been involved with ballet for more than twice your few years. Don't get me wrong, its a good question. Even without the opinions of those with many years experience the facts are the facts. Mrs. Hirsch strove to develop a program for TEN years with only marginal success. Mr. Herriott brought the program from about 50 students to 250.
I am sure that the enrollment will have greatly diminished since she has taken over. Students are being demoted in the company for no reason. Parents are being told they cannot wait upstairs and watch the children dance. Customers will not stand themselves or their children being treated in these manners.
You are young and you do not realize the implications of the slanderous letter that was anonymously sent out about Mr. Herriott. Mr. Herriott obviously lost his job because of these lies, but it could possibly limit his future employment as well. Its not like he has another skill he can fall back on. If you read his resume I posted, you will see that Ballet is his life. Not just teaching ballet to a few high school girls after work, but starting with small children teaching them the basics which will develop into the skills needed to become true dancers.
You see him simply as a ballet teacher. However, being both Artistic Director and Executive Director for a school with 250 students is daunting. Having a non-profit company means that you have to stay within many guidelines set forth by the IRS. In order to raise money you have to be understanding and savvy enough to write grants which enable the company to obtain funds for costumes and sets which are very expensive. You have to be able to manage not just your time but the time of your students and their parents so that everyone gets the classes they need and want. You have to be a true master of the dance being able to teach and choreograph performances. Then you must manage the rehearsals and everything needed to put on the performance.
He was trapped between two masters, Columbus State University and the Columbus Ballet Conservatory. The desires of each were not always the same.
Do not dare say the Columbus Ballet has done the responsible thing. Seven week before the largest performance of the year they fired the Artistic Director who wrote the choreography that was to be performed. There is absolutely no reason that would justify the timing.
My reasons for this blog. To shed light onto the subject. The lies have not been sent out in the mail by me, no that was done by a few backstabbing cowards. No I have just voiced my opinions here on my little corner of the web.
Thanks for the input
Absolutely none!
However, the numerous disgruntled customers, as you call them, do. People who have been involved with ballet for more than twice your few years. Don't get me wrong, its a good question. Even without the opinions of those with many years experience the facts are the facts. Mrs. Hirsch strove to develop a program for TEN years with only marginal success. Mr. Herriott brought the program from about 50 students to 250.
I am sure that the enrollment will have greatly diminished since she has taken over. Students are being demoted in the company for no reason. Parents are being told they cannot wait upstairs and watch the children dance. Customers will not stand themselves or their children being treated in these manners.
You are young and you do not realize the implications of the slanderous letter that was anonymously sent out about Mr. Herriott. Mr. Herriott obviously lost his job because of these lies, but it could possibly limit his future employment as well. Its not like he has another skill he can fall back on. If you read his resume I posted, you will see that Ballet is his life. Not just teaching ballet to a few high school girls after work, but starting with small children teaching them the basics which will develop into the skills needed to become true dancers.
You see him simply as a ballet teacher. However, being both Artistic Director and Executive Director for a school with 250 students is daunting. Having a non-profit company means that you have to stay within many guidelines set forth by the IRS. In order to raise money you have to be understanding and savvy enough to write grants which enable the company to obtain funds for costumes and sets which are very expensive. You have to be able to manage not just your time but the time of your students and their parents so that everyone gets the classes they need and want. You have to be a true master of the dance being able to teach and choreograph performances. Then you must manage the rehearsals and everything needed to put on the performance.
He was trapped between two masters, Columbus State University and the Columbus Ballet Conservatory. The desires of each were not always the same.
Do not dare say the Columbus Ballet has done the responsible thing. Seven week before the largest performance of the year they fired the Artistic Director who wrote the choreography that was to be performed. There is absolutely no reason that would justify the timing.
My reasons for this blog. To shed light onto the subject. The lies have not been sent out in the mail by me, no that was done by a few backstabbing cowards. No I have just voiced my opinions here on my little corner of the web.
Thanks for the input
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
2000 hits, Thanks everybody
If you are new to the blog, remember to start with the earliest posts, Might help answer some questions. Also, this blog only exists because of all of the calls and e-mails I keep getting from all of you. Keep em coming! Be sure and check out Mr. Herriott and Mrs. Hirsch's resumes. Comparing those will give you an insight into the difference between last years Nutcracker and the one they are rehearsing now.
