[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 143 (Wednesday, October 22, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2049]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE CITICENTRE DANCE THEATRE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RONALD V. DELLUMS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 22, 1997

  Mr. DELLUMS. Mr. Speaker, on October 26, 1997, the CitiCentre Dance 
Theatre will be celebrating their 20th anniversary. Founded in 1977 by 
Halifu Osumare, CitiCentre Dance Theatre is Oakland's oldest 
multiethnic arts organization. CitiCentre is also dedicated to the 
principal of bringing dance and the community together.
  CitiCentre understands that dance rejuvenates and reinvigorates the 
community, and believes strongly that dance must be returned to 
ordinary people. Through the diverse offering of dance classes--from 
belly dance and ballet, to jazz and African dance forms, this unique 
organization allows people of all ages and background to come together 
to experience the joy of dance. CitiCentre has done a lot to accomplish 
their goals in their 20 years of existence. CitiCentre has averaged 
over 600 students per month taking classes. It was also estimated that 
100,000 East Bay residents have received dance instruction at 
CitiCentre.
  CitiCentre is a community center that reflects diversity and the 
spirit of the East Bay. Through dance, they have explored the 
commonalities among cultures, and how racial and cultural diversity can 
work to enrich the participants, which can only lead to a greater 
understanding among each other. CitiCentre is also dedicated to the 
preservation and presentation of the dance heritage of people of 
African descent. These classes include West African, Congolese, 
Brazilian, Cuban, Haitian, Jazz, and Tap. The instruction teaches more 
than just dance steps, it communicates the world views of these related 
cultures. CitiCentre also works with the local schools, the police 
department, as well as other community groups to expose the young 
people to the art of dance.
  Over the years, CitiCentre has acquired nationally known expert 
performers and instructors. Expanding over a wide variety of dance 
companies, these performers and instructors were affiliated with such 
groups as: the Dance Theater of Harlem, the bill T. Jones Co., the 
Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, and Les Ballet Africians. This gives the 
ordinary person the unique opportunity to work with and learn from 
world famous dancers.
  CitiCentre is a community-based organization that doesn't sacrifice 
the excellence and professionalism in the interest of its community 
spirit. When cultures come together and interact CitiCentre becomes the 
unique multicultural face of my district, a community of diverse people 
and cultures. I take pride in their accomplishments and growth as the 
community celebrates 20 years of dance with CitiCentre.

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