Take your kids to work day is a day for the up and coming generation to see where their dreams can take them. 12-year-old Samantha Stewart is the daughter of NYPD Detective, Dillon Stewart, who lost his life in the line of duty on November 28th, 2005.
From left to right: Alexis Stewart, Leslyn Stewart, and Samantha Stewart at Answer the Call’s 30th Annual Gala
For Samantha, going to The Alvin Ailey School to see the company perform and get an inside look at all the work that goes into a show was a dream of hers. The Alvin Ailey Dance Company was founded in March,1958 by a group of young, black modern dancers who performed together as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. In 1969, the Ailey School was created and only had about 125 students.
Fast forward to today, The Alvin Ailey School now has three divisions for ages 2 to 25. Being one of the most respected dance companies and dance school, Samantha learned a lot from being there just one day. She says, “I learned how different jobs come together to form an amazing production, I also learned new styles and techniques used in the dance world.” Stewart has been dancing since she was 4-years-old and has had a love for it ever since. Dance has been able to help her express her feelings by learning and practicing different styles. Stewarts mentor for the day was Ms. Melanie Person, Co-Director of Alvin Ailey School. Person and the Company was able to open Stewart’s eyes to new styles of dance, which was her favorite part about her day, and they also gave her an insight to a possible future in modern dance. For Samantha Stewart, “the Alvin Ailey School was amazing.”
This post was written by Daniella Giammona, a Summer 2018 Development Intern.
