The Nicholas Brothers were a famous African- American team of dancing brothers, Fayard (1914–2006) and Harold (1921–2000). With their highly acrobatic technique (flash dance), high level of artistry and daring innovations, they were considered by many the greatest tap dancers of their day. Continue reading
Author: OutandAboutnycmag
O & A With Rita Rubino: Industry Tips to Make You Cook Like a Pro
By Rita Rubino
O & A NYC: A Conversation with Philadanco Founder Joan Myers Brown and Author Brenda Dixon Gottschild
By Walter Rutledge
In The Art of War author Sun Tzu reveals, “…When people are skillfully led into battle, the momentum is like that of round rocks rolling down a high mountain – this is force.” This statement also applies to Philadelphia’s unstoppable force- Joan Myers Brown. Joan Myers Brown and The Audacious Hope of the Black Ballerina, a Biohistory of American Performance by Brenda Dixon Gottschild chronicles the evolution of African American dance and culture in Philadelphia. Continue reading
Dance Of The Village Elders Attend Ballet Hispanico Performance
On Sunday, April 20th members of the Dance Of The Village program went to see Ballet Hispanico at the Joyce Theater. Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro offered the group tickets to see the Easter evening performance. 30 members of the program attended the production. Continue reading
Hollywood Monday: Lady Sings The Blues (Big Ben) Plus Encore performance
Lady Sings the Blues is the story of jazz singer Billie Holiday and is loosely based on her 1956 autobiography. Holiday took its title from one of her most popular songs. Continue reading
O & A: A Conversation With Dudley Williams- Three Black Kings and more
Gospel Sunday: Calvary – Richard Smallwood and Vision
(In Photo: Roderick Tobin, Walter Rutledge, Samuel Quiller)
Richard Smallwood’s music has been recorded by artists such as Destiny’s Child, Yolanda Adams, Karen Clark-Sheard and many more. His recording career began in 1982 with the album The Richard Smallwood Singers. The album spent 87 weeks on Billboard’s Gospel chart. Continue reading
O & A- A Conversation With Choreographers Thaddeus Davis and Tonya Wideman-Davis : past-carry-forward Debuts April 23, 2014
By Walter Rutledge
Dance Theatre of Harlem will begin their New York season April 23 at the Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center. Choreographers Tanya Wideman-Davis and Thaddeus Davis have created past-carry-forward a work that considers the legacy of the Great Northern Migration of African Americans. Continue reading
Shall We Dance Friday: Dudley Williams- I Wanna Be Ready (1986)
In a long, brilliant career, Dudley Williams worked with such artists as Martha Graham, Talley Beatty, and Donald McKayle. Most significantly, he was a member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for more than forty years. Although Williams retired from that company in 2005, some months before his 67th birthday, he still teaches at the Ailey School. He also makes guest appearances as a teacher at the Martha Graham School. “[Dudley Williams is] amazing—an inspiration to everybody, a real poet with movement.” –Alvin Ailey from Revelations: The Autobiography of Alvin Ailey.
Ailey II: The Legacy Continues- New York Season 2014
By Walter Rutledge
The Ailey II New York season, April 2 through April 13, marked the fortieth anniversary of the company. Founded in 1974 by Alvin Ailey the then titled Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble was one of the first “junior companies” to provide a pre-professional performance environment for aspiring young artists. Under the 37 year stewardship of Sylvia Waters Ailey II grew into an internationally recognized dance company. It has built a solid reputation and a loyal following, now rivaling many professional companies. Continue reading