[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 40 (Thursday, March 21, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E401]]



                     TRIBUTE TO NATIONAL DANCE WEEK

                                 ______


                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 1996

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring National Dance Week, 
which is being celebrated April 28 to May 4, to the attention of my 
colleagues.
  National Dance Week is an annual celebration sponsored by the United 
Dance Merchants of America to increase public awareness and 
appreciation of dance. National Dance Week encourages all forms of 
dance including not only classical dance, but also lyrical, hip hop, 
ethnic, jazz, and modern. The goal of National Dance Week is to 
encourage growth and development of dance in America by raising the 
level of public consciousness and focus on the value and importance of 
the contributions of dance to our daily lives and culture.
  Established 15 years ago, this celebration of dance has grown out of 
a grass roots campaign. Everyone who works on National Dance Week is a 
volunteer working to spread their love of dance to others. Today, a 
national steering committee enlists the talents of many prominent 
figures in dance manufacturing, publishing, worldwide dancing 
competitions, teachers, and choreographers. Regional managers are 
working with the local communities in order to coordinate events 
occurring during National Dance Week.
  Local events are the core of National Dance Week because they brig 
the most recognition to the art of dance. Some dance schools are 
sending cards of congratulations as well as gift certificates for dance 
classes to the parents of new born babies in their communities. Other 
dance communities are holding demonstration classes in schools and 
community centers to showcase the different types of dance as well a 
show much fun dancing can be. Other events include dance festivals and 
parades. There is also a nationwide poster contest for National Dance 
Week. In all, dance instructors across the country are working 
diligently to create an awareness of dance and to bring a new vision of 
dance to the American public.
  In today's society it is important to give our children outlets to 
express their energy and creativity. Dance is just such an outlet. As 
Marianne Prinkey, the National Dance Week Chair, put it, ``[Dance] 
enriches the body with discipline, activity and feelings.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the hard 
work that dancers, not only in New York City, but across the country 
have put into National Dance Week. Let us help them celebrate dance and 
the contributions that this wonderful art gives to society. 
Congratulations and best wishes to all for a most successful week and a 
most successful year of dance.

                          ____________________