[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 58 (Monday, April 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E599]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE USA TAP DANCE TEAM ON THEIR SUCCESS AT THE WORLD TAP DANCE 
                             CHAMPIONSHIPS

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                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 14, 2008

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it is with the greatest pride that I rise 
today to extend my sincere congratulations and very best wishes to the 
USA Tap Dance Team, based out of the Greater New Haven area, as they 
celebrate their tremendous success at the 2007 World Tap Dance 
Championships recently held in Reisa, Germany. In all, 51 dancers 
ranging in age from 10 to 20 years old made the trip and returned with 
a total of 11 medals! Our communities certainly have cause for 
celebration with the wonderful accomplishments of these young people.
  Participating in three divisions, the USA Tap Dance Team has worked 
very hard over the last several months to be able to compete in this 
year's competitions. Coming together from across Connecticut and even 
New York, the dancers practiced for countless hours for solo, duo, 
small group, and formation events. The commitment these young people 
have demonstrated is truly inspiring. They have worked so hard to 
master the required high-level skills and the necessary symmetry of 
their movements.
  I had the distinct honor of joining them for a very special evening 
as they prepared to leave for Germany and, as a former tap dancer 
myself, I was truly impressed with the level of dedication, passion, 
and talent of the team. It was this combination of drive and spirit 
that lead to the team to come home with three gold medals, seven silver 
medals, one bronze medal, and several other finishing places-- placing 
and medaling in each of three divisions--a remarkable showing!
  I am also pleased to recognize the incomparable Gloria Jean Cuming 
for her outstanding leadership and instruction as well as the six 
choreographers who worked with the dancers and traveled to Germany with 
them. Their work with individuals and groups helped to secure this 
outstanding triumph. In addition, I would also extend a note of thanks 
and appreciation to the parents and volunteers whose support has 
enabled the dancers to practice and travel for their competitions. 
Without their efforts, the success of the USA Tap Dance Team would not 
be possible.
  I am thrilled to stand today join our local communities in extending 
my sincere congratulations to the USA Tap Dance Team on their great 
success at the 2007 World Tap Dance Championships. You have all made us 
proud!




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