My purpose is to shine a light upon the back-room buddy system the Board of the Columbus Ballet has been operating on. Adding new members to the board simply so they can have something else to put on their political resume for example. I hope that the Board members will look inside themselves and decide to redress the wrong.
Bring back Mr. Herriott before the Columbus Ballet becomes another little dance studio down the street.
My purpose is to shine a light upon the back-room buddy system the Board of the Columbus Ballet has been operating on. Adding new members to the board simply so they can have something else to put on their political resume for example. I hope that the Board members will look inside themselves and decide to redress the wrong.
Bring back Mr. Herriott before the Columbus Ballet becomes another little dance studio down the street.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Friendly Reminder
Get your letters in to CSU if you are not continuing classes in January.
REMEMBER YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR if you do not submit in
writing, not e-mail, by December 11th.
REMEMBER YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR if you do not submit in
writing, not e-mail, by December 11th.
Now for a Little Comparison
Mr. Herriott's Bio Vs Mrs. Hirsch's
David Herriott received his early education in Huntsville, Alabama with Huntsville Civic Ballet under Loyd Tygett. At age 16, he was awarded a scholarship to Harkness House with David Howard in New York City and the following year received a scholarship to Canada’s Banff School of Fine Arts. He began his professional training with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, Professional Division in 1972. He graduated from the professional division in 1973 and immediately joined the Royal Winnipeg Ballet as a corps de ballet member. In 1976 he was promoted to principal soloist. During his career, David worked with many eminent teachers and coaches including Dame Alicia Markova and Agnes de Mille, John Neumeier, Norbert Vesak, and Elliot Feld and had the privilege to appear with noteworthy dancers Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gelsey Kirkland, Valery & Galina Panov, and Evelyn Hart. He performed roles and toured internationally in “Rodeo” danced and performed the role of the Square Dance Caller, as Count Florimund in “Pas D’Action” “Nutcracker” many soloist and principal roles, “The Green Table”, “Le Patineurs” corps, soloist and principal roles, “In Quest of the Sun”, “Rondo” corps and soloist roles, “The Hands” soloist roles, “The Game”, “What To Do Till the Messiah Comes” corps and soloist roles, “The Ecstasy of Rita Joe”, and “Pulcinella Variations” corps and principal roles, “Whims of Love” soloist role, “Rite of Spring”, “Allegro Brillante” corps and principal roles and appeared on Canadian television in the “Don Quixote” Pas de Deux. He also performed at the Summer Olympic Games in Montreal in 1976 as part of the cultural component of the Olympics and later that same year performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington as part of Canada’s gift to the U.S. bicentennial.
In 1980 he joined the North Carolina Dance Theatre as a principal dancer. Under the direction of Robert Lindgren and Salvatore Aiello North Carolina Dance Theatre toured the United States and France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. Mr. Herriott premiered many of Salvatore Aiello works, including “Journey” and “Clowns” and performed principal roles in Balanchine’s “Pas De Dix”, “Valse Fantasy” and “Square Dance”.
Beginning in 1984, Mr. Herriott was a dance instructor at Santa Monica College in California. He worked as tour manager for “Linda Gold Ensemble in Concert”, a professional modern dance company which performed across the United States and Europe. He worked with the Synapse Dance Theater which was the performing arm of the university dance program. At this time, he was a frequent guest artist with various companies in the South.
Mr. Herriott accepted the position of Associate Director/General Manager in 1991 for the Huntsville Ballet Company and Community Ballet School where he was also a dance instructor. In 1997, he became the Artistic Director, a position which also encompassed his former general manager duties. He choreographed for Fantasy Playhouse (children’s theatre), Ars Nova and Huntsville Community Chorus, won the contemporary division of the 1992 Panoply Choreography Competition held yearly in Huntsville, awarded the WINGS award for best male dancer and performed in Edinburgh with the Scottish American Ballet. Mr. Herriott served as treasurer of the Alabama Dance Council and taught master classes at the Alabama Dance Summit and Alabama School of Fine Arts, Looney’s Tavern Theatre and in Logan, Utah. During his time in Alabama, he served on the Alabama State Arts Council grant review panel and was Assembly Chair of the Huntsville Arts Council. He developed, along with fellow dancer, Mary Halverstadt, Arts in a Box, a program and video which was distributed to teachers in the Madison County school district that followed curriculum guide lines for dance K-5. He also served on the executive board of the South Eastern Regional Ballet Association (SERBA). Huntsville Ballet grew in stature in Huntsville and the south with Nutcracker performances growing to 4 public performances and 2 school performances raising the total attendance from 3,000 to over 10,000. The school also grew from 300 to 700 students. Visibility of the company grew because of the many festivals, lecture-demonstrations, and small tours of surrounding communities. The last year Mr. Herriott took the Huntsville Ballet to SERBA the company was awarded an Honor Company credit.
