To the Editor:
Students and the Upper Valley community benefit greatly from the presence at Dartmouth College of distinguished guests. Acclaimed professionals bring us their expertise, their insights, their experiences. In appreciating the value of these imported guests, though, we should also acknowledge the presence of local artists. There are many who modestly and discreetly make their contributions to our academic and professional well-being.
The fanfare accompanying the White Oaks concerts reminded us that there are artists on campus who are also very accomplished, and whose daily contributions quietly and significantly have an impact on us. Marianne Hraibi is one such artist. Although she is known for her duties at Baker Library, many people do not realize that she is an accomplished professional dancer. Her students include Floyd Flynn, former soloist with Martha Graham, Julie Stahl, who recently danced at Dartmouth with the Twyla Tharp Company, and Laila Farah, who just recently completed a highly acclaimed week's residence at Dartmouth. Having seen and experienced Hraibi's dedicated and enthusiastic commitment to teaching dance through the FLIP program, we think it is important to recognize the talent and expertise that she brings to our community. Hraibi's uncanny ability to convey her passion for dance to her students is truly inspiring.
Although headlines do not trumpet their presence, our local mentors are the ones with long-term impact on our lives.
