SR0645 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0645 LRB103 35137 LAW 65101 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate wish to congratulate Rockford Dance Company on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, Rockford Dance Company, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, pursues excellence in the art of dance through performance, classes, and outreach, bringing high quality dance education to the Rockford area since 1974; and

WHEREAS, Rockford Dance Company was established by a group of dedicated moms, led by Carolyn Bailey, who all had the desire to provide young dancers with performance opportunities beyond the classroom and recitals; they approached Professor Jayne Poor of Dance at Rockford College with their idea, and she accepted the challenge with her longtime friend, dancer, and choreographer, Chuck Hoenes; and

WHEREAS, Under the leadership of founding Co-Artistic Directors Jayne Poor and Chuck Hoenes, the newly formed Rockford Dance Company accepted 86 charter members in January 1973; the company was performing its first concert to a sold out audience in Maddox Theater at Rockford University by February 1974; and

WHEREAS, At the outset, Rockford Dance Company presented an eclectic style, including ballet, modern dance, and jazz; since then, the organization has grown into a diverse and thriving company, offering classes in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, dance theater, stretch, conditioning, hip hop, and barre-vite; and

WHEREAS, Rockford Dance Company is currently led by Executive Director Vanessa Hita and School Director Christopher Damle; and

WHEREAS, Rockford Dance Company will celebrate the culmination of its 50th anniversary with a gala at the Maddox Theater of Rockford University on May 18, 2024; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Rockford Dance Company on its 50th anniversary, and we wish the organization continued success in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Rockford Dance Company as an expression of our esteem and respect.