Since coming to Columbus Ballet in 2004 to serve as artistic/executive director and school director and teacher of Columbus Ballet Conservatory, Mr. Herriott has served on the grant review panel for dance with the Georgia Council of the Arts. He also served on the committee for the development of an arts magnet school which has received city funding as of September of ’09. Columbus Ballet Conservatory grew from 50 students to 250 in the five years 04-09. The Nutcracker performances grew in audience and quality. Mr. Herriott wrote and the Columbus Ballet was awarded a grant from the Mildred Miller Fort Foundation for all new costumes and scenery. Also Mr. Herriott wrote the grants to obtain the funding for the Columbus Ballet Orchestra and worked closely with the Music Director Andre Gaskins to ensure a smooth performance with the orchestra. The company also was selected to perform at the Alabama Dance Festival in Birmingham. Also, added during Mr. Herriott’s tenure was a season of dance which included Nutcracker, Columbus Ballet’s spring performance and a professional company.
Mr. Herriott has worked with the Alabama Youth Ballet since its inception in 2006 on a limited basis. He has taught master classes and set choreography including Cinderella in 2008. Since leaving Columbus he will be taking on greater responsibilities with this school and company.
Copied from the BRT of New Mexico Summer Intensive Program 2009
MARIA HIRSCH began classical ballet training at age 6 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She attended summer workshops with the School of American Ballet in New York City on scholarship and was privileged to train under famed director and choreographer George Balanchine as well as NYCB principals Melissa Hayden and Jacques d’Amboise. She also studied with the Joffrey Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. At 16 she joined Ballet de San Juan, under the direction of Ana Garcia. While dancing with the company as a soloist, she shared the stage with such greats as Dame Margot
Fontaine, Merrill Ashley, Eleanor D’Antuono, Alicia Alonso, Carla Fracci, Fernando Bujones, and Cynthia Gregory. She also completed a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Sacred Heart, San Juan, while with the company. She operated her own dance studio in San Juan, where she became the teacher of Diana Perez who went on to win a gold medal at the International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi. After moving to the United States, Ms. Hirsch again opened a dance studio and, along with Beth Griffin, founded the Columbus Ballet in Columbus, Georgia in 1996. She staged many full-length classics, including Giselle, Cinderella, Coppelia, Swan Lake, and The Nutcracker. Ms. Hirsch was an integral part of creating collaborations between local musicians and the Columbus Ballet, and she choreographed original ballets for these events.
Both bio's posted on the Web in other places. I simply pulled them up for a good
side by side look.
David Herriott received his early education in Huntsville, Alabama with Huntsville Civic Ballet under Loyd Tygett. At age 16, he was awarded a scholarship to Harkness House with David Howard in New York City and the following year received a scholarship to Canada’s Banff School of Fine Arts. He began his professional training with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, Professional Division in 1972. He graduated from the professional division in 1973 and immediately joined the Royal Winnipeg Ballet as a corps de ballet member. In 1976 he was promoted to principal soloist. During his career, David worked with many eminent teachers and coaches including Dame Alicia Markova and Agnes de Mille, John Neumeier, Norbert Vesak, and Elliot Feld and had the privilege to appear with noteworthy dancers Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gelsey Kirkland, Valery & Galina Panov, and Evelyn Hart. He performed roles and toured internationally in “Rodeo” danced and performed the role of the Square Dance Caller, as Count Florimund in “Pas D’Action” “Nutcracker” many soloist and principal roles, “The Green Table”, “Le Patineurs” corps, soloist and principal roles, “In Quest of the Sun”, “Rondo” corps and soloist roles, “The Hands” soloist roles, “The Game”, “What To Do Till the Messiah Comes” corps and soloist roles, “The Ecstasy of Rita Joe”, and “Pulcinella Variations” corps and principal roles, “Whims of Love” soloist role, “Rite of Spring”, “Allegro Brillante” corps and principal roles and appeared on Canadian television in the “Don Quixote” Pas de Deux. He also performed at the Summer Olympic Games in Montreal in 1976 as part of the cultural component of the Olympics and later that same year performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington as part of Canada’s gift to the U.S. bicentennial.
