1/8/17 O&A NYC: Gospel Artist Makes Medical Discovery (reprint)

By Walter Rutledge

Once again a Bible Bigot, this time Kim Burrell, has misused scripture to preach hate and exclusion. The article below originally appeared in Harlem World Magazine in the summer of 2010 shortly after the Deitrick Haddon/Tonex twitter scandal broke. For years the gospel industry had made subtle references and caddy “humorous” comments  about Tonex’s flamboyant gospel stage show. But there was nothing subtle about their reaction when Tonex decided to live in his own truth. Continue reading

Caribbean Dance Class to Celebrate Lavinia Williams Yarborough: Dancer, Educator & Anthropologist

By Walter Rutledge

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On Sunday, June 29th, 3pm, the 10th annual memorial class in honor of the late Lavinia Williams Yarborough will take place, at the Rod Rodgers Dance Studio, 62 E 4th Street. The class will be conducted by Williams long-time student, teaching assistant Noel Nantambu Hall. A reception will follow from 5pm to 6 pm. Continue reading

Dance Of The Village Elders Perform at Ailey School

By Walter Rutledge

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Dance of the Village Elders, a dance and fitness class designed for senior citizens, will hold their end of year demonstration and performance on Tuesday, July 1, 6:30pm at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Joan Weill Center for Dance, 455 West 55 Street at 9th Avenue in Studio 5A/5B. The 60-minute presentation will include a demonstration of the fitness training and movement program, the audience is encouraged to join in. Continue reading

Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center To Present A Song For You: An Evening With Dudley Williams

By Walter Rutledge

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The Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center will present the final PEEKS performance on Monday, June 30, 7:30pm at the Actor’s Fund Arts Center 160 Schermerhorn Street. The series will conclude with A Song For You: An Evening With Dudley Williams. Dancer and teacher Dudley Williams will discuss the creative process and collaborative relation he shared with choreographer Alvin Ailey, which lead to the creation of the ballet Love Songs. Continue reading

Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center: Dancing the Single Life (part 2)

By Walter Rutledge

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Dancing the Single Life (part 2) concluded the choreographer’s showcase portion of the Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center three-day New York season at the Actor’s Fund Arts Center, 160 Schermerhorn Street. For the second night five choreographers were presented each testing the boundaries of contemporary dance. It was an engaging terpsichorean event defined by cutting edge, innovative and provocative choreography. Continue reading

Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center: Dancing The Single Life (part 1)

By Walter Rutledge

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The Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center opened their three-day New York season at the Actor’s Fund Arts Center, 160 Schermerhorn Street, with the first installment of Dancing The Single Life. The concert features five solo works by five choreographers Germaul Barnes, Gierre Godley, Amy Grant Hall, Jason Herbert and Christopher Rudd. It was an evocative evening of dance works by cutting edge dancer makers. Continue reading

O&A Hollywood Monday: The Rocky Horror Picture Show- Sweet Transvestite

By Walter Rutledge

Hollywood Mondays

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The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a 1975 musical comedy horror film directed by Jim Sharman. The production is a humorous tribute to the science fiction and Horror B movies of the late 1930s through early 1970s. It stars Tim Curry, Susan Saradon, and Barry Bostwick along with cast members from the original Royal Court Theatre, Roxy Theatre and Belasco Theatre productions. Continue reading

Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center Series Begins Monday

By Walter Rutledge

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The Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center (THPAC) will present their annual Souls of Our Feet: People of Color Dance Festival June 23, 24, and 25; 7:30pm at the Actors Fund Arts Center, 160 Schermerhorn Street in Downtown Brooklyn. This year the performances will showcase the works of ten choreographers in a unique program of dance solos. The series is aptly entitled Dancing the Single Life. Continue reading

Dance Of The Village Elders: Seniors In Step

By Walter Rutledge

Dance Of the Village Elders, a program of Harlem Hospital Center and Ailey Arts in Education and Community Programs, are seniors who keep in shape by keeping in step. The dance and fitness class in residence at Harlem Hospital uses movement-based exercises to strengthen muscles, increase cardiovascular function and mobility and to have fun! Continue reading