4/21/18 O&A NYC DANCE/REVIEW: newsteps- a choreographer’s series

By Walter Rutledge

The Chen Dance Center began the 34th consecutive newsteps; the semi-annual emerging choreographers’ series, Thursday, April 19 at the Chen Dance Center, 70 Mulberry Street in New York’s Chinatown. This season the three-performance spring showcase, which runs through Saturday, April 21, selected works from “non- dancers”. Professional artists, actors, musicians, singers, photographers, who applied their expertise of their respective art forms to the choreographic process. The five choreographers selected through an open audition for the April concerts are Kate Douglas, Bryndon Cook, Lauren Oliver, Alec Funiciello, and Sophia Zukoski. Each choreographer is given rehearsal space, an honorarium, mentoring from a member of the selection panel, and multiple (three) performances to give the works time to “find its own voice”. Continue reading

4/15/18 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Kirk Franklin Salute To The Godfather Rev. Timothy Wright

The Kirk Franklin Salute to The Godfather Rev. Timothy Wright at the 2009 Stellar Awards. Continue reading

4/11/18 O&A NYC WITH WaleStylez FASHION: COMME des GARÇONS Launches First Men’s Only Shop at Nordstrom

By Adewale Adekanbi Jr

COMME des GARÇON works with a selection of stockists outside of its own stores and Dover Street Market outlets, but the label is joining Nordstrom for a brand new retail opportunity. Continue reading

4/4/18 O&A NYC MILESTONES:  Martin Luther King Jr. Assassination By Witness Clara Ester

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968, an event that sent shock waves reverberating around the world. A then-college junior, Clara Ester was standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee and rushed to Martin Luther King Junior’s side when he was shot.

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4/4/18 O&A NYC DANCE: Dougla Returns to Dance Theatre of Harlem Tonight

Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) begins their four performance New York season tonight at New York City Center. One of the season highlights is the much-anticipated revival of choreographer/Renaissance Man Geoffrey Holder’s Dougla. Dougla captures the pageantry, beauty and ritual of a the wedding day of a young Dougla couple from Trinidad. They are the offspring of Africans who were brought to the Caribbean as slaves and Indians who were brought as low cost labor after the abolition of slavery. Continue reading

4/2/18 O&A NYC DANCE: Ingrid Silva- Brown Ballerina

By Walter Rutledge

Ingrid Silva was like every little girl who studied ballet; she dreamed of being a ballerina. As Silva’s potential became evident she realized that there was little opportunity for a dark-skinned classical dancer in Brazil. In 2008, at age 18, she left home and moved to New York City to study at the Dance Theatre of Harlem.    Continue reading

4/1/18 O&A NYC OUT AND ABOUT- WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK: Spring Break!!!!

Spring Break is here! And the city is abounding with activity “24- 7- 365”. We have art celebrating popular culture in Harlem. Ballet, modern and more throughout the city. Blockbuster and Indie film share the silver screen,  jazz to Motown grooves Midtown and the world’s most exotic cars hit the westside. Here are a few of the many events happening in the city that never sleeps guaranteed to keep you Out and About. Continue reading

3/28/18 O&A NYC DANCE: Da’Von Doane- Living The Dream

By Walter Rutledge

The Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) begins their New York City season April 4th through 7th at New York City Center. The company will present a varied and diverse program including three New York premieres: George Balanchine’s Valse-Fantaisie, Harlem on My Mind by Darrell Grand Moultrie, and Christopher Wheeldon’s duet This Bitter Earth. The season highlight will be the much-anticipated return of Dougla by choreographer/Renaissance man Geoffrey Holder. Continue reading

8/26/21 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY CELEBRATING NICHOLAS ASHFORD: Ashford and Simpson – Found A Cure (Live 1979) And More

Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson, the successful songwriting duo and recording artists, met at Harlem’s White Rock Baptist Church in 1964. Their careers as songwriters, producers and powerhouse performers spanned more than forty-five years. On August 22, 2011 Ashford passed from throat cancer. He is survived by wife of 36 years Valerie and their two daughters Asia and Nicole. Continue reading

3/12/18 O&A NYC DANCE: Conversation With Khalia Campbell- Ailey II

Khalia Campbell is one of those individuals who was born to dance. Her talent, drive and natural God given ability have aligned in this endeavor, and the result is awe-inspiring. Campbell will be on full display this week as Ailey ll begins their spring season on Wednesday March 14th at the Ailey Citigroup Theater. Continue reading