In 1980 he joined the North Carolina Dance Theatre as a principal dancer. Under the direction of Robert Lindgren and Salvatore Aiello North Carolina Dance Theatre toured the United States and France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. Mr. Herriott premiered many of Salvatore Aiello works, including “Journey” and “Clowns” and performed principal roles in Balanchine’s “Pas De Dix”, “Valse Fantasy” and “Square Dance”.
Beginning in 1984, Mr. Herriott was a dance instructor at Santa Monica College in California. He worked as tour manager for “Linda Gold Ensemble in Concert”, a professional modern dance company which performed across the United States and Europe. He worked with the Synapse Dance Theater which was the performing arm of the university dance program. At this time, he was a frequent guest artist with various companies in the South.
Mr. Herriott accepted the position of Associate Director/General Manager in 1991 for the Huntsville Ballet Company and Community Ballet School where he was also a dance instructor. In 1997, he became the Artistic Director, a position which also encompassed his former general manager duties. He choreographed for Fantasy Playhouse (children’s theatre), Ars Nova and Huntsville Community Chorus, won the contemporary division of the 1992 Panoply Choreography Competition held yearly in Huntsville, awarded the WINGS award for best male dancer and performed in Edinburgh with the Scottish American Ballet. Mr. Herriott served as treasurer of the Alabama Dance Council and taught master classes at the Alabama Dance Summit and Alabama School of Fine Arts, Looney’s Tavern Theatre and in Logan, Utah. During his time in Alabama, he served on the Alabama State Arts Council grant review panel and was Assembly Chair of the Huntsville Arts Council. He developed, along with fellow dancer, Mary Halverstadt, Arts in a Box, a program and video which was distributed to teachers in the Madison County school district that followed curriculum guide lines for dance K-5. He also served on the executive board of the South Eastern Regional Ballet Association (SERBA). Huntsville Ballet grew in stature in Huntsville and the south with Nutcracker performances growing to 4 public performances and 2 school performances raising the total attendance from 3,000 to over 10,000. The school also grew from 300 to 700 students. Visibility of the company grew because of the many festivals, lecture-demonstrations, and small tours of surrounding communities. The last year Mr. Herriott took the Huntsville Ballet to SERBA the company was awarded an Honor Company credit.
Since coming to Columbus Ballet in 2004 to serve as artistic/executive director and school director and teacher of Columbus Ballet Conservatory, Mr. Herriott has served on the grant review panel for dance with the Georgia Council of the Arts. He also served on the committee for the development of an arts magnet school which has received city funding as of September of ’09. Columbus Ballet Conservatory grew from 50 students to 250 in the five years 04-09. The Nutcracker performances grew in audience and quality. Mr. Herriott wrote and the Columbus Ballet was awarded a grant from the Mildred Miller Fort Foundation for all new costumes and scenery. Also Mr. Herriott wrote the grants to obtain the funding for the Columbus Ballet Orchestra and worked closely with the Music Director Andre Gaskins to ensure a smooth performance with the orchestra. The company also was selected to perform at the Alabama Dance Festival in Birmingham. Also, added during Mr. Herriott’s tenure was a season of dance which included Nutcracker, Columbus Ballet’s spring performance and a professional company.
Mr. Herriott has worked with the Alabama Youth Ballet since its inception in 2006 on a limited basis. He has taught master classes and set choreography including Cinderella in 2008. Since leaving Columbus he will be taking on greater responsibilities with this school and company.
Copied from the BRT of New Mexico Summer Intensive Program 2009
MARIA HIRSCH began classical ballet training at age 6 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She attended summer workshops with the School of American Ballet in New York City on scholarship and was privileged to train under famed director and choreographer George Balanchine as well as NYCB principals Melissa Hayden and Jacques d’Amboise. She also studied with the Joffrey Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. At 16 she joined Ballet de San Juan, under the direction of Ana Garcia. While dancing with the company as a soloist, she shared the stage with such greats as Dame Margot
Fontaine, Merrill Ashley, Eleanor D’Antuono, Alicia Alonso, Carla Fracci, Fernando Bujones, and Cynthia Gregory. She also completed a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Sacred Heart, San Juan, while with the company. She operated her own dance studio in San Juan, where she became the teacher of Diana Perez who went on to win a gold medal at the International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi. After moving to the United States, Ms. Hirsch again opened a dance studio and, along with Beth Griffin, founded the Columbus Ballet in Columbus, Georgia in 1996. She staged many full-length classics, including Giselle, Cinderella, Coppelia, Swan Lake, and The Nutcracker. Ms. Hirsch was an integral part of creating collaborations between local musicians and the Columbus Ballet, and she choreographed original ballets for these events.
