[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 88 (Thursday, May 25, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1121]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     SIXTEENTH ANNIVERSARY OF BESFI

                                 ______


                         HON. MICHAEL P. FORBES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 24, 1995
  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to congratulate Madame 
Valia Seiskaya and the Ballet Education and Scholarship fund, Inc. 
(BESFI) on the occasion of the fund's 16th anniversary. Madame Seiskaya 
is a cofounder and current director of BESFI, and it is appropriate 
that she receive the honors she so richly deserves. Madame Valia 
Seiskaya has elevated the standards by which all ballet teachers are 
judged while enriching the cultural life of Long Island immeasurably.
  Her students have won awards and scholarships far too numerous to 
mention. If one had to pick a defining moment it would be in 1994, when 
Michael Cusumano, a 14 year old pupil of Madame Seiskaya, won not only 
a bronze Medal and Special recognition at the 16th International Ballet 
Competition in Bulgaria, but a Gold Medal level Jury Award at the 6th 
Prix de Danse, in Paris, France.
  A leader in dance education, Madame Seiskaya was honored at the 
Varna, Bulgaria competition with a nomination for best teacher and 
coach.
  Under Madame Seiskaya's leadership BESFI has developed several 
programs ranging from a scholarship program, a stipend support program, 
and the renowned Summer Intensive Workshop, which draw students from 
across the Metropolitan area. Some have gone on to join the New York 
City Ballet, the Joffrey Ballet, and the American Ballet Theater.
  Madame Seiskaya and BESFI have enriched the education and artistic 
maturity of scores of young dancers. I wish them continued success in 
all their endeavors.


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