American Airlines Raises the Barre with Ballet Hispanico Sponsorship

NEW YORK, Sept. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- American Airlines has signed a cultural partnership agreement with Ballet Hispanico to become the Official Airline of the leading Latino dance company in the United States. Ballet Hispanico, which seeks to explore, preserve and celebrate Latino cultures through dance, has performed for more than 2 million people with a repertory of more than 100 works.

Because American Airlines has been a strong supporter of New York's arts and cultural community, as well as its Hispanic communities, for decades, it is fitting that American and Ballet Hispanico are joining in this valuable partnership. As the Official Airline of Ballet Hispanico in New York, American Airlines will receive visibility and signage throughout the performances that are part of the 2011-2012 season.

"As with all of our arts and cultural sponsorships, we believe it is important to support organizations like Ballet Hispanico so we can help them preserve the artistry of dance, enable their outstanding work to be produced and performed, and allow them to provide opportunities for talented and underprivileged children to see the world in new and creative ways," said Art Torno, American Airlines Vice President – New York.

"It is equally important for us to be able to thank our customers in New York for their continued support," Torno continued. "Our association with Ballet Hispanico is an excellent way to show our appreciation."

Founded in 1970 by Tina Ramirez, Ballet Hispanico is the foremost dance representative of Hispanic culture in the United States, with a professional Company that tours nationally and internationally; a School of Dance unique in its emphasis on ballet, modern and Spanish dance as its core curriculum; and extensive education and outreach for public schools, both in New York and around the country.

Marie-Louise Silva Stegall, Executive Director of Ballet Hispanico said, "We are excited to embark on a partnership with American Airlines and to allow the airline to be part of the Ballet Hispanico experience."

Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director of Ballet Hispanico added, "American's continued support of the arts and cultural community is second to none, and we look forward to working together on our upcoming season of performances."

Ballet Hispanico's fall calendar kicks off on Sept. 18 with a performance at Bryant Park Fall Festival in New York City, followed by performances at Grace Street Theater in Richmond, Va.; the Arts Center Theater in Pueblo, Colo.; Macky Auditorium in Boulder, Colo.; the Newman Center for the Performing Arts in Denver; the Strathmore Hall Arts Center in Bethesda, Md.; and the Duke Family Performance Hall in Davidson, N.C. In April 2012, Ballet Hispanico will perform for two weeks at the famed Joyce Theater in Manhattan.

American Airlines has served the New York market for more than 80 years. American and American Eagle, its regional affiliate, currently offer nonstop service to 63 destinations with 238 daily flights from all four New York – area airports. American, which currently offers nonstop service from New York to 30 international destinations, is the airline with the largest presence from New York to the Caribbean and Latin America, both through nonstop flights from New York and connecting flights through Miami.

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® carrier serve 250 cities in 50 countries with, on average, more than 3,600 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning website, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve approximately 900 destinations with more than 9,000 daily flights to 145 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, and AAdvantage are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR).

About Ballet Hispanico

Under Eduardo Vilaro's artistic leadership, Ballet Hispanico explores, preserves and celebrates Latino cultures through dance. The mission unfolds in the work of the professional Company, the School of Dance, and the Education & Outreach programs. Together, these divisions celebrate the dynamic aesthetics of the Hispanic diaspora, building new avenues of cultural dialogue and sharing the joy of dance with all communities.

The School of Dance has forged a reputation among the nation's leading professional training programs, offering a balanced curriculum in ballet, modern and Spanish dance – a practice unique among America's dance training institutions. As a result, students receive not only a thorough grounding in the primary techniques required for a successful performing career, but also specialized training in the rich and varied dance tradition which, for many, is their cultural heritage. For more information, visit www.ballethispanico.org. Follow Ballet Hispanico on Facebook and Twitter.

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SOURCE American Airlines