Bill > SC533

This Concurrent Resolution officially recognizes Henry Danton as the recipient of the 2020 Governor's Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement in Dance, acknowledging his significant contributions to the art form. The Governor's Arts Awards, established in 1988, honor individuals and organizations for outstanding artistic work, community development, and patronage within Mississippi, highlighting the connection between government and the arts. Henry Danton, a 100-year-old world-renowned ballet dancer and teacher, has had a distinguished career that includes performing with major companies like the Sadler's Wells Ballet (now The Royal Ballet) and founding the company that became The Venezuelan National Ballet. He has also taught at prestigious institutions such as Carnegie Hall's Ballet Arts, the Martha Graham Dance Company, and Juilliard. For the past 23 years, Danton has been based in Mississippi, teaching and profoundly impacting the state's dance community, and this resolution expresses the Mississippi Legislature's pride and appreciation for his talent and his positive influence on the state.