[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 44 (Thursday, March 12, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E662]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         A TRIBUTE TO KO-THI AFRICAN DANCE COMPANY OF MILWAUKEE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 12, 2009

  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the 
internationally renowned dance troupe, Ko-Thi African Dance Company of 
Milwaukee. In May, 2009, Ko-Thi African Dance Troupe will celebrate its 
40th anniversary.
  Much of the success of the Ko-Thi African Dance Company can be 
attributed to its founder and Artistic/Executive Director, Ferne 
Caulker. Ms. Caulker, born in Sierra Leone, West Africa is a creative 
genius blessed with the passion and determination needed to create a 
``family'' of professional performers. She is a full professor at the 
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the School of Dance where she has 
taught since 1971. Ms. Caulker is not only a former Fulbright Fellow 
but a recipient of numerous award. She has made the music and dance of 
the peoples of the African Diaspora accessible to all Americans, 
especially African-American audiences. Twenty years ago she extended 
that vision to include a children's troupe, Ton Ko-Thi, to instill 
cultural pride and self-worth to children through the discipline 
required to create art.
  The Company is comprised of both musicians and dancers trained in the 
history, mythology and techniques of art forms within the African 
Diaspora. The troupe utilizes a myriad of traditional instruments, 
authentic costumes, infectious music and extraordinary dance to educate 
and bridge the gap between cultures. Ko-Thi operates a comprehensive 
educational outreach program, Drum Talk that works with institutions to 
assist with expanding and diversifying any curriculum with the history, 
dance, and drumming of the African continent and its Diaspora. If you 
have had the privilege of attending a Ko-Thi Dance Company performance, 
you know it is a tremendous experience to observe their exacting 
stepping, pulsating vibrant rhythm and hypnotic movement. The Ko-Thi 
African Dance Company is Wisconsin's regional, national and 
international touring gem. They have performed in Japan, Canada and 
many venues throughout the United States.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to say the Ko-Thi African Dance Company 
hails from the 4th Congressional District and pleased to give praise to 
Ferne Caulker, the ensemble, and their Board of Directors. I wish them 
many more years of success.

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