[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 44 (Wednesday, March 19, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S3988]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING THE LOUISVILLE BALLET

 Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I have the privilege and honor of 
rising today to recognize the Louisville Ballet, the State Ballet of 
Kentucky. Last week, this organization celebrated its 50th anniversary 
in the performing arts. This occasion was marked by special 
performances and educational events throughout the week.
  This company originally started as a civic ballet company, performing 
on a production-by-production basis. It was not until 1975, when eight 
dancers were hired as an ensemble company, that the company achieved 
professional recognition and status. Now, 50 years later, the 
Louisville Ballet employs over 30 dancers, occupies the award-winning 
Louisville Ballet Center, administers the Louisville Ballet School, and 
reaches over 100,000 people every year. Their reputation for excellence 
in the arts drew the world-famous dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov to perform 
with the company for two seasons during the late seventies.
  In addition to bringing excellence in performing arts to thousands of 
ballet fans, the company takes immense pride in its educational 
outreach programs offered to students. Through in-school, in-theater, 
and in-studio programs, students gain a behind-the-scenes glimpse of 
the ballet world, from early production planning basics to viewing a 
live performance. More importantly, these programs emphasize the 
importance of physical activity and positive self-esteem.
  I appreciate the tradition of excellence created by the Louisville 
Ballet Company and their efforts to reach out to communities. Please 
join me in congratulating artistic director Mr. Bruce Simpson and the 
Louisville Ballet Company and wishing them another wonderful 50 years 
and beyond.

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