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Senator Rausch, dance organizations press for first‑in‑nation choreographer laureate
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Summary
Senator Becca Rausch and cultural leaders urged the committee to support S.2337, an honorary Choreographer Laureate of the Commonwealth. Sponsors said the unpaid four‑year appointment would elevate dance statewide and involve major dance institutions in nomination and outreach.
Sen. Becca Rausch asked the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development to again report favorably on S.2337, legislation to establish an honorary Choreographer Laureate of the Commonwealth.
"The bill does exactly as the title suggests," Rausch said. The laureate would serve a four‑year, unpaid term and be appointed by the governor from a list provided by a nominating committee. Rausch said the role would "encourage participation in the arts by elevating our dance legacy and our current dance communities in Massachusetts."
Pamela Tatchell (Jacob's Pillow), testifying for the Pillow as a national dance institution located in the Berkshires, urged the committee to make Massachusetts the first state in the nation to establish such a role. "This bill is a tremendous opportunity for Massachusetts to once again lead the nation in recognizing the power and impact of the arts," Tatchell said, noting Jacob's Pillow's 90‑plus years of choreography, performance and education.
Witnesses said the laureate would perform ceremonial functions, partner with institutions such as Jacob's Pillow and regional companies, and help broaden public understanding of dance as artistic practice and civic expression. The bill sponsors said there is no fiscal impact because the position is honorary and unpaid.
The committee did not take a vote during the hearing; sponsors asked for a favorable report to advance the legislation.
