[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E683]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING MICHAEL CHERRY ON HIS JOINING THE ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE 
                                THEATER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JAMES R. WALKINSHAW

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 14, 2026

  Mr. WALKINSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael 
Cherry, a constituent from Springfield, Virginia, upon joining the 
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, widely regarded as one of the most 
celebrated dance companies in the world.
  Founded on March 30, 1958, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was 
established by choreographer, dancer, and visionary Alvin Ailey to 
uplift the African American experience while transcending the 
boundaries of race, faith, and nationality with its universal humanity. 
Recognized as a vital American Cultural Ambassador to the World, the 
company has performed for an estimated 25 million people in 71 
countries on 6 continents.
  With a repertoire that boasts close to 300 works by more than 100 
choreographers, it stands today as the largest modern dance company in 
the United States. To join this company is among the highest honors a 
dancer can achieve, and it is an honor that Michael Cherry has earned 
through years of exceptional dedication, training, and artistry.
  Michael is a graduate of George Mason University, where he earned a 
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a minor in Arts Management. George 
Mason has long been a launchpad for professional artists, and Michael's 
career is a testament to the quality of training and mentorship he 
received there.
  Michael's path to Ailey has been one of extraordinary rigor and 
breadth. During his training and early career, he had the opportunity 
to perform in works created or set by an impressive roster of renowned 
choreographers, including Rafael Bonachela, Camille A. Brown, Rena 
Butler, Alejandro Cerrudo, and Doug Varone, among others.
  He further honed his craft at highly competitive national programs, 
including the Juilliard Summer Dance Intensive, the Complexions Summer 
and Winter Intensives, and the LINES Ballet Summer Program.
  Prior to joining Ailey, Michael danced for two seasons with 
Complexions Contemporary Ballet, where he continued to grow as a 
versatile and technically sophisticated performer.
  Behind every great artist stands a community of love and support, and 
Michael is no exception. I want to take this opportunity to extend 
heartfelt recognition to his mother, Susan Cherry, whose steadfast 
love, sacrifice, and encouragement have been a constant source of 
strength throughout Michael's life and career. Equally deserving of 
recognition is Michael's brother, Brandon Cherry, whose steadfast 
support and brotherly encouragement have meant the world to Michael 
throughout this journey.
  Mr. Speaker, Virginia's 11th Congressional District is home to 
remarkable individuals who reflect the very best of who we are as a 
Nation. Michael Cherry is one of those individuals.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Michael Cherry on 
this tremendous achievement, and in wishing Michael a career filled 
with brilliance, purpose, and joy.

                          ____________________