HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 766 Offered January 18, 2007 Commending Thomas and Ilona Russell. ---------- Patron-- Caputo ----------

WHEREAS, Thomas and Ilona Russell are the founders of the Russell School of Ballet and the Fairfax Ballet Company, both located in Fairfax County; and

WHEREAS, Thomas and Ilona Russell are former soloists with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet of New York City and National Ballet of Washington, D.C., and have performed under the direction of such renowned choreographers as George Balanchine and Antony Tudor; and

WHEREAS, the Russell School of Ballet, founded in 1965, has provided instruction to thousands of dancers for more than four decades, engendering in its students appreciation for music, dance, and the arts in general, as well as teaching them poise, concentration, and self-discipline; and

WHEREAS, the Russell School of Ballet has trained students who have gone on to dance professionally with the New York City Ballet, the Joffrey Ballet, the Boston Ballet, and other companies; and

WHEREAS, in 1971, Thomas and Ilona Russell established the Fairfax Ballet Company to create more performing opportunities for young dancers; and

WHEREAS, the Fairfax Ballet Company presents classical and contemporary ballets in public performances throughout the Washington metropolitan area and as part of an outreach program in the Fairfax County public schools; and

WHEREAS, through their teaching and artistic direction, Thomas and Ilona Russell have had a positive influence on thousands of young people and enriched the lives of countless children and adults by promoting appreciation of the art of dance; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Thomas and Ilona Russell for their leadership of the Russell Ballet School and the Fairfax Ballet Company and their many contributions to the surrounding communities; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Thomas and Ilona Russell as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration of their talent and gratitude for their dedication to young dancers.