[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 6 (Monday, February 13, 2006)]
[Page 196]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at a Dinner Honoring the Dance Theatre of Harlem

February 6, 2006

    Good evening. Laura and I welcome you to the White House for what is 
going to be a very special evening. One of the interesting things about 
living here is that, on occasion, some of our Nation's finest artists 
come to perform. Nothing like having great performers in your living 
room. [Laughter] And tonight we're looking forward to a fantastic 
performance.
    As we gather during African American History Month, tonight we honor 
the Dance Theatre of Harlem and its unique founder, Arthur Mitchell. 
America is blessed to have people like Arthur Mitchell in our midst. So, 
Arthur, thank you for coming; thank you for your care and concern for 
our Nation's youth; and thank you for being dogged in your determination 
to see that this program flourishes. And we're glad to be a part of 
seeing that the program does flourish.
    Since its creation in 1969, the company has set a new standard for 
excellence in dance and has won international acclaim. The Dance Theatre 
of Harlem School has provided thousands of students the opportunity to 
study dance, some of whom we'll see tonight. The Dance Theatre's 
community outreach programs are now bringing arts education to people 
all across America and around the world.
    For almost four decades, the Dance Theatre of Harlem has done a lot 
to enrich countless lives through its brilliant performances and 
educational efforts. And so tonight I offer a toast to the achievements 
and continued success of Arthur Mitchell and the Dance Theatre of 
Harlem.

Note: The President spoke at 7:56 p.m. in the State Dining Room at the 
White House.