By Adewale Adekanbi Jr
A short film focusing on life for black Britons, entitled NEW GEN. The sixteen minute clip is a mixture of acapella raps alongside dreamily-shot vignettes and scenes of London life. Continue reading
By Adewale Adekanbi Jr
A short film focusing on life for black Britons, entitled NEW GEN. The sixteen minute clip is a mixture of acapella raps alongside dreamily-shot vignettes and scenes of London life. Continue reading
Storyboard P makes his performing debut in the UK at Breakin’ Convention at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London. This Bessie Award winning performing artist showcases his unique style of movement, Mutant combined with his impressive narrative quality. Continue reading
As a high school student, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson started getting into trouble. He was arrested for everything from fighting and stealing to forging checks, but Dwayne says he began to change his ways when he was 16 years old. Continue reading
These Banana Pancakes with Chocolate Bits and Raspberries are the perfect combination of deliciously sweet and warm and soft. Continue reading
By Walter Rutledge
I believe that children are our future;
Teach them well and let them lead the way.
Show them all the beauty they possess inside.
Give them a sense of pride,
To make it easier;
Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be. George Benson- The Greatest
This is the opening stanza for George Benson’s The Greatest written for the 1977 biopic of the same title about Muhammad Ali. It is also the music and title of a duet choreographed by Arthur Mitchell for Dance Theatre Of Harlem, and in many ways it remains Mitchell’s credo. An Afternoon with Arthur Mitchell presented at the Lenfest Center for the Arts, Columbia University on Saturday, January 20, 2018 was an opportunity to see a master teacher, director, educator and showman in action.
After a short introduction Mitchell and percussionist Baba Don Eaton Lenfest Center for the Arts, Columbia University proceeded to teach the audience a series of polyrhythmic music passages. The highlight was a rare screening of the dance documentary (1973), featuring Mitchell’s ballet Rhythmetron, and a fledgling Dance Theatre of Harlem. Most of the film took place in the basement of the Church of the Master, the home of his first school at 81 Morningside Avenue.
Throughout the film Mitchell shares his gift of dance with the charm, confidence and authority that has become his trademark. He masterfully used popular social dances as a bridge to ballet. Mitchell made classic ballet less foreign and more accessible to the young audience from the Harlem community. It was wonderful seeing a performance by the original cast of Rhythmetron; which featured Lydia Abarca, Yvonne Hall, Virginia Johnson, Ronald Perry and Walter Raines.
Following the film Mitchell took questions from the audience, which included balletomanes, dance history enthusiasts and young dancers from Harlem School Of The Arts and Dance Theatre Of Harlem. At 83 years old Mitchell displayed the same vigor, charisma and irrepressible wit we had seen earlier in the film. Always “Mr. Mitchell”, he shared anecdotes, offered advice, and even corrected deportment with an uncompromising paternal demeanor.
An Afternoon With Arthur Mitchell
In her book Page by Page author Ruth Page has a chapter entitled Father Mitchell 1972. Page writes: “Arthur Mitchell is a person with no vices. He doesn’t smoke or drink, and eats a lot of ice cream. He works very hard and is truly a splendid example for young dancers. He is really a sort of Sir Galahad.”
For more information about the Wallach Art Gallery and the Arthur Mitchell: Harlem’s Ballet Trailblazer exhibition and related events visit wallach.columbia.edu.
Upcoming events include:
Wallach Gallery Talks
Saturday January 27, 2018 1:00 – 1:30PM
Learn more about key works in the Arthur Mitchell archive from different perspectives. All talks begin at 1 pm and meet in the Wallach Art Gallery lobby on the 6th floor. Lynn Garafola, exhibition curator and Professor Emerita of Dance, Barnard College, Columbia University.
Wallach Family Afternoon
Saturday February 10, 2018 1:00 – 3:00PM
An afternoon of storytelling, art-making and movement for families to enjoy together.
Discussion with former dancers from the Dance Theatre of Harlem
Saturday February 24, 2018, 1pm
For more information about the Wallach Art Gallery and the Arthur Mitchell: Harlem’s Ballet Trailblazer exhibition and related events visit wallach.columbia.edu.
By Adewale Adekanbi Jr
Valentino continues the worldwide debut of its VLTN men’s collection with the opening of a New York City pop-up store.By incorporating contemporary streetwear and athletic motifs, VLTN redefines its menswear offering as a nexus of modernity, self-expression and style. Continue reading
Los Angeles Pop artist Jhené Aiko has released a music video for Sativa from her 2017 album Trip. The original track features sultry vocals from Rae Sremmurd, Swae Lee, and Jhené Aiko tapped his other half to contribute an additional verse for the video. Continue reading
Fallin by Alicia Keys from her debut studio album Songs in A Minor (2001). It was released as the lead single from Songs in A Minor in April 2, 2001, by J Records. Fallin is generally considered her signature song. Continue reading
The City Gym Boys 2013 Bangin’ Body Fashion Show showcases the concept of a Bangin’ Body. The New York City based natural bodybuilding team promotes health and wellness through fashion shows, personal appearances and annual calendars. Their message continues to inspire, while encouraging fitness and wellness. Continue reading