[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 112 (Thursday, June 29, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E930-E931]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING CIRCUS JUVENTAS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 29, 2017

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate St. Paul's own Circus 
Juventas, and to congratulate them on their performance in today's 
opening ceremony for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

[[Page E931]]

  This year the Folklife Festival marks its 50th Anniversary, and the 
youth performers of Circus Juventas will be sharing their artistry with 
hundreds of thousands of visitors in performances throughout the two 
weeks of the festival.
  The founders of Circus Juventas, Dan and Betty Butler, not only build 
confidence and excellence in their students through a multicultural 
circus arts education, but also inspire more than 50,000 audience 
members every year with their professional-level performances. Circus 
Juventas is a key member of the vibrant arts community in Minnesota's 
4th District.
  Since its founding in 1994, Circus Juventas has grown into the 
largest performing arts circus school in North America. Over 2,500 
students participate in their year round and summer camp programs. The 
students of Circus Juventas learn world-class skills in traditional and 
contemporary circus arts. As these young people come together to put on 
their collaborative cirque nouveau performances, they also learn the 
values of teamwork, self-confidence, discipline, dedication, 
leadership, and collaboration.
  As their Member of Congress, I commend all the students of Circus 
Juventas and Dan and Betty Butler as they bring their renowned 
performances and community engagement to the National Mall as the 
Folklife Festival celebrates the Circus Arts.
  The creativity that they inspire and the connections they build are a 
gift to our community, and we are all proud of their chance to share 
those gifts on a national stage.

                          ____________________