Both bio's posted on the Web in other places. I simply pulled them up for a good
side by side look.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
REALLY.....SERIOUSLY...
Okay, this has been in the back of my mind and I just had to get it out.
How out of touch with the ballet is the Board. Well they believed
Maria's story about her being afraid for Ben to dance with Kelsey.
Hmmm, DO YOU THINK THEY HAVE SEEN BEN! We are not talking about a
little guy here, he is at least 6' and I would guess 190. Kelsey
weighs probably less than the last bag of dog food I bought. Had
those members of the board actually been at any of the performances
in the last year, or hung around the studio just a little bit, they
would have realized just how ludicrous that whole thing was.
Now I know he isn't a PROFESSIONAL. However, he has been dancing
for a while. This wasn't exactly his first rodeo. He has danced
in studio's in much bigger towns than this. So how about an example
of someone who is good at what their hobby is but they don't get
paid for it. Harrison Ford flies helicopters. He even rescued
some people in Idaho Falls back in 2000 using his hobby.
So, Maria's story does not hold water. Now, why didn't she want
Ben to dance with Kelsey? Could it have had something to do with
these text messages I have been hearing about? Or, maybe she
just wanted kelsey to have another solo.
Whatever the reason, neither sounds very PROFESSIONAL!
Come on Board, can't you see that you have been duped IMHO.
How out of touch with the ballet is the Board. Well they believed
Maria's story about her being afraid for Ben to dance with Kelsey.
Hmmm, DO YOU THINK THEY HAVE SEEN BEN! We are not talking about a
little guy here, he is at least 6' and I would guess 190. Kelsey
weighs probably less than the last bag of dog food I bought. Had
those members of the board actually been at any of the performances
in the last year, or hung around the studio just a little bit, they
would have realized just how ludicrous that whole thing was.
Now I know he isn't a PROFESSIONAL. However, he has been dancing
for a while. This wasn't exactly his first rodeo. He has danced
in studio's in much bigger towns than this. So how about an example
of someone who is good at what their hobby is but they don't get
paid for it. Harrison Ford flies helicopters. He even rescued
some people in Idaho Falls back in 2000 using his hobby.
So, Maria's story does not hold water. Now, why didn't she want
Ben to dance with Kelsey? Could it have had something to do with
these text messages I have been hearing about? Or, maybe she
just wanted kelsey to have another solo.
Whatever the reason, neither sounds very PROFESSIONAL!
Come on Board, can't you see that you have been duped IMHO.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
We Have Been Discovered
Well, it looks like the secrets out. Those who are attacking Mr. Herriott's professional career have seen the blog and THEY DO NOT LIKE IT.
Why its a grown man writing it, can you believe that. I wonder how many grown women it took to write the letter that they sent out. You know, the one that went through the US mail slandering Mr. Herriott! That letter must have gone to hundreds of households.
This blog is just something I am writing in order to vent my frustrations. The best part about this blog is its just my little space on the web. Our nephew is really enjoying the bedtime story. I am not soliciting anyone to read it if they don't want to. But if you find yourself helplessly drawn back to it over and over again, I'll understand.
If you are not liking the blog, maybe its because its hitting pretty close to home. Maybe its because there might just be a shred of guilt in your tiny little hearts. Maybe its because you feel like you cannot hide behind the anonymity of having the pawns on the Board of the Ballet do your dirty work.
John 8:7
Thats all right, you keep your chin up. Even if your lip is quivering just slightly wondering who it is that is JUDGING YOU now. Every time someone looks you in the eye are you going to look away because you feel GUILTY. If you mention that you don't like this blog, don't you think someone will believe that MAYBE ITS TRUE!
The truth shall surface and the truth is that David Herriott built an outstanding ballet program. That program he built is already a shadow of what it was. The current artistic director appears to not be concerned about the ballet program as a whole, but only a few select students. The majority of the Board of the Columbus Ballet seems to be completely out of touch with what should be the goals and ideals of a community ballet program.
