Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-07-14

HONORING MICHAEL CHERRY ON HIS JOINING THE ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER

Context

On 2026-07-14, Representative James R. Walkinshaw (D-VA-11) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING MICHAEL CHERRY ON HIS JOINING THE ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER" in the House.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E683] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MICHAEL CHERRY ON HIS JOINING THE ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER ______ HON. JAMES R. WALKINSHAW of virginia in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Mr. WALKINSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael Cherry, a constituent from Springfield, Virginia, upon joining the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, widely regarded as one of the most celebrated dance companies in the world. Founded on March 30, 1958, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was established by choreographer, dancer, and visionary Alvin Ailey to uplift the African American experience while transcending the boundaries of race, faith, and nationality with its universal humanity. Recognized as a vital American Cultural Ambassador to the World, the company has performed for an estimated 25 million people in 71 countries on 6 continents. With a repertoire that boasts close to 300 works by more than 100 choreographers, it stands today as the largest modern dance company in the United States. To join this company is among the highest honors a dancer can achieve, and it is an honor that Michael Cherry has earned through years of exceptional dedication, training, and artistry. Michael is a graduate of George Mason University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a minor in Arts Management. George Mason has long been a launchpad for professional artists, and Michael's career is a testament to the quality of training and mentorship he received there. Michael's path to Ailey has been one of extraordinary rigor and breadth. During his training and early career, he had the opportunity to perform in works created or set by an impressive roster of renowned choreographers, including Rafael Bonachela, Camille A. Brown, Rena Butler, Alejandro Cerrudo, and Doug Varone, among others. He further honed his craft at highly competitive national programs, including the Juilliard Summer Dance Intensive, the Complexions Summer and Winter Intensives, and the LINES Ballet Summer Program. Prior to joining Ailey, Michael danced for two seasons with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, where he continued to grow as a versatile and technically sophisticated performer. Behind every great artist stands a community of love and support, and Michael is no exception. I want to take this opportunity to extend heartfelt recognition to his mother, Susan Cherry, whose steadfast love, sacrifice, and encouragement have been a constant source of strength throughout Michael's life and career. Equally deserving of recognition is Michael's brother, Brandon Cherry, whose steadfast support and brotherly encouragement have meant the world to Michael throughout this journey. Mr. Speaker, Virginia's 11th Congressional District is home to remarkable individuals who reflect the very best of who we are as a Nation. Michael Cherry is one of those individuals. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Michael Cherry on this tremendous achievement, and in wishing Michael a career filled with brilliance, purpose, and joy. ____________________

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HONORING MICHAEL CHERRY ON HIS JOINING THE ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E683] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MICHAEL CHERRY ON HIS JOINING THE ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER ______ HON. JAMES R. WALKINSHAW of virginia in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Mr. WALKINSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael Cherry, a constituent from Springfield, Virginia, upon joining the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, widely regarded as one of the most celebrated dance companies in the world. Founded on March 30, 1958, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was established by choreographer, dancer, and visionary Alvin Ailey to uplift the African American experience while transcending the boundaries of race, faith, and nationality with its universal humanity. Recognized as a vital American Cultural Ambassador to the World, the company has performed for an estimated 25 million people in 71 countries on 6 continents. With a repertoire that boasts close to 300 works by more than 100 choreographers, it stands today as the largest modern dance company in the United States. To join this company is among the highest honors a dancer can achieve, and it is an honor that Michael Cherry has earned through years of exceptional dedication, training, and artistry. Michael is a graduate of George Mason University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a minor in Arts Management. George Mason has long been a launchpad for professional artists, and Michael's career is a testament to the quality of training and mentorship he received there. Michael's path to Ailey has been one of extraordinary rigor and breadth. During his training and early career, he had the opportunity to perform in works created or set by an impressive roster of renowned choreographers, including Rafael Bonachela, Camille A. Brown, Rena Butler, Alejandro Cerrudo, and Doug Varone, among others. He further honed his craft at highly competitive national programs, including the Juilliard Summer Dance Intensive, the Complexions Summer and Winter Intensives, and the LINES Ballet Summer Program. Prior to joining Ailey, Michael danced for two seasons with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, where he continued to grow as a versatile and technically sophisticated performer. Behind every great artist stands a community of love and support, and Michael is no exception. I want to take this opportunity to extend heartfelt recognition to his mother, Susan Cherry, whose steadfast love, sacrifice, and encouragement have been a constant source of strength throughout Michael's life and career. Equally deserving of recognition is Michael's brother, Brandon Cherry, whose steadfast support and brotherly encouragement have meant the world to Michael throughout this journey. Mr. Speaker, Virginia's 11th Congressional District is home to remarkable individuals who reflect the very best of who we are as a Nation. Michael Cherry is one of those individuals. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Michael Cherry on this tremendous achievement, and in wishing Michael a career filled with brilliance, purpose, and joy. ____________________