[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16478]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF ALVIN AILEY

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                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 24, 2008

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alvin Ailey, a 
pioneer in the art of modern dance whose work is renowned throughout 
the world and beloved in his hometown of Harlem. This year, the Dance 
Theater celebrates 50 years of enriching the lives of audiences 
throughout the world. The group has since won critical acclaim and has 
been called an ambassador of American culture.
  Today, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has performed in 48 
states and 71 countries for an estimated 21 million people. By 
integrating African-American tradition with classic modern dance, 
Ailey's Dance Theater has created a unique experience that speaks to 
audiences all over the world.
  The innovation and freshness that Alvin Ailey brought to the world of 
modern dance has forever elevated the standard for performance art and 
has effectively engaged people of all backgrounds and world views with 
the Theatre's legendary ``Revelations.'' After 50 years, it is true now 
more than ever that to watch the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is 
to watch art come alive.

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