4/15/23 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Lawrence Rhodes- Beginning of the Harkness Ballet


Larry Rhodes discusses the events leading to the formation of the Harkness Ballet in an excerpt from the upcoming documentary An American Ballet Story.  The story about the all too short life of the Harkness Ballet, will have its New York live screening premiere on April 20th at the New York Public Library Performing Arts – Bruno Walter Auditorium. O&A NYC Magazine Editor-in-Chief Walter Rutledge will moderate the post screening Q and A.  Continue reading

4/7/23 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Ballet For Life: Harkness Ballet- Finis Jhung

In the dance film autobiography Ballet For Life: Harkness Ballet former dance and acclaimed teacher  Finis Jhung reminisces about his years with the Harkness Ballet where he reached the pinnacle in his career and discovered Buddhism, which dramatically changed the course of his life. Continue reading

3/27/23 O&A NYC MORE HARKNESS STORIES: Luc Louis de Lairesse- I Cherish Those Days      

Cherish Those Days      

By Luc Louis de Lairesse                                             

Now 44 years ago, Nikita Talin (director) and Rebekah Harkness invited me teach and choreograph for what grew into the Harkness Dance Theatre. The next spring of 1980, Mrs. Harkness, in a private meeting, arranged for my working permit as her administrator, Mr. Bartwink, called the White House. I was impressed to say the least! Continue reading

3/20/23 O&A NYC GOING BACK TO AFRICA WITH WaleStylez: How the British copied good morning from the Yoruba language- Faabu Yoruba Folktale Cartoon

By Adewale Adekanbi Jr.

Faabu A Yoruba Folktale on how British men derived good morning from the Yoruba language. Continue reading

3/20/23 O&A NYC HEALTH AND FITNESS: Jonathan Majors’ Creed 3 Back and Core Workout-Men’s Health

Jonathan Majors — who is best known for his role in HBO’s “Lovecraft Country” — spent over a year in the gym working out in preparation for his role in Creed 3. Continue reading

1/16/23 O&A NYC HAIL THE KING!: Martin Luther King Jr.- The Other America

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1967 speech at Stanford University where he expounds on his nonviolent philosophy and methodology.
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11/26/22 O&A NYC GOING BACK TO AFRICA WITH WALESTYLEZ: Wise African Proverbs And Sayings

Wise proverbs and sayings of the peoples of Africa have a deep meaning. African sayings and wisdom will help you sort out life. Continue reading

GOING BACK TO AFRICA WITH WALESTYLEZ: Meeting The Wolof -Tallest Tribe In West Africa

By Adewale Adekanbi Jr

Tall, dark, and striking, Wolof people are believed to be the tallest ethnic group in West Africa. Most of them are 6 feet tall and also very dark. They are the giants of West Africa. Continue reading

12/15/21 O&A NYC BLACK FACTS: Hatshepsut- The Greatest Female Pharaoh

Hatshepsut was a female pharaoh of Egypt. She reigned between 1473 and 1458 B.C. Her name means “foremost of noblewomen.” Her rule was relatively peaceful and she was able to launch a building program that would see the construction of a great temple at Deir el-Bahari at Luxor. Continue reading

11/6/21 O&A NYC AFTER THE CONVERSATION: Elisa Monte, Sarita Allen, Lloyd Knight, Marzia Memoli

The Martha Graham Dance Company concluded its New York fall performances at the Joyce Theater. O&A NYC Editor-in-Chief Walter Rutledge sat down with Treading choreographer Elisa Monte, Graham dancers Lloyd Knight and Marzia Memoli, and “dance Icon” former Ailey principal Sarita Allen for a spirited conversation about Monte’s signature work. After the interview ended the the conversation continued.   Continue reading