[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 121 (Friday, September 5, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1720]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING GREGORY HINES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 5, 2003

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Gregory Hines, 
whose limitless grace, style and talent brought international attention 
to the art of tap dancing.
  Gregory Hines set a high standard of excellence and dedication in the 
realm of entertainment, whether it was singing, dancing, acting, 
directing, or creating new choreography. He starred in many tap dancing 
movies and also created, produced and supported many productions, such 
as Tap City with Tony Waag and Hoagy Bix Carmicheal. Through his art 
form, he mentored young talent, and today, tap dance is performed in 
festivals in as many as 40 nations and has been adapted to diverse 
cultural rhythms throughout the world.
  Mr. Hines not only contributed greatly to the arts, but his 
dedication to the community has been truly selfless. As a board member 
of several non-profit organizations, including the American Tap Dance 
Foundation, Mr. Hines was the tap dance community's chief ambassador, 
dedicated to the preservation and perpetuation of history, education, 
and presentation of tap dance. Regardless of the numerous credits to 
his name, Mr. Hines would always say he considered himself first and 
foremost a tap dancer.
  Gregory Hines will be truly missed as a role model who has taught us 
how to join together and celebrate the diversity that makes our nation 
great. His dedication to the community transcended the stage and 
productions and will be a model for future generations.

                          ____________________