LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Garth Fagan upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition at the Rochester Jamaica Independ-
ence Ball on July 23, 2011

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Garth Fagan has given not only of his time and energies but
also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has
been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Garth Fagan
upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition at the
Rochester Jamaica Independence Ball on Saturday, July 23, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Garth Fagan began his career when he toured Latin America
with Ivy Baxter and her national dance company from Jamaica; Ivy Baxter,
and two other famed dance teachers from the Caribbean, Pearl Primus and
Lavinia Williams, were major influences on Fagan; raid
WHEREAS, In New York City, Garth Fagan studied with Martha Graham,
Jose Limon, Mary Hinkson, and Alvin Ailey, who were all central to his
development; and
WHEREAS, Garth Fagan was director of Detroit's MI-City Dance Company,
and principal soloist and choreographer for Detroit Contemporary Dance
Company and Dance Theatre of Detroit; and
WHEREAS, Garth Fagan is the founder and artistic director of the
award-winning and internationally acclaimed Garth Fagan Dance, now cele-
brating its 40th Anniversary season; and
WHEREAS, Garth Fagan has been the recipient of numerous awards and
distinctions including a 1998 Tony Award, a 1998 Drama Desk Award, a
1998 Outer Critics Circle Award, a 1998 Astaire Award, 2000 Laurence
Olivier Award, a 2001 Ovation Award, and the 2004 Helpmann Award; and
WHEREAS, Garth Fagan has been called upon to contribute his time and
talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given
of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, In October of 2001, Garth Fagan, a native of Jamaica, was
presented with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander, a
national honor bestowed upon him by the Jamaican government; and
WHEREAS, In August of 1998, Garth Fagan received Jamaica's Special-
Gold Musgrave Medal, for his "Contribution to the World of Dance and
Dance Theater"; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Garth Fagan has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Garth Fagan has displayed throughout
his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Garth Fagan upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition at the Rochester Jamaica Independence Ball on July 28, 2011;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Garth Fagan.