House Concurrent Resolution 118

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE STUDIO OF DANCE AND GYMNASTICS IN PASCAGOULA, MISSISSIPPI, UPON THE OCCASION OF ITS 55TH ANNIVERSARY.

WHEREAS, for 55 years, the Studio of Dance and Gymnastics in Pascagoula, Mississippi, has been providing each and every student that chasses through their door a positive self-image, courage to take a different path, the ability to dream big, and a lifelong love of dance; and

WHEREAS, to ensure the families in Jackson County are provided with the best possible facility and instruction, the studio constantly renovates and improves their building and classrooms and provides ongoing training to their extremely skilled staff; and

WHEREAS, the Studio of Dance and Gymnastics offers ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary jazz, broadway dance, hip-hop, lyrical and tumbling classes for preschool children ages two and up; and

WHEREAS, the studio promotes equality, not competition, because the faculty understands that while the children do learn rhythm, technique, and impressive choreography during their sessions, they are ultimately making wonderful childhood memories that will be cherished well beyond their days of leotards and tights; and

WHEREAS, as 2015 marks the 55th anniversary of the studio, they are seeing third generation families continue to support the terrific dance and tumbling programs, a testament of their unbreakable bond as a true dance family; and

WHEREAS, in addition to inspiring children through dance and gymnastics, the studio houses the Mélange Dance Company of Jackson County, whose goal is to provide focused training and education in the art of dance, which is reflected in its motto, "desire, dedication and discipline"; and

WHEREAS, founded in 1977 by Paul and Jo Ann Christopher, the Mélange Dance Company was created to offer professional dance opportunities to enrich the young dancers in their community, and throughout the company's lessons and performances, it strives to enhance the cultural landscape of the Jackson County community through outreach programs and the presentation of quality performances; and

WHEREAS, the Mélange Dance Company has beautifully performed the Nutcracker Ballet for over 12,000 Jackson County school children, and with each production, the dancers captivate the audience with their exquisite costumes, dramatic scenery and sensational dance steps; and

WHEREAS, the art of dance and self-expression through dance is beautiful, and the Studio of Dance and Gymnastics, with its magnificent instructors, state-of-the-art facilities and unparalleled dedication to the Jackson County community, has changed the lives of tens of thousands of children for 55 years, proving that with positive self-images, encouragement and an unrestricted opportunity to dream, something as simple as a leap across a stage or a single moment in the spotlight can change a child's life forever; and

WHEREAS, it is most fitting that this Legislature recognize the dedication and incredible legacy of wonderful Mississippi dance studios, such as the Studio of Dance and Gymnastics, which enables thousands of children each year to achieve their fullest potential in the performing arts:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Studio of Dance and Gymnastics in Pascagoula, Mississippi, upon the occasion of its 55th anniversary and extend most sincere wishes for its continued success in the future.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Studio of Dance and Gymnastics, Jo Ann Christopher, the founder and Artistic Director of Mélange Dance Company, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.