[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 78 (Tuesday, May 10, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E471-E472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING GUAM'S STARGAZERS DANCE TROUPE AS THEY CELEBRATE 30 YEARS 
                         IN THE DANCE INDUSTRY

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. MICHAEL F. Q. SAN NICOLAS

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 10, 2022

  Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Guam's 
Stargazers Dance Troupe for their extraordinary talents, awarded 
performances, and continued commitment as ambassadors of our island 
community. I would like to further congratulate Mr. Mark Gonzales for 
thirty years of leadership in fostering the talents, skills, and 
passions of rising Guam dancers through his company.
  As a young freshman in high school, Mark's passion for dance fueled 
his desire to invest in himself and others. When the original founder 
of Stargazers was faced with the choice to permanently close its doors, 
Mark committed to re-establishing the dance group and promoting its 
growth in 1992. With humble beginnings traced back to rehearsals in 
Mark's garage and on Guam's beaches, the company has dramatically 
emerged as a vital force in our dance and larger island communities. In 
addition to hosting countless company productions and workshops for the 
public to enjoy, our people have had the opportunity to witness a wide 
range of performances from the group at local festivals and other 
events held in places like the Guam Premier Outlets, Micronesia Mall, 
and Agana Shopping Center.

[[Page E472]]

Moreover, the Stargazers Dance Troupe has successfully collaborated 
with other organizations. This notably includes work with the Guam 
Allied Dance Force in producing a 2020 virtual Christmas dance festival 
to celebrate the season of giving, benefit the Salvation Army Guam, and 
uplift the spirits of the People of Guam amid the challenges and 
uncertainties imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  Over the years, Stargazers have used their gifts and talents to 
elevate our island's presence abroad. From performing on national 
television in the Philippines, to earning numerous national 
championships in the U.S. and Canada, and taking the stage at 
California Disneyland and Disney World, Florida, they have proudly 
represented Guam, garnered many national and international awards, and 
showcased to the rest of the world the greatness to be discovered in 
our small region of the Pacific. Their recent accomplishments in the 
2019 Luv 2 Dance Competition have distinctly lengthened an already 
extensive list of accolades. After facing off against a wealth of other 
experienced competitors, Guam's Stargazers rose to the top as Large 
Group National Champions while simultaneously obtaining the Top 
National Sapphire Studio Award, Best Choreography Award, and the first-
ever Legacy Award--an award created to recognize an outstanding dance 
group that made an impact, demonstrated showmanship and studio spirit, 
and developed meaningful connections with other dancers throughout the 
week of competition.
  On behalf of the People of Guam, I would like to extend a proud 
congratulations to our Stargazers for their success in earning national 
and international recognition across competition and entertainment 
platforms. Dancing is a form of art and expression that truly provides 
the opportunity to connect with, empower, and inspire others, and I 
applaud the Stargazers Dance Troupe for continuously accomplishing 
these objectives. I further commend Mr. Mark Gonzales for his 
dedication to encouraging generations of Guam's youth with the space to 
learn the value of hard work, cultivate their passions, and pursue 
their dreams. It is truly an honor to watch the Stargazers Dance Troupe 
story unfold, and I look forward to seeing the next chapter of their 
journey as they set out to represent our island once again in Atlantic 
City's That's Entertainment Performing Arts Competition in July.

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