[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 26 (Thursday, February 17, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S917-S918]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      SENATE RESOLUTION 72--RECOGNIZING THE ARTISTIC AND CULTURAL 
 CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER AND THE 50TH 
   ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST PERFORMANCE OF ALVIN AILEY'S MASTERWORK, 
                            ``REVELATIONS''

  Mrs. GILLIBRAND (for herself, Mr. Schumer, and Mr. Menendez) 
submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                               S. Res. 72

       Whereas Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is recognized as 
     one of the world's great dance companies;
       Whereas Congress has recognized the Alvin Ailey American 
     Dance Theater as one of our Nation's most important cultural 
     ambassadors;

[[Page S918]]

       Whereas at the age of 29, founder Alvin Ailey first 
     premiered the dance work, Revelations, on January 31, 1960, 
     at the famed 92nd Street Y in New York City;
       Whereas Revelations is set to spirituals and draws 
     inspiration from Ailey's memories as a child growing up in 
     Texas, and from the work of African-American writers such as 
     James Baldwin and Langston Hughes;
       Whereas since its premiere, Revelations has been seen by 
     more than 23 million theatergoers, in 71 countries, and on 6 
     continents, making it the most widely seen works of modern 
     dance;
       Whereas Revelations was performed in front of a worldwide 
     audience as part of the opening ceremonies of the 1968 
     Olympic Games in Mexico City;
       Whereas Revelations has been performed for 5 U.S. 
     Presidents, including at the inaugurals of President Carter 
     in 1977 and President Clinton in 1993;
       Whereas Revelations captures the faith and perseverance of 
     the African-American people, and has influenced, and was 
     influenced by, African-American cultural heritage and the 
     social fabric of the United States; and
       Whereas Revelations is beloved by people around the world, 
     and its universal themes illustrate the strength and humanity 
     within all of us: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate honors the Alvin Ailey American 
     Dance Theater as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of the 
     dance work Revelations.

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