Title: Expressing support for dance as a form of valuable exercise and of artistic expression, and for the designation of September 21, 2019, as National Dance Day.
Policy area: Arts, Culture, Religion

Summary:
This resolution expresses support for the designation of a National Dance Day.

[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 566 Introduced in House (IH)]

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116th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 566

  Expressing support for dance as a form of valuable exercise and of 
artistic expression, and for the designation of September 21, 2019, as 
                          National Dance Day.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           September 19, 2019

 Ms. Norton submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
                  the Committee on Energy and Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Expressing support for dance as a form of valuable exercise and of 
artistic expression, and for the designation of September 21, 2019, as 
                          National Dance Day.

Whereas Nigel Lythgoe, executive producer and celebrity judge for the dance-
        themed television show ``So You Think You Can Dance'', in association 
        with the American Dance Movement, has encouraged the creation of 
        National Dance Day celebrations across the country, beginning with the 
        first National Dance Day on the National Mall in 2010;
Whereas the American Dance Movement and the John F. Kennedy Center for the 
        Performing Arts, in conjunction with the office of Congresswoman Eleanor 
        Holmes Norton, will celebrate National Dance Day on September 21, 2019, 
        in Washington, DC, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing 
        Arts;
Whereas National Dance Day has captured the imagination of people throughout the 
        Nation and around the world, and has helped popularize dance as an art 
        form, as a form of exercise, and as a way of having fun;
Whereas States and cities across the country have been encouraged to celebrate 
        National Dance Day with events;
Whereas National Dance Day has spread and will be celebrated this year with 45 
        registered, independent events across the country, and 2 events cohosted 
        by the American Dance Movement and the John F. Kennedy Center for the 
        Performing Arts in Washington, DC, and the Segerstrom Center for the 
        Arts in Costa Mesa, California;
Whereas National Dance Day encourages many forms of dance expression, 
        representing the Nation's rich artistic, regional, ethnic, and racial 
        diversity;
Whereas National Dance Day features the full spectrum of dance, from classical, 
        to popular, to line and partner dances;
Whereas dance helps improve heart health, burn calories, strengthen muscles, and 
        improve flexibility for people of all ages;
Whereas health officials have repeatedly documented an overweight and obesity 
        epidemic in the United States;
Whereas dance, in all its variations, is a popular form of physical exercise;
Whereas this year at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the 
        following performers will entertain and encourage dance: Debbie Allen 
        and Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Tiler Peck of the New York City Ballet, 
        Dominic ``D-trix'' Sandoval from ``So You Think You Can Dance'', Jerron 
        Herman, the DEA Youth Dance Program, Lisa Traiger, Jones-Haywood Dance 
        School, The Washington Ballet, Rima Faber, Dance Exchange, Dance Place, 
        Knock on Wood Tap Studio, Melvin Deal's African Heritage Dancers and 
        Drummers, Heart Stuck Bernie, and the cast of ``Fela! The Concert'' with 
        outdoor classes and performances; Motion X Dance DC, MYB Music in 
        Motion, Dance for Parkinson's Disease, Metropolitan Youth Tap Ensemble, 
        Spilling Ink, LaBlast Fitness, Xuejuan Dance Ensemble, Candace 
        Scarborough, MODELS INC., Lucy Bowen McCauley, Renee Robinson, Gina 
        Safadi, Raediant Movement, and Carol and Herb Traxler with indoor 
        classes;
Whereas in advance of National Dance Day, instructional videos are available on 
        the American Dance Movement YouTube channel featuring dance routines for 
        all skill levels to be performed by audiences on National Dance Day; and
Whereas National Dance Day has been celebrated annually for the past 9 years: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the designation of National Dance Day to 
        celebrate and encourage a national commitment to dance and 
        dance education;
            (2) acknowledges that dance is making an important 
        contribution to health by encouraging physical fitness and 
        reducing obesity;
            (3) commends Nigel Lythgoe for his leadership in promoting 
        dance and National Dance Day; and
            (4) thanks the American Dance Movement for their continuing 
        efforts to spread awareness of National Dance Day.
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