Explanation please! By Kasia Polanska February 12, 2014
Recently, I was surprised to learn that the new Ketchikan Theater Ballet artistic director, who was hired just this past summer, would not be returning to the school after only a few months with KTB. When I called the KTB office to find out why, I was told that the reasons were unknown. According to the information that I have received since then, the now former KTB artistic director was fired by email, without warning, and without the possibility to discuss the reasons in person. It is hard for me to believe that a group of professional women who sit on the KTB Board, some of whom I know personally and respect, would decide to fire a highly experienced professional such as that individual without some extraordinary reason. Since the artistic director’s departure, I have heard all kinds of gossip about the reasons for her firing. Even if some of it is true, it appears that she may not have been treated fairly in the process. Unless there was some truly serious concern, the way she was treated seems to be undignified and disrespectful, and reflects badly on our community. All my experiences with her at several community functions and in preparation for the Nutcracker were very positive. I truly enjoyed this year’s Nutcracker because it was a little different and interesting. Based on my discussions with other parents and a number of friends who watched the performance, it was generally well received. In light of the successful performance, her departure is even more surprising. As a parent of a KTB student and a concerned community member, I have the right to know what really happened and I would like to receive an explanation from the KTB Board. I wrote to the KTB Board directly over a month ago asking for an explanation, but have received no response. Respectfully, Kasia Polanska
Received February 12, 2014 - Published February 12, 2014 Viewpoints - Opinion Letters:
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