LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Helene
Yelverton Dance Studio, the oldest established business continually
operated exclusively by a woman in Broome County

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay trib-
ute to those organizations whose commitment and creative talents
contribute to the cultural enrichment and entertainment of their commu-
nity and the entire State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to commem-
orate the 50th Anniversary of the Helene Yelverton Dance Studio; and
WHEREAS, The Helene Yelverton Dance Studio is the oldest established
business continually operated exclusively by a woman in Broome County;
she began her professional career on Robinson Street in Binghamton in
1959 at the age of seventeen; and
WHEREAS, Helene and her family moved to Conklin in 1970 and soon ther-
eafter, constructed the facility which currently houses her school of
dance in its present location; and
WHEREAS, Helene began her dance career as a student, performer and
teacher quite early; she trained locally with Alice Porter (Miss Alice -
Binghamton) and eventually became Assistant Director of her School while
only a teenager; and
WHEREAS, She performed as a dance soloist regularly with the Endicott
Johnson Band and Orchestra at banquets and special holiday performances;
at the tender age of 12, she became known as "E J's Dancing Star"; and
WHEREAS, While at Binghamton Central High School, she was the student
and protege of Miss Helen Foley, renowned local arts educator and direc-
tor; Helene starred in and choreographed the school's very first Broad-
way Musical, "Carousel", and upon graduation, was awarded BCHS's first
and only Arts Scholarship; and
WHEREAS, Following high school, Helene received her initial training
with the famed George Balanchine at the American School of Ballet in New
York City; since then, she has maintained her dance education with many
of the world's top teacher/choreographers from all the major dance
disciplines; continuing education annually is and has been a standard of
her studio for not only herself but for each member of her faculty; and
WHEREAS, During her storied career, Helene administered many public
school dance programs in the area and has served on the faculty of both
Ithaca College and Broome Community College; a significant number of her
former students have gone on to pursue college-level dance training and
a large number are currently dancing professionally; former students
operate their own schools in various parts of the USA (three locally);
and
WHEREAS, Helene Yelverton is also a highly respected and sought after
choreographer, workshop presenter and dance competition judge; she trav-
els extensively in each of these capacities throughout the United States
and Canada; and
WHEREAS, She is the past President of Dance Masters of America, Inc.,
Chapter No. 8 (upstate New York and Ontario, Canada) and has been a
member of this prestigious professional dance teacher's society for over
40 years; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that more than 11,900 youngsters have found
their way to the Helene Yelverton Dance Studio over the past 50 years;
while Helene is very proud of those former students who have made dance
their profession as teachers, choreographers, and dancers, she is also
most gratified to have played a contributing role in influencing the

healthy and wholesome development of literally thousands of youngsters;
and
WHEREAS, Helene Yelverton received significant public recognition for
her contribution to the field by being honored with her own "Star" as a
1996 Inductee to the Rod Serling Foundation's "SIDE WALK OF THE STARS"
at the Metro Center, in Binghamton, New York; and
WHEREAS, She was the 16th person to receive a star, and at the time,
was the first and only women so honored; Helene was also acclaimed in
2003 by being selected and honored as a Distinguished Alumni by the
Binghamton City School District; most recently, she received the 2004
Woman of Achievement Award from the Broome County Council on Women; and
WHEREAS, Students from her school perform locally in a variety of
charitable venues such as service organizations, schools, nursing facil-
ities, and hospitals; Helene Yelverton also presents an annual Recital
at The Forum in Binghamton each Spring, and for the past several years,
has featured her "Performance Ensemble" at Binghamton's First Night
Celebration; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband of 50 years, Bill,
Sr., their two sons, Dr. William Yelverton, Jr. and Thomas Yelverton,
and her granddaughter, Kari Helene Yelverton, all of whom feel privi-
leged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice 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
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Helene Yelverton Dance Studio;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Helene Yelverton Dance Studio.