READER FEELS LET DOWN THAT AUDITIONS FOR BALLET WERE LIMITED

To the Editor:

I would like to add my name to the list of Show Me Center patrons that are unhappy, disappointed and saddened to see the lack of foresight in auditions for the Tulsa Ballet Performance.

My family has travelled to St. Louis on several occasions to observe this whimsical, holiday ballet and it was with great anticipation that I read open auditions would be held and I knew my nine-year old daughter would love the opportunity to try out. Her six years of previous ballet experience could have possibly earned her a minor role, but just to be a part of a production being held in such revered company would have been a challenge she would have enjoyed.

Now to know that some of her friends from the other studio have been chosen while she was not even allowed to try out has taken a lot of parental (and dance instructor) counseling. We have explained she should just be happy some of the kids from her home town have roles, and that perhaps she will have other opportunities; even though we felt in our hearts she should have been allowed to have this opportunity. I am at least glad to know community theatre performances have remained just that - community.

We will go ahead and take our daughter to the performance on December 10th. I hope our community Show Me Center, who expects support from many towns and two to three states, will next time be more thinking when it comes to involving local talent from only one source.

Sande Meyer

Cape Girardeau