[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 141 (Monday, October 20, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S10864]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO EDWARD VILLELLA, MIAMI CITY BALLET

 Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to commend the 
meritorious efforts of Edward Villella, founder of the Miami City 
Ballet, in the global dance community.
  Mr. Villella's interest in dance began when he joined the School of 
American Ballet, where he now serves on the board of directors, at the 
age of 10.
  Early in his career, Edward Villella was the first American male to 
perform with the Royal Danish Ballet and was the only American asked to 
dance an encore at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow.
  Villella has honored America with his contributions to dance and his 
dedication to teaching dance to others. He danced for President John 
Kennedy's inaugural and in 1975 captured an Emmy for his television 
production of ``Harlequin.''
  Recently, he was 1 of the 11 recipients of the National Medal of Arts 
and was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame this year, the 
most prestigious cultural honor that can be bestowed upon an individual 
in Florida.
  Edward Villella has honored his State by being awarded a 
distinguished Kennedy Center Honor for lifetime achievement.
  Mr. President, on behalf of Floridians everywhere, I applaud Edward 
Villella for his success. It is my earnest hope that his outstanding 
contributions to our State will continue to inspire us for years to 
come.

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