[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 56 (Friday, March 30, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E714]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MARY PAT ROBERTSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2007

  Mr. HOLT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mary Pat Robertson 
from Princeton. Ms. Robertson is celebrating her twentieth anniversary 
as Director of the American Repertory Ballet's Princeton Ballet School.
  Under her leadership the Princeton Ballet School has evolved into one 
of the most acclaimed in the country, supporting over 1200 students 
annually at three locations. Ms. Robertson leads a faculty of forty 
supremely accomplished professionals, and works with them to mentor 
young dancers and to pass along techniques and artistry of classical 
ballet.
  Audree Estey founded the Princeton Ballet School on the belief that 
dance is an empowering activity that will benefit students all their 
lives. Throughout the past twenty years, Ms. Robertson has built upon 
this premise and has expanded students' self-esteem, self-discipline, 
and fitness.
  Mary Pat Robertson is also a choreographer. She has choreographed 25 
years of work for her modern dance company, Teamwork Dance, along with 
many operas for the Opera Festival of New Jersey. For this work she 
received a Choreographic Fellowship from the New Jersey State Council 
of Arts, and has been honored by the Arts Council of Princeton as one 
of Princeton's most esteemed artists.
  The arts are a vital contribution to a child's development and 
learning. Through dance, children have an opportunity not only to 
learn, but to participate in the culture of their community. These 
children whom Ms. Robertson has taught the arts will continue to thrive 
in society.
  After 20 years as Director, Ms. Robertson still finds inspiration and 
satisfaction in a classroom of eager young dancers. I am proud to 
recognize Ms. Robertson on the occasion of her twentieth anniversary 
with the Princeton Ballet School.

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