Letters to the Editor: Laguna Beach Dance Festival always delivers and this year was no exception

I feel the need to publicly express my experience of the performances at two consecutive nights of the Laguna Dance Festival. I attended two shows. They were fabulous. The curating of performers and styles, the execution, costumes, variety, lighting and music made for an exhilarating experience.

During Complexions Contemporary Ballet show on Oct. 5, I thought the dance piece was over and blurted a loud, audible “Wow!” But it was actually pause for applause. No disrespect or disruption was intended, but I simply couldn’t help myself. The culmination of all that preceded it, and the joy of their performance, brought an involuntary verbal reflection of the exhilaration I felt in the essence of my being.

I was expecting a letdown Oct. 6 after seeing my favorite dance troupe in the world, Complexions, the night before. To my surprise and delight, performances by various “Stars of Dance” were spectacular and emotionally rich.

I was wowed both nights. Amazing. I believe more than ever we need dance, music and art as a diversion from the day-to-day political craziness and chaos. Last weekend’s dance performances were great medicine for my soul.

My wife and I attend many theater, music and dance performances, and each year the Laguna Dance Festival has been one of the entertainment highlights. It continues to inspire and fill me like no other.

I want to offer my appreciation to Executive Director Joy Dittberner, founder and Artistic Director Jodie Gates, board Chairwoman Karen Wilson and the rest of the festival team for bringing this world-class event to our beloved Laguna Beach. I feel blessed to witness and be a part of this great festival.

Stuart Bloom

Laguna Beach

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A Hail Mary pass by the congressman

The first thing I thought upon reading Rep. Dana Rohrabacher’s commentary is why did he wait until May of this year to introduce this supposedly important legislation when the problem he is addressing has been around for years (“Sober living homes are businesses that need local oversight,” Sept. 7)? Then I remembered that this was just before the primary vote in which he needed to eliminate his GOP rival Scott Baugh.

This is pure political grandstanding. Rohrabacher’s opponent, Harley Rouda, has far superior plans to address this serious issue with bipartisan support. Rohrabacher is throwing legislative Hail Marys to deflect from his abysmal record in Congress.

Tim Geddes

Huntington Beach

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Do more than write op-eds

Ah, Dana Rohrabacher, our very only do-nothing congressman pens a commentary on sober living in the Pilot. This is about all he’s accomplished in this district the last two years. Kind of like his past. Must be an election around the corner.

Mike Aguilar

Costa Mesa

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