[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 118 (Tuesday, July 11, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E656]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CELEBRATING ``DANCE CITY'' DANCE TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ILHAN OMAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 11, 2023

  Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the exceptional 
achievement of the Dance City, a local dance team based in North 
Minneapolis, for their remarkable victory at Starpower National Talent 
Competition. The dedication, talent, and hard work demonstrated by the 
members of Dance City have propelled them to extraordinary success on 
the national stage, winning first place in Hip Hop and first overall. 
Faced with competition from 100 teams around the country, the Dance 
City girls rallied to the challenge and emerged with their well-earned 
victory.
  Director of Dance City and Coach, Cierra Burnaugh, created her studio 
to serve young black girls in the Minneapolis community. Her dedication 
to her students and drive to provide a creative outlet for these young 
dancers is admirable. The community support that helped the team 
compete, exhibits the mutual understanding of how important it is to 
invest in younger generations. Young people like these talented dancers 
are our future, and they are learning invaluable skills that will serve 
them for a lifetime.
  Their triumph is a testament to the power of determination, 
perseverance, and teamwork. This success is a shining example of what 
can be accomplished when people are empowered to pursue their dreams 
and strive for excellence. It is a testament to the dedication, 
passion, and teamwork of everyone involved, and I do not doubt that it 
will inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
  I want to express my sincere congratulations to every member of Dance 
City, their families, their exceptional instructors, and everyone who 
has contributed to their growth and development. Their recent 
achievement not only fills North Minneapolis and the 5th Congressional 
District with pride but also highlights the thriving arts and cultural 
landscape in our community. May their success continue to illuminate 
the path for future generations of dancers, inspiring them to embrace 
their talents and strive for greatness. I could not be happier to have 
Minneapolis represented by these bright young women.

                          ____________________