By Van de Putte                                        H.R. No. 596

         75R11152 BNL-D                           

                                 R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, On April 26, 1997, Teresa Champion will preside over

 1-2     San Antonio's annual Fiesta Night Parade as its grand marshal, and

 1-3     this recent honor provides a fitting opportunity to pay tribute to

 1-4     a truly legendary dancer and choreographer; and

 1-5           WHEREAS, A featured dancer in the classic John Wayne film The

 1-6     Alamo, Ms. Champion went on to have a tremendous impact in the art

 1-7     world  both as a performer and as a tireless advocate; as the

 1-8     founder of Ballet Folklorico of San Antonio, she has introduced

 1-9     audiences far and wide to the beauty and power of Latin American

1-10     dance, and she has been specifically honored for her work in the

1-11     unique field of flamenco dance; and

1-12           WHEREAS, In addition, she represented the concerns of

1-13     Hispanic women for the Reverend Jesse Jackson during his national

1-14     tour and has worked to preserve and expand the role of artistic and

1-15     cultural studies in the public school curriculum; and

1-16           WHEREAS, This wide range of artistic and civic achievements

1-17     has brought her numerous accolades, and the Alamo Kiwanians, the

1-18     Girl Scouts of America, the National Congress of Parents and

1-19     Teachers, and several media groups have recognized this

1-20     distinguished woman for her talent, generosity, and compassion; and

1-21           WHEREAS, Long known as the First Lady of Dance of San

1-22     Antonio, Teresa Champion has earned the respect and admiration of

1-23     her fellow Texans, and in so doing, she has inspired countless

1-24     young people to pursue their dreams as far as their talent will

 2-1     take them; now, therefore, be it

 2-2           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

 2-3     Legislature hereby honor Teresa Champion for her many contributions

 2-4     to San Antonio's artistic community and extend to her warmest best

 2-5     wishes for continued success and happiness in the future; and, be

 2-6     it further

 2-7           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

 2-8     prepared for Ms. Champion as an expression of high regard by the

 2-9     Texas House of Representatives.