LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Ruth Sistaire upon the occasion of her
retirement after 31 years of distinguished service as a dance educator

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its
history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educa-
tional professionals and the students they inspire; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
significant milestones in the careers of those outstanding dance
instructors within our schools whose dedication and achievements have
inspired young people in New York State to achieve excellence in the
performance of dance; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Ruth
Sistaire upon the occasion of her retirement as a dance instructor at
Ronald Edmonds Learning Center Middle School 113, Brooklyn, New York,
after 31 years of dedicated service in education; a Retirement Cele-
bration in her honor will be held on Friday, May 30, 2014 at the Brook-
lyn Bridge Marriott in Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, Over her long and productive career, Ruth Sistaire has helped
countless students to develop an understanding and appreciation of the
self as an anatomically expressive and communicating instrument through
the experience of dance; and
WHEREAS, Professionally skilled in ballet, contemporary dance, and
African derived dance forms, Ruth Sistaire holds a Bachelor of Science
in Dance from the University of Georgia, and a Master of Arts in Dance
Education from Teachers College, Columbia University; and
WHEREAS, This talented educator has performed professionally with
Atlanta Dance Theater, Variables of Seven Dance Company, and Joyce
Harrigan Dance Company in New York City, and has used this priceless
first-hand knowledge to nurture the development of dance in others; and
WHEREAS, Ruth Sistaire taught at Harbor School of the Arts in East
Harlem, New York, before becoming a dance instructor at Ronald Edmonds
Learning Center Middle School 113 in 1984; in this role, she designed
and developed curricula for dance for aspiring middle school dancer-ar-
tists; and
WHEREAS, In addition to developing technique and skills in various
dance styles, Ruth Sistaire's students study dance terminology, anatomy,
review writing, and dance history, as well as participate in two major
dance productions as part of the ...And We Dance Repertory Ensemble, and
other community-based performances; and
WHEREAS, Ruth Sistaire's students have attended and graduated from
dance performing arts programs in high schools across New York City;
some have gone on to study and perform with major dance companies,
including Phildanco and Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, while others have
earned graduate degrees in dance, developing their own dance business
endeavors or teaching the next generation of dancers in New York City
public schools; and
WHEREAS, Ruth Sistaire has also worked as an adjunct instructor for
SUNY New Paltz, where she designed and implemented a curriculum in Afri-
can Derived Dance as a course in the Black Studies Department; she has
also provided professional development, mentoring, and dance consulting
services for educators, student teachers, private educational organiza-
tions, and churches; and
WHEREAS, For her extraordinary commitment to dance, Ruth Sistaire has
received numerous awards, including Who's Who Among America's Teachers,
Chancellor's Teacher Recognition Award, Middle School 113 Dance Parents

Award, Honors Award in Black Studies, and the Angela Zirpiades Physical
Education Award; and
WHEREAS, Educators like Ruth Sistaire provide a tremendous service to
the future of our State and Nation, inspiring generations of young
people in their educational journeys and ensuring their success in their
future years; and
WHEREAS, Ruth Sistaire has clearly had an enduring impact on the youth
of Ronald Edmonds Learning Center Middle School 113, as well as on the
community-at-large, and accordingly merits recognition and applause for
her impressive dedication to others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud tradition of
public education by providing their skills and talents to our schools;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Ruth Sistaire upon the occasion of her retirement as a dance
instructor at Ronald Edmonds Learning Center Middle School 113 after 31
years of dedicated service in education, and for her significant
contributions to education in New York State; and to wish her continued
success in all of her future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ruth Sistaire.