[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 108 (Tuesday, August 4, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1542]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO JEROME ROBBINS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 4, 1998

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
mark the passing of one of the greatest, most innovative, and diversely 
talented artists of our time. Jerome Robbins, age 79, passed away last 
Wednesday night in his apartment in New York after suffering a stroke 
earlier last week.
  Jerome Robbins loved the stage. From his early years in dance, to his 
illustrious and well marked career in choreography and directing, he 
put his entire self into his work. The integrity of his productions, 
the ability to roam the expanse of artistic expression without 
boundaries is what helped him make his mark. While his theater credits 
include such well known productions as ``Gyspy,'' ``West Side Story,'' 
and ``Fiddler on the Roof,'' it was in ballet that he felt the freedom 
in which to create.
  It was through this freedom that he helped give America its own 
identity in the world of ballet. His first ballet, ``Fancy Free,'' 
later adapted into the Broadway musical ``On the Town,'' was Jerome's 
attempt to create a style of dance belonging to the United States. The 
youthful spirit of the show combined traditional ballet with more 
popular dances like the Lindie. Jerome created a dance that was the 
face of America.
  Jerome captured the spirit of the country and proudly displayed it on 
stage. He was an innovator, a paradigm, a great artist whose absence 
will be felt in the ballet and theater community for a long, long time.

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