2/10/24 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: Philadanco at the Joyce

By Walter Rutledge

The Philadelphia Dance Company, better known by its sobriquet Philadanco, is having a stellar New York City season at the Joyce Theater.  The all-to-short four-day five performance series will conclude to today Saturday, February 10 with two performances: a 2pm family matinee and an 8pm finale. The season has successfully highlighted the works of four emerging choreographers Tommie-Waheed Evans, Nijawwon Matthews, Ray Mercer and Chris Rudd: thus, continuing the company’s role in perpetuating the Black dance tradition. Continue reading

2/8/24 O&A NYC DANCE PREVIEW: Tommie Waheed Evans- Philadanco

Congratulations to choreographer Tommie Waheed Evans! His latest work for Philadanco Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth has its New York City this week, February 6th through February 10 January 10th at the Joyce Theater. Continue reading

1/28/24 O&A NYC DANCE: Philadanco- “Philly’s Finest” Returns to New York’s Joyce Theater

By Walter Rutledge

Philadanco- the Philadelphia Dance Company returns to New York City’s Joyce Theater, February 6th thru February 10th, 2024. The highly anticipated four-day five performance series will present the works of four emerging choreographers of merit, Tommie-Waheed Evans, Nijawwon Matthews, Ray Mercer, and Christopher Rudd. Evans, Matthews and Mercer have history with Philadanco as company members and in Mercer’s case choreographer-in-residence. While Rudd has gained recent notoriety for the two works set on American Ballet Theater.   Continue reading

5/11/19 O&A NYC DANCE/REVIEW: The Dallas Black Dance Theater In The Spirit Of Now

By Walter Rutledge

The Dallas Black Dance Theater (DBDT) presented their all too short New York season, “Spirit Of Now” at the Ailey Citigroup Theater on Thursday, May 2 and Friday, May 3. The two-day two performance series marked the sixth season at the venue and the first season for the recently appointed Artistic Director Melissa M. Young. Her twenty-five-year association with DBDT (eleven years as a performing and fourteen administrative/artistic) gives Young a unique understanding of the company ethos. A teary eyed Young promised the audience the company would, “Move your spirit”.  Continue reading

6/16/18 O&A NYC DANCE/REVIEW: Philadanco at the Joyce

By Walter Rutledge

Philadanco (Philadelphia Dance Company) opened their New York City season on June 12 at the Joyce Theater. The eleven- member ensemble performed four works by choreographers Thang Dao, Christopher L. Huggins, and two former Philadanco Company members Dawn Marie Bazemore and Tommie-Waheed Evans. The well curated program used social injustice as the evening’s theme. Continue reading

6/10/18 O&A NYC WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK: JUNE 10- 17, 2018

New York City in late spring, and the city is in full bloom. We have art blossoming in Uptown and Midtown, dance swirls around Lincoln Center and Chelsea, female jewels thieves stealing the movie box office and Denzel on Broadway. Here are a few of the many events happening in the city that never sleeps guaranteed to keep you Out and About. Continue reading

6/7/18 O&A NYC DANCE: Philadanco Returns to the Joyce

Philadanco returns to New York City for seven performances, June 12 through 17 at the Joyce Theater. The company will present four works by choreographers of color, including three New York premieres. This concert series marks the company’s first solo presentation at the Joyce Theater since 2012.  Continue reading