Download This Version in Microsoft Word format
TO CELEBRATE ACCLAIMED WASHINGTON BALLET DANCER BROOKLYN MACK FOR HIS ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER, TO WELCOME THIS SON OF SOUTH CAROLINA ON HIS PRESENT VISIT TO HIS HOME STATE, AND TO EXTEND THANKS FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS IN SUPPORT OF COLUMBIA CLASSICAL BALLET AND COLUMBIA CITY BALLET.
Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is pleased to welcome distinguished Washington Ballet dancer Brooklyn Mack back to his native South Carolina in support of Columbia Classical Ballet and Columbia City Ballet; and
Whereas, during his visit, Mr. Mack will participate in a fundraiser benefiting the two ballet companies. He will speak on the importance of ballet and the impact ballet has had on the community, celebrate what the companies have accomplished over several decades, and help them look to the future. While both companies have endured significant funding losses over the years, Columbia Classical Ballet has had a particularly difficult season. The historic October 2015 floods in South Carolina destroyed the company's dance studio; and
Whereas, a native of Elgin, Brooklyn Mack is now in his sixth season with the Washington Ballet. With the idea of improving his football skills, the young Brooklyn took up ballet training at age twelve with the Pavlovich Dance School under Radenko Pavlovich and Milena Leben before receiving a scholarship to study at the Kirov Academy of Ballet. He then apprenticed with the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago and later joined the American Ballet Theatre's Studio Company; and
Whereas, before joining the Washington Ballet, Mr. Mack spent three seasons as a principal dancer with Orlando Ballet. In addition, he has performed internationally at Ballet Clasico de Camara with Nina Novak in Venezuela, Latvian National Ballet, NBA Ballet Company in Japan, and many others; and
Whereas, his notable awards include the Kirsti Paakenen Encouragement Prize at the 2005 International Ballet Competition in Finland, the silver medal at the 2006 Jackson International Ballet Competition in Mississippi, the 2007 Princess Grace Fellowship Award, second prize at the 2009 Helsinki IBC, the bronze medal at the 2011 Boston IBC, the Marius Leipa Prize at the 2011 Boston IBC, the silver medal at the 2011 Korean International Dance Competition, the gold medal at the 2012 Boston International Ballet Competition, the 2012 Istanbul Grand Prix, and the gold medal at the 2012 International Ballet Competition in Bulgaria; and
Whereas, in April 2015, Brooklyn Mack debuted in the role of Prince Siegfried in the Washington Ballet's Swan Lake, partnered by Misty Copeland, a guest star from the American Ballet Theatre in the dual role of Odette/Odile. This event made dance history as the first time a major company had performed Swan Lake with two African-American lead dancers; and
Whereas, most recently, Brooklyn Mack was featured in Ebony Magazine and theGrio.com's "Top 100" and was named one of the "Top 25 [Dancers] to Watch" by Dance Magazine; and
Whereas, the General Assembly, proud of his remarkable talents and achievements, takes great pleasure in greeting Washington Ballet star Brooklyn Mack on his visit to the Palmetto State, and the members appreciate his gift of time and support to Columbia Classical Ballet and Columbia City Ballet. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, celebrate acclaimed Washington Ballet dancer Brooklyn Mack for his illustrious career, welcome this son of South Carolina on his present visit to his home State, and extend thanks for his contributions in support of Columbia Classical Ballet and Columbia City Ballet.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Brooklyn Mack.
This web page was last updated on March 15, 2016 at 1:45 PM