[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 30, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S5693]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       FIRST STATE BALLET THEATRE

 Mr. KAUFMAN. Mr. President, it has been an honor to watch the 
arts blossom in the State of Delaware. One of the organizations leading 
this movement is the First State Ballet Theatre, which is celebrating 
10 years of dedication and excellence in the art of dance.
  The late choreographer Martha Graham once said:

       We look at the dance to impart the sensation of living in 
     an affirmation of life, to energize the spectator into keener 
     awareness of the vigor, the mystery, the humor, the variety, 
     and the wonder of life. This is the function of the American 
     dance.

  Since the founding of the First State Ballet Theatre in 1999 by Pasha 
and Kristina Kambalov, it has been devoted to exposing Delawareans to 
dance. Through providing dance training and conducting education 
outreach, its audiences have learned much about the history and 
relevance of the art of dance.
  The company's impressive 10-year run has brought a host of classical 
ballets, including favorite classics such as ``The Nutcracker'' and 
``Swan Lake.'' The theatre has also been involved in vibrant 
productions such as ``Carmen,'' showing the depth and amazing talent 
present within the troupe. The theatre hosts a cast of talented 
dancers, who come long distances to perform throughout our State. The 
ballet company currently has a troupe of 15 talented resident dancers 
who star in a variety of productions.
  The theatre has also attracted an outstanding group of master 
choreographers, who have created a diverse range of shows. They are led 
by artistic director Pasha Kambalov, school director Kristina Kambalov, 
and assistant artistic director Lev Assaouliak. Between them, these 
three have many years of experience in the art of dance and countless 
achievements, including performing in many impressive repertoires, and 
they were trained professionally in renowned schools of ballet. In 
2006, the Kambalovs were honored with the Wilmington and Wilmingtonian 
Awards for their outstanding work improving the quality of life in the 
community.
  As Delaware's only professional dance company, the First State Ballet 
Theatre has strived to help the arts flourish, and by doing so it has 
drawn both in-State and out-of-State audiences to its performances. By 
offering enticing productions that appeal to various sections of the 
population at affordable prices, the First State Ballet Theatre has 
inspired a whole new generation to become a part of the theatre's 
family. The theatre has also taught over 7,000 children about dance 
with the help of its talented and caring staff.
  For 10 years, the First State Ballet Theatre has stood for excellence 
in the arts, and has treated its audiences to breathtaking and vibrant 
productions that have inspired the people of Delaware. The First State 
Ballet Theatre has been a great asset to my home State, and its 
accomplishments will inevitably continue to bring it success for years 
to come. Once again, I would like to congratulate the theatre on 
reaching this 10-year milestone.

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