WASHINGTON, DC -- Kicking off National Hispanic Heritage month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15, the U.S. Postal Service dedicated the Let’s Dance/Bailemos stamps which brings to life four sassy Latin dances. The official first-day ceremonies were held in New York City at the Copacabana nightclub and in Miami at the Coconut Grove Expo Center. The 37-cent Let’s Dance/Bailemos commemorative stamps are available nationwide today.



“At the Postal Service, we understand the power our stamps have in helping to celebrate American history and culture ˆ in this case, the contributions of Latin American art and dance to American culture,” said David Solomon, Vice President, Area Operations, New York Metro, U.S. Postal Service, who dedicated the stamps in New York.



Joining Solomon in dedicating these stamps were Willie Colón, musician and composer; Vonzell Solomon, “American Idol” finalist and former postal carrier; The Copacabana Dancers and Maria Elena Girone, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Puerto Rican Family Institute, Inc. Both stamp artists Edel Rodriquez, who created the Cha-cha-chá stamp, and José Ortega, who created the Salsa stamp signed autographs.



“Now, people all around the country will be able to sway to the left and right, and accent their mail and packages with these high energy stamps that capture the enthusiasm of dancers moving to the beat,” said Anita Bizzotto, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, U.S. Postal Service, who dedicated the stamps in Miami.



Joining Bizzotto at the stamp dedication were Manny Diaz, Mayor of Miami and Lissette Gonzales, former Miss Florida. Both stamp artists Sergio Baradat, who created the Mambo stamp, and Rafael Lopez, who created the Merengue stamp signed autographs.

Showcasing one of four popular dances on each stamp, four different Hispanic American artists created designs that expressed their personal interpretations of Latin Dance. ...