[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 111 (Friday, August 7, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1581]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              WASHINGTON WELCOMES THE TAOTAO TANO DANCERS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 6, 1998

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, on July 17, 1998, I was delighted to co-
host an event with the Smithsonian showcasing the impressive talents of 
Guam's Taotao Tano Cultural Dancers. For their first performance in 
Washington, D.C., the dancers traveled many miles to perform in the 
Meyer Auditorium at the Smithsonian's Freer Gallery of Art. Newcomers, 
as well as those familiar with and native to our island, were given the 
opportunity to share in Guam's cultural heritage. Some of us were even 
invited to go onstage with the dancers and learn some of the steps of 
the batsu, a native dance influenced by the Spanish. Under the guidance 
of choreographer Frank Rabon, the dancers also took the audience back 
in time by revitalizing ancient dances, chants and songs from prior to 
European colonization. Colorful and authentic costumes enhanced the 
women's graceful movements and strong voices. The intense energy and 
well-honed skills of the male performers impressed everyone in 
attendance that evening.
  I take this opportunity to congratulate the Taotao Tano Cultural 
Dancers for their lively and engaging performance, as well as to thank 
the staff members of the Guam Council of Arts and Humanities (CAHA) who 
facilitated the event. These individuals were:
  CAHA Staff: Ms. Jackie Balbas, Mr. Vid Quitoriano, and Mr. Paul Cruz.
  Performers: Mr. Frank Rabon, Choreographer, Mr. Ryan Aguigui, Ms. 
Maxine Bigler, Mr. Frank Cruz, Mr. Darrell Lujan, Mr. Dominic Mendiola, 
Ms. Eileen Meno, Ms. Renati Narcis, Mr. Art Pangelinan, Mr. Angel 
Pares, Mr. Jonathan Paulino, Mr. Eric Reyes, Ms. Judene Salas, Mr. 
David San Luis, Ms. Rosanna San Luis, Mr. Brian San Nicolas, and Ms. 
Bobby Tainatongo.
  Having received the invitation from the Guam Society of America to 
come to Washington, the Taotao Tano dancers were fortunate to receive 
their continued support upon arrival. Under the leadership of president 
Lou Barrett, the members of the Guam Society opened their hearts and 
their homes to the dancers in order to ensure a pleasant stay and help 
them travel throughout the city.
  With less than a week to make this performance a reality, I am 
indebted to the Office of the Governor of Guam for finding the funds to 
support the dancers. I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to two 
members of the Smithsonian, Mr. Franklin S. Odo, Counselor of the 
Provost, and Ms. Stacey Suyat, Program Associate of the Office of the 
Provost, whose prompt efforts in securing a venue for the performers 
were invaluable given the time constraints to which we were subject. I 
also wish to thank Ms. Lucia Pierce, Head of the Education Department 
at the Sackler Gallery of Asian Art, and Mr. Michael Wilpers, Public 
Programs of the Freer Gallery, for their aid in finding a performance 
space for the dancers.
  It was truly a privilege to collaborate with such dedicated 
individuals. It is my hope that future events which promote Guam's 
culture and arts will be as warmly received as the performance of the 
Taotao Tano Cultural Dancers.

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