Wilmington Trust and its parent company M&T Bank announce today a partnership with the world-renowned modern dance company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, to launch a four-day, in-school residency in two local Baltimore schools from April 23-26 for students of Henderson-Hopkins and Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women.
Through this partnership, Ailey will conduct a workshop, "Revelations: An Interdisciplinary Approach," where students will be introduced to the life and accomplishments of Alvin Ailey while using dance as a vehicle for developing self-esteem, self-discipline, creative expression, and critical-thinking skills. The program will be led by Nasha Thomas, a former member of the Ailey company, who is now national director of AileyCamp and a master teacher who implements Ailey's Arts in Education & Community Program residencies across the U.S.
The young students will be introduced to the innovative curriculum-based residency program, which is inspired by Alvin Ailey's signature work, "Revelations," along with a special "Show and Tell" demonstration, featuring stars from the worlds of dance and football. They will also have the opportunity to see Ailey's first-ever two-act ballet, 2018's hip-hop "Lazarus" and "Revelations" at Baltimore's Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric during the world-renowned dance company's engagement on April 23 and 24.
"At Wilmington Trust and M&T Bank, we foster a culture of community involvement. We have a genuine desire and actively work to make a difference in our communities," said Doris Meister, executive vice president of Wealth Management at Wilmington Trust. "I have seen the impact the arts can have on young people and their families. By making the arts available to all, communities become healthier and stronger. That is why Alvin Ailey had two missions when he started his dance company in the late 1950s. He wanted to build a world-class dance company and to pursue a social mission through his commitment to educational programs in dance."
Students will also have the special opportunity to hear from dancers and well-known Baltimore athletes who will share their empowering success stories and perform an exciting demonstration exemplifying their artistic and athletic abilities.
"Alvin Ailey was a pioneer in celebrating the human spirit through the African-American culture and modern dance, and we honor his legacy by elevating the artistry of our performances and extending the reach of our educational programs to people of all ages and backgrounds," said Robert Battle, artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. "This invaluable sponsorship strengthens the Ailey organization's service to the local community and next generation, giving area youth the opportunity to experience this unique residency and a performance featuring 'Revelations,' the must-see masterpiece that opens hearts and minds, just as it did mine when I was a student."
"M&T Bank is a proud and active community partner in Baltimore, and we support many local education and arts organizations with charitable dollars, volunteer hours and board service," said Augie Chiasera, Baltimore regional president for M&T Bank. "We're excited to bring this experience to the students at Henderson Hopkins and the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women."
Wilmington Trust and M&T Bank have a heritage of improving the quality of life in the communities where they do business. Supporting the local nonprofit and charitable organizations has been a tradition for more than a century and arts and cultural partnerships have been at the cornerstone of many local programs. Most recently, M&T Bank was named the Founding Bank of The Shed, New York's newest cultural art center, and both M&T and Wilmington Trust will sponsor its performance series.
About M&T Bank
M&T Bank Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T's principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, operates banking offices in New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. Trust-related services are provided by M&T's Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank. Member FDIC
About Wilmington
Trust Wilmington Trust's Wealth Advisory offers a wide array of personal trust, financial planning, fiduciary, asset management, private banking and family office services designed to help high-net-worth individuals and families grow, preserve, and transfer wealth. Wilmington Trust focuses on serving families with whom it can build long-term relationships, many of which span multiple generations.
Wilmington Trust also provides Corporate and Institutional Services for clients around the world.
Wilmington Trust has clients in all 50 states and numerous countries, with offices throughout the United States and internationally in London, Dublin, Paris, and Frankfurt. For more information, visit www.WilmingtonTrust.com.
