[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 117 (Friday, September 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1693]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE RUTH PAGE FOUNDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 23, 2004

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Ruth Page 
Foundation of dance and performing arts on more than 30 years of 
innovative dance and artistic excellence.
  The Ruth Page Foundation was established in 1970 in order to uphold 
and promote the highest quality of performing arts as produced by 
choreographer and dance icon Ruth Page and continues to be at the 
forefront of innovative dance theater in Chicago.
  A native Chicagoan, Ms. Page gained national recognition through her 
unprecedented incorporation of the era's social and political issues 
into her artistic performances. In addition, Ms. Page attained 
international prominence by becoming the first American to dance with 
Diaghilev's Ballet Russe. In later years, Ms. Page would go on to 
choreograph, commission, and dance in a string of hits such as Polka 
Melancholique and Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
  During the Great Depression of the 1930's, Ms. Page teamed up with 
Bentley Stone to direct the federally funded Chicago Works Progress 
Administration (WPA) Dance Project. The duo had significant success 
with their groundbreaking feminist ballet American Patterns, and later 
became the first American ballet company to tour South America.
  However, Ms. Page is probably best remembered for her assiduous 
efforts in creating and operating numerous dance companies throughout 
the Chicagoland area. From her first association with the Ravinia Opera 
in 1926, to her production of the The Nutcracker at McCormick Place's 
Arie Crown Theater in the mid 1980's, Ms. Page contributed to the 
city's cultural scene by taking on the roles of prima ballerina, 
choreographer, director, financial backer, and visionary. Ms. Page, who 
passed away in 1991, is still considered the grand lady of Chicago 
dance.
  Mr. Speaker, I join with the people of Chicago in congratulating the 
brilliant Ruth Page Foundation, a company that continues to uphold the 
quality and discipline that was embodied by its namesake. I am proud of 
their numerous achievements both on and off the stage and wish them 
continued growth and success into the future.

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