[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1088 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                         July 15, 2008.
Whereas the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (``AAADT'') is widely recognized 
        as one of the world's premier modern dance companies;
Whereas the AAADT is dedicated to promoting the uniqueness of the African-
        American cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of the 
        modern dance heritage to people across the globe;
Whereas, over its 50-year history, the AAADT has performed for an estimated 
        21,000,000 people in 48 States and in 71 countries on 6 continents;
Whereas the AAADT has an extensive touring record;
Whereas the AAADT's signature work, ``Revelations'', has been seen by more 
        people across the globe than any other work of dance;
Whereas the AAADT performs works by both emerging and established choreographers 
        from throughout the United States and the world;
Whereas the AAADT's home in New York City, the Joan Weill Center for Dance, is 
        the largest facility dedicated exclusively to dance in the United 
        States;
Whereas Alvin Ailey, founder of the AAADT, received the United Nations Peace 
        Medal in 1982;
Whereas President George W. Bush recognized the AAADT and Artistic Director 
        Judith Jamison with the National Medal of Arts in 2001, making the AAADT 
        the first dance company to be honored with this award;
Whereas the AAADT has performed for United States Presidents throughout the 
        company's 50-year history, including in 1968 for President Johnson, at 
        the inaugural gala in 1977 for President Carter, at the inaugural gala 
        in 1993 for President Clinton, and at the state dinner honoring 
        President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya in 2003;
Whereas, over the years, the AAADT has represented American culture with 
        performances at such historic events as the Rio de Janeiro International 
        Arts Festival in 1963, the first Negro Arts Festival in Dakar, Senegal, 
        in 1966, the fabled New Year's Eve performance for the Crown Prince of 
        Morocco in 1978, the Paris Centennial performance at the Grand Palais 
        Theatre in 1989, two unprecedented engagements in South Africa in 1997 
        and 1998, the 1996 and 2002 Olympic games, the 2005 ``Stars of the White 
        Nights'' festival in St. Petersburg, Russia, and the 2006 Les etes de la 
        danse de Paris festival in Paris, France;
Whereas the AAADT annually provides more than 100,000 young people from diverse 
        cultural, social, and economic backgrounds the opportunity to explore 
        their creative potential and build their self-esteem through its Arts In 
        Education and Community Programs, including 9 Ailey Camps in cities 
        across the United States;
Whereas Ailey II, the junior company, reaches more than 69,000 people each year 
        through its inspiring performances and outreach activities while touring 
        to smaller communities in more than 50 North American cities; and
Whereas the Ailey School, accredited by the National Association of Schools of 
        Dance, provides the highest quality training consistent with the 
        professional standards of the AAADT, including a Certificate Program, a 
        Fellowship Program, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program in 
        conjunction with Fordham University: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the United States House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes and commends the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater 
        for 50 years of service as a vital American cultural ambassador to the 
        world, during which it has provided world-class American modern dance to 
        an estimated 21,000,000 people across the globe;
            (2) recognizes that the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has been 
        a true pioneer in the world of dance by establishing an extended 
        cultural community which provides dance performances, training, and 
        community programs for all people while using the beauty and humanity of 
        the African-American heritage and other cultures to unite people of all 
        ages, races, and backgrounds; and
            (3) recognizes that Ailey II, the prestigious Ailey School, and 
        Ailey's extensive and innovative Arts In Education and Community 
        Programs train future generations of dancers and choreographers while 
        continuing to expose young people from communities large and small to 
        the arts.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.