Recognizing Cultural and Educational Contributions of American Ballet Theatre

RECOGNIZING CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE -- (House of Representatives - May 16, 2006)

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Mrs. MALONEY. 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.

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