New Ballet in Orange Mound

Thanks to the Flyer for taking the time to learn more about
New Ballet’s programs, specifically the Orange Mound Initiative.
However, the article “Everybody Dance” (September 10th issue) didn’t
correctly state some of the facts.

The Orange Mound community was educated on New Ballet programs
through live performances. Five performances were held throughout the
community last season in schools, and 10 will be held this year. And we
have begun the second of three 12-week residencies. Twenty students
(not five, as stated in the article) are chosen to participate in these
residencies, which include ballet and hip-hop classes for boys and
girls at New Ballet studios twice weekly. The cost per student for the
residencies is $262 (not $800, as stated), which includes uniforms,
transportation, and the same professional standard of training received
by other students enrolled in New Ballet School.

Five students from the first residency program are now enrolled in
classes at New Ballet School on full scholarship.

New Ballet is a Community Arts Education program that began with the
conviction that the only way to raise professional artists in a city
with high poverty rates and lack of access by a diverse population was
to provide quality training and equal access. A scholarship to New
Ballet School resulting in years of excellent dance training may be the
best opportunity some children have to receive access to a higher
education.

Katie Smythe, CEO and Artistic Director

New Ballet Ensemble

Memphis

Big Star

Although, like most people, I missed hearing Big Star’s #1
Record in 1972 and its follow-up, 1974’s Radio City, I now
listen to these two amazing albums quite frequently. These gorgeous,
stunning recordings are indeed timeless and provide lasting listening
pleasure for anyone interested in beautifully rendered pop music.

In Andria Lisle’s article about the band’s newly released box set
(“Boxed Up,” September 10th issue), Andrew Sandoval, director of
A&R at Rhino Records, is quoted as saying, “Everyone makes Beatles
comparisons, but Big Star seems to have something that’s even more
impenetrable … .” I agree. If anything, Big Star’s first two albums
have an inscrutable appeal that spans time and generational differences
with music that touches people in moving and profound ways.

Big Star’s music is a wonderful, unique addition to the legacy of
Memphis music.

Randy Norwood

Memphis

Whitehaven Fix-up

Since I have had a thriving business (Exline’s Pizza) on or near the
Elvis Presley Corridor since 1977, I feel qualified to make two minor
suggestions to help beautify this area. The first one will cost almost
nothing. At the intersection of Brooks Road and Elvis Presley Boulevard
there are abutments on either side of Elvis Presley that were obviously
made as a pair. However, the one on the west side, immediately in front
of the Memphis Welcome Center, has been painted and has “Elvis Presley
Boulevard” written on it. The abutment on the east side is still raw,
dirty concrete. It simply needs to be painted to match its
companion.

My other suggestion involves signs that are placed too close to the
street. When businesses fail, the signs become unsightly. The solution
is simple: have the city administration identify the owner and have the
sign removed.

Walt Exline

Memphis

Obstuctionist Tactics?

Even with every obstructionist tactic in the Republican’s playbook
being thrown at the president’s health-care proposals, a new low was
reached last week during the president’s speech before Congress
regarding the need for a national health-care plan. Congressman Joe
Wilson of South Carolina shouted out that Obama lied when he stated
illegal immigrants were not included in the health-care package.

Unfortunately, this kind of behavior is becoming routine for the
Republicans. Among their claims: Reform will kill Grandma; Obama is a
Muslim and wasn’t born in the U.S.; the new bill will pay for abortions
and cover illegal immigrants, etc. Every charge they have made has been
shown to be misleading or blatantly false.

We on the Democratic side know what this is about: They hate Obama
and his policies no matter what he does, good or bad. Health-care
reform is secondary for them. They despise anyone with philosophies
other than theirs. They believe Democrats are godless, immoral,
socialist, one-worlders, and are dangerous to good, God-fearing, moral
conservatives. The Democrats can and should pass this bill without
Republican help.

Joe M. Spitzer

Memphis