Recognizing the cultural and educational contributions of American Ballet Theatre throughout its 65 years of service as "America's National Ballet Company".

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res 751) recognizing the cultural and educational contributions of American Ballet Theatre throughout its 65 years of service as ``America's National Ballet Company''.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous information on H. Res. 751.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise in support of House Resolution 751, recognizing the cultural and educational contributions of American Ballet Theatre throughout its 65 years of service as ``America's National Ballet Company.''

When the American Ballet Theatre began, it inspired to develop a repertoire of the best ballets from the past, and to encourage the creation of new works by gifted young choreographers, whenever they might be found. Since then it has continued to be dedicated to bringing dance to America and American dance to the world.

I would say it has succeeded. Today the American Ballet Theatre is recognized as one of the great dance companies of the world, and throughout its 65-year history, the American Ballet Theatre has appeared in 50 U.S. States, in a total of 126 cities around the world, and has performed for more than 600,000 people annually.

America's National Ballet Company has also made 15 international tours to 42 countries, and has been sponsored by the U.S. Department of State on many of these engagements.

It was also the first American company to dance in the Soviet Union. Additionally the theatre has commissioned works by all of the great choreographic geniuses of the 20th century and many of the world's most accomplished dancers, including Mikhail Baryshnikov, have called the American Ballet Theatre home.

Lastly, Madam Speaker, I would like to emphasize the many enrichment programs the American Ballet Theatre offers for families, for training young and future dancers, and for the public and private schools.

I would specifically like to point out the work that the American Ballet Theatre has done to expose more than 20,000 underprivileged families and children in the fine art of dance, as well as introducing such children to career opportunities in the arts, both on stage and back stage, while also helping students develop valuable life skills.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleague and fellow New Yorker, Mrs. Maloney, for introducing this resolution. I am happy to join my colleagues in recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of America's National Ballet Company, the American Ballet Theatre, and ask my colleagues to support this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 751, recognizing the cultural and educational contributions of American Ballet Theatre.

For 65 years American Ballet Theatre has educated and inspired us through their artistry and commitment to bringing dance to America and American dance to the world.

While ABT is truly a national company and has performed for countless people in all 50 states and 42 countries, I want to speak today about the special relationship between American Ballet Theatre and the city of New York.

In my district we have been the beneficiaries of six decades of American Ballet Theatre's world-class art. Next week, ABT will open their annual engagement at the Metropolitan Opera House, performing their renowned mix of great ballet classics and challenging new works.

These performances are a primary reason that American Ballet Theatre is universally regarded as one of the world's great ballet companies. From the scale of the productions to the artistry of the dancers, ABT's performances are truly something to behold and I encourage my colleagues to see one of their engagements at the Kennedy Center, in New York City, or in your home state.

ABT's importance to my city transcends these annual performances at the Met, however. Every year the company performs a second series at smaller venues in New York, allowing ballet fans the unique opportunity to watch many of the world's greatest dancers in an intimate setting and enhancing New York's status as one of the world's cultural capitals.

Beyond their performances, American Ballet Theatre's educational mission and their focus on bringing ballet and the classic arts to audiences that otherwise would not have access is truly special. For over 10 years, ABT has offered extensive outreach and in-school arts programming in public schools, completely free of charge. ABT focuses its efforts in underserved communities and ``at-risk'' schools in New York, bringing the arts to schools that suffer from budgetary cuts to arts programming, and they reach over 20,000 New York students each year. During the 2006 spring season at the Metropolitan Opera House, ABT will distribute 10,000 complimentary tickets to New York students who would not otherwise have access to ABT's incredible artistic resources.

American Ballet Theatre truly is an American treasure, and should be recognized for enriching the cultural landscape of New York and our country. I want to thank my cosponsors and the leadership of both parties for bringing this resolution to the floor. And again, I encourage all of my colleagues to experience the talent and artistry of American Ballet Theatre.

Madam Speaker. I rise today in support of H. Res. 751 to honor the American Ballet Theatre. For 65 years, the theatre has entertained and educated thousands, becoming a national cultural icon as ``America's National Ballet Company.''

The American Ballet Theatre has performed in all 50 states inspiring and thrilling Americans with their skilled artistry. The company has also served as America's cultural ambassador by bringing American dance to more than 42 countries, often as representatives of the State Department.

Yet beyond being one of the world's truly great ballet companies, the American Ballet Theatre has also excelled off the stage in its remarkable education efforts, Throughout its history, the company has brought classical dance to communities not typically able to experience world-class ballet and to students throughout the country. The theater has created some of the most innovative educational programs dealing with the arts, including the Make a Ballet program, empowering at-risk students by giving them the resources and confidence to produce and stage their very own ballet.

In my community, the American Ballet Theatre has also been a giving and vital artistic institution, providing Rochester-area residents rare performances and indispensable educational opportunities. In 2004, the company presented an extraordinary internationally-themed program at New Auditorium Theatre in Rochester, giving audience members the unique chance to see up close famed performers and dance styles from throughout the world. The American Ballet Theatre also offered a class--taught by the former theater dancer and artistic director John Meehan--giving local dance students the opportunity to learn and perform alongside up-and-coming ABT dancers.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 751 to celebrate and honor an important cultural icon of America, the American Ballet Theatre.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 751, recognizing American Ballet Theatre as a cultural and educational resource for our Nation.

Over the last 65 years, American Ballet Theatre has elevated the artistry and talent of classical dance in the United States, and has brought a greater appreciation and understanding of the arts to countless people in all 50 States and around the world.

American Ballet Theatre has developed a special relationship with Connecticut through the award-winning Make a Ballet Program.

Since 2002, ABT has been offering this program at The Waterside School, an independent, private day school in Stamford, which introduces low-income children to ballet. ABT Teaching Artists come to the school twice a week and provide a thorough introduction to the arts and high-quality dance instruction. This long-term, in-depth exposure to the arts leaves indelible impacts on the students, instilling a sense of confidence and accomplishment, and planting seeds that will reap appreciation for the arts for years to come.

American Ballet Theatre also holds a Ballet for the Young Dancer program at the YWCA in Greenwich each year, providing children between the ages of 5 and 12 with weekly ballet classes with some of the finest dancers in the world.

While the grand performances that American Ballet Theatre presents have established it as one of the world's great ballet companies, it is the interactions with local communities across America that truly distinguish ABT as a national treasure.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

(Mr. KIND asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 751, recognizing the cultural and educational contributions of the American Ballet Theatre throughout its 65 years of service as America's National Ballet Company.

Madam Speaker, I also want to applaud Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney for her leadership in sponsoring this resolution. Unfortunately, due to illness, it prevents her from being here on the House floor today to speak about it.

Madam Speaker, H. Res. 751 recognizes the anniversary of one of the finest and most distinguished ballet companies in the world, the American Ballet Theatre. The ABT is recognized as a living national treasure. Using dance as its medium, the American Ballet Theatre has brought joy to audiences here and abroad for over 40 years.

Equally important to the ABT has been its educational programs. Not only have they trained world class ballerinas, but ABT brings its art into the classroom by sponsoring dance programs in public schools across the country.

The Young People's Ballet Workshop offers students who would not ordinarily have the opportunity to experience the ballet to see the company perform and learn about the art of ballet. Again, I join my colleagues here today, and especially Congresswoman Maloney, in supporting this resolution and congratulate the American Ballet Theatre on its 65th anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.