A Senate resolution recognizing the growth and success of Cypher Side Dance School

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Foung Hawj

The bill formally recognizes Cypher Side Dance School and founder Lue Thao for its growth, community impact, and youth empowerment through dance.

Referred to Rules and Administration

Purpose and Intent

Recognizes and celebrates the growth, achievements, and impact of Cypher Side Dance School, founded by Lue Thao in 2017.

Publicly acknowledges the school’s contributions to Minnesota’s youth, arts, and Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.

Conveys the Senate’s congratulations and best wishes for continued success.

Key Provisions and Changes

Formal Recognition: The bill is a Senate resolution recognizing Cypher Side Dance School’s historical milestones, community impact, and leadership in youth empowerment through dance.

Institutional Commendation: The Senate expresses commendation to Lue Thao and Cypher Side Dance School, signaling bipartisan acknowledgment of their cultural and educational contributions.

Enrolled Copy and Transmittal: Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare an enrolled copy of the resolution, authenticated by the Secretary’s signature and the Chair of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and to transmit it to Cypher Side Dance School.

Who/What Would Be Affected

Primary Beneficiary: Cypher Side Dance School and its founder, Lue Thao.

Community Impact: Minnesota communities connected to Cypher Side (students, families, and supporters) benefit from formal recognition of their contributions to arts education, youth development, and the broader AAPI community.

Government/Legislative Standing: The resolution adds a formal acknowledgment to the Senate’s records; no new programs, funding, or regulatory requirements are created.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Sponsorship: Co-sponsored by Sen. Foung Hawj, with Senate sponsors listed as Tom Bottern (Secretary), Erin P. Murphy (Chair, Rules and Administration), Foung Hawj (Co-sponsor), Forshadowed by other sponsors listed.

Introduction Date: May 16, 2026.

Referral: Referred to the Senate Rules and Administration Committee for consideration.

Nature of Action: Non-binding formal resolution; no enactment of law or appropriation beyond recognition.

Enrolled Copy: If approved, an enrolled copy will be prepared and transmitted to Cypher Side Dance School.

Notable Context from the Bill Text

Cypher Side Dance School was founded in 2017 inside the Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center and has since grown from 20 students to over 300 students with more than 40 weekly classes.

The bill highlights notable milestones, including performances at high-profile events (Super Bowl LII Halftime Show, Governor Walz’s inauguration), invitations to perform at Olympic-related events, and expansion across multiple studios (Gem Lake, North St. Paul, and a fourth studio in 2024).

The resolution references community resilience (e.g., recovery from an electrical fire with fundraising support) and a pattern of recognizing student achievements (e.g., Timberwolves association, and inaugural Hmong community events).

Overall Assessment

SR 90 is a ceremonial, non-substantive recognition bill intended to honor Cypher Side Dance School’s growth, community impact, and leadership in youth empowerment through dance.

It serves as a formal public acknowledgment by the Minnesota Senate and does not establish new policy, funding, or regulatory changes.

Bill