Maya Plisetskaya, Prima Ballerina Assoluta of the Bolshoi Ballet, danced Maurice Bejart’s Bolero set to the famous Ravel score in 1975. Plisetskaya created a stunning theatrical experience. What makes the piece so compelling is that although Plisetskaya may be accompanied by dozens of other dancers mirroring her movement, the first and only focus is on the prima ballerina herself. Continue reading
By Adewale Adekanbi Jr.
Word Up! is a funk and R&B song written and recorded by Cameo in 1986. Due to its heavy play on American dance and R&B radio, as well as music video play on MTV (which has LeVar Burton as a police detective trying to arrest the band), the single became the band’s best known hit.
Theme and Variations received its world premiere at New York’s City Center on November 26, 1947, danced by Alicia Alonso and Igor Youskevitch. George Balanchine’s plotless ballet with its glorious choreography and glittering costumes is a vision of the Imperial Ballet in its heyday at the Maryinksy Theatre. A second production with costumes by Desmond Heeley, premiered at the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, on April 17, 1978, with Gelsey Kirkland and Mikhail Baryshnikov in the leading roles.
By Walter Rutledge
In 1971, Alvin Ailey created Cry, one of his signature dance works, as a birthday present for his mother Lula Elizabeth Ailey. Ailey dedicated the ballet to “all black women everywhere — especially our mothers.” The three-part ballet, set to popular and gospel music by Alice Coltrane, Laura Nyro and Chuck Griffin, depicts a woman’s journey through the agonies of slavery to an ecstatic state of grace. Cry premiered at New York City Center on May 4, 1971. Continue reading
Rita Moreno gave the 2016 commencement address at Berklee. Moreno began her address with the standard inspirational speech, then the 84-year-old actress soon broke into a rap, encouraging the audience to pursue their passion. Continue reading
The Batdance music video, directed by Albert Magnoli and choreographed by Barry Lather, featured dancers costumed as multiple Batmen, Jokers and Vicki Vales. Continue reading
By Adewale Adekanbi Jr.
Parents Just Don’t Understand is the second single from DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s second studio album, He’s the DJ, I’m the Rapper. The song won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance at the 1989 Grammy Awards, one of the two songs to do so before the award was discontinued in 1991. It peaked at on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was released as a single in spring 1988.
By Adewale Adekanbi Jr.
The new collaboration between Clarks x Supreme consists of new variations of the British shoe manufacturer’s signature Wallabee and Wallabee boots. Continue reading
By Adewale Adekanbi Jr.
The much anticipated Season 4 of Orange Is the New Black will launch on Netflix June 17. On Season 4 Litchfield Prison will welcome 100 new inmates as well as new house rules. Here is a preview of Orange Is the New Black Season 4 . Continue reading
By Adewale Adekanbi Jr.
Black-ish writer Damilare Sonoiki launched a sitcom called African Booty Scratcher. The hilarious show sheds light on a Nigerian family’s struggle to balance giving their son a better life with ensuring he maintains their traditional values and cultural identity. The series gives a sneak peek into a diverse and captivating universe that is a welcome addition to the TV landscape. Continue reading
The Dance of the Village Elders are back ! This time we exercise, dance and just have fun through the zoom platform or in-person at R.A.I.N. Nereid 
The Dance of the Village Elders are back ! This time we exercise, dance and just have fun through the zoom platform or in-person at R.A.I.N. Nereid 