TESTIMONIALS

To Whom It May Concern:

There are very few words that can express how thankful I am for Deborah Vinton and the West Coast Civic Ballet. After studying with Ms. Vinton for 15 years and the West Coast Civic Ballet for 9 years, I began to pursue my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance Performance and Choreography from Elon University, a university that was recently ranked amongst the top 10 best performing arts programs by the Princeton Review. There is absolutely no way that this pursuit would be a reality without the training and performance opportunities provide by the WCCB. Ms. Vinton provided me with incomparable technical training that has proven to be an incredible asset. I have been able to individualize myself as a dancer and performer because I no longer have to worry about technique or placement. It has become natural in my body, and I owe that all to Ms. Vinton. Proper technique is so rare these days, especially in a studio setting, and denying Ms. Vinton the opportunity to share her wealth of knowledge about technique would be so detrimental to the next generation of dancers.

Furthermore, Ms. Vinton provides a professional and healthy environment that enhances community and personal appreciation and participation in visual and performing arts. It was she who instilled a serious passion within me that runs so deep that I cannot imagine a life without dance. Leading by example, Ms. Vinton is humble yet accomplished and gentle yet serious. She has been my role model since a very young age as explained in the following testimony:

It has been an extreme honor to have had Deborah Vinton as my instructor. She demonstrated how attention to detail and hard work are beneficial in the long run. The meticulous corrections that she gave to my classmates and me made a significant difference in my technique and performance. She guided and encouraged me through 10 Cecchetti exams, and my success would not have been possible without her. She exemplifies her passion for her students and for ballet daily, dedicating numerous hours into preparing each and every one of them for the next step. Her dedication is more than just admirable, and through her example, I have been able to acquire this same passionate dedication, attributing it to multiple aspects of my life. Ms. Vinton has shaped me as a person, enriching not only my balletic skills but also enriching my disposition as a whole. Her influence has left an eternal impression on me, and I will never be able to thank her enough.

I know this decision is not one that is to be taken lightly and that all board members are passionate about the WCCB, but I ask you to think about the future generation of dancers. In just a few years, I am confident that I will be a member of a professional dance company, a goal that would never have been reached without Deborah Vinton. What will become of the next generation of dancers, if they are not provided quality training and technique and performance opportunities to express their passion for classical and contemporary dance?

Sincerely,

Kate Phinney
BFA Dance Performance and Choreography