Why its a grown man writing it, can you believe that. I wonder how many grown women it took to write the letter that they sent out. You know, the one that went through the US mail slandering Mr. Herriott! That letter must have gone to hundreds of households.
This blog is just something I am writing in order to vent my frustrations. The best part about this blog is its just my little space on the web. Our nephew is really enjoying the bedtime story. I am not soliciting anyone to read it if they don't want to. But if you find yourself helplessly drawn back to it over and over again, I'll understand.
If you are not liking the blog, maybe its because its hitting pretty close to home. Maybe its because there might just be a shred of guilt in your tiny little hearts. Maybe its because you feel like you cannot hide behind the anonymity of having the pawns on the Board of the Ballet do your dirty work.
John 8:7
Thats all right, you keep your chin up. Even if your lip is quivering just slightly wondering who it is that is JUDGING YOU now. Every time someone looks you in the eye are you going to look away because you feel GUILTY. If you mention that you don't like this blog, don't you think someone will believe that MAYBE ITS TRUE!
The truth shall surface and the truth is that David Herriott built an outstanding ballet program. That program he built is already a shadow of what it was. The current artistic director appears to not be concerned about the ballet program as a whole, but only a few select students. The majority of the Board of the Columbus Ballet seems to be completely out of touch with what should be the goals and ideals of a community ballet program.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
NEWS FLASH
We have it on good authority that the Board lied about the choreography. They NEVER asked Mr. Herriott if they could use his choreography for the show! In the meeting with the parents, the board members very clearly stated that they had asked Mr Herriott and that he refused to let them use it.
So what else are they lying about?
So what else are they lying about?
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Off to a Great Start
Well Saturday was the first official act for the two new directors.
OOPS, the Ballet was a no show.
OOPS, the Ballet was a no show.
News from the Ballet
Recently the new director was overheard saying "You don't have to worship me".
Who would say something like that?
Why would she say something like that?
But she is a professional, right?
Who would say something like that?
Why would she say something like that?
But she is a professional, right?
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Heard around the Columbus Ballet
Daphne Pierce, President of the board for the Columbus Ballet, was heard saying "I don't know the difference between a good dancer and a not good dancer".
Way to go Daphne, it seems you don't know the difference between a good Artistic Director and a bad one either!
Way to go Daphne, it seems you don't know the difference between a good Artistic Director and a bad one either!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Why did the Columbus Ballet force out David Herriott 7 weeks before the Nutcracker?
That is the question isn't it.
Was is because he didn't cave into someone's daughter when she stamped her little foot and said she didn't want to dance with the partner Mr Herriott assigned her?
Was it because the someone bellowed like a water buffalo and stormed around like some enraged herd beast threatening legal action because someone took her petition?
Was it because Susan Wirt of CSU had promised the Artistic Director position to Mrs Hirsch and the uproar about the spoiled brats quitting the Nutcracker provided the perfect opportunity for them both to be rid of Mr Herriott forever?
Maybe all of the above.
No matter, 7 weeks before the performance they make a decision that will effect hundreds of people without taking this into consideration. Good to see its all about the dancers!
Was is because he didn't cave into someone's daughter when she stamped her little foot and said she didn't want to dance with the partner Mr Herriott assigned her?
Was it because the someone bellowed like a water buffalo and stormed around like some enraged herd beast threatening legal action because someone took her petition?
Was it because Susan Wirt of CSU had promised the Artistic Director position to Mrs Hirsch and the uproar about the spoiled brats quitting the Nutcracker provided the perfect opportunity for them both to be rid of Mr Herriott forever?
Maybe all of the above.
No matter, 7 weeks before the performance they make a decision that will effect hundreds of people without taking this into consideration. Good to see its all about the dancers!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
CSU fires Nick Saban
Well, actually CSU forced David Herriott out and the Columbus Ballet fired him not Nick Saban. But it might as well have been Saban. They got rid of the man who really built this program. Before he arrived the Columbus Ballet was nothing more than a small town studio barely able to mount a high school level production. Mr. Herriott developed a program from the ground up that increased the number of students five fold, brought in world-class instructors to expose the students to what true professional ballet is about, and he raised the level of the annual Nutcracker performance to one worthy of the Rivercenter including live orchestration and professional principles.
So, who did they replace him with?
Why the woman who was unable to develop the program before. I know incredibly stupid hunh!
So, who did they replace him with?
Why the woman who was unable to develop the program before. I know incredibly stupid hunh!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)