Dance

3/15/24 O&A NYC CELEBRATING WOMEN ON SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Firebird- Dance Theatre of Harlem

Dance Theatre of Harlem’s iconic Firebird places the Russian folk tale about a magical bird that triumphs over evil in an exotic Caribbean setting. John Taras’ choreography to Stravinsky’s familiar score was further enlivened by sets and costumes by Geoffrey Holder. The 1982 DTH production was a tremendous worldwide success. Continue reading

3/13/24 O&A NYC WALESTYLEZ DANCE PARTY: Ding Dong – Lebeh Lebeh

Kemar Christopher Dwaine Ottey popularly known as Ding Dong is a Dancehall and Reggae artist and entertainer from Kingston, Jamaica.In early 2003, Ding Dong created the dance group Ravers Clavers with a group of friends. Continue reading

3/8/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Lil Buck at Foundation Louis Vuitton

To mark the current exhibition at Foundation Louis Vuitton in Paris, Icons Of Modern Art: The Shchukin Collection, London-based director Andrew Margetson follows Memphis-born jookin’ dancer Lil Buck as he twists and turns past masterpieces by the likes of Picasso and Matisse. Continue reading

3/5/24 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Josh Levi – EGO

Singer, actor, and dancer Josh Levi first gained attention for his role in the NBC  television series Friday Night Lights. In his latest dance project EGO the 26 year old Houston, Texas native shows you the meaning of the phrase  “a triple threat”.  Continue reading

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… 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

2/5/24 O&A NYC DANCE PREVIEW: Ray Mercer- Philadanco- Balance of Power

By Walter Rutledge Dance/choreographer Ray Mercer is living his best life out loud! The Omaha, Nebraska native can be seen eight times a week as a member of the Broadway juggernaut The King Lion. This week Mercer’s artistry will be on full display at the Joyce theater during the New… Continue reading

2/3/24 O&A NYC ITS SATURDAY ANYTHING GOES: Jeroboam Bozeman- The Philadanco Years (part 3)

By Walter Rutledge Jeroboam Bozeman is a principal dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The 10 year veteran of the Ailey Company has distinguished himself not only as a more than capable technician and partner but as a dramatic performer of merit. Bozeman cut his performing chops with… Continue reading

2/2/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: It Don’t Mean a Thing! Phyllis Hyman, Hinton Battle and Gregg Burge.

On March 1 1981, Sophisticated Ladies debuted on Broadway. The show run for 767 performances  and garnered two Tony Awards for Willi Kim for Best Costume and Hinton Battle for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical. It Don’t Mean a Thing! featuring the sultry Phyllis Hyman, Hinton Battle… Continue reading

2/1/24 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: RudduR Dance

By Walter Rutledge RudduR Dance presented a three-day New York season January 25th through January 27th at the Chelsea Factory. Founder and choreographer Christopher Rudd continues to develop choreography that both entertaining and enlightening. The well curated seventy-five-minute concert presented three works and offered a retrospective into choreographer Rudd’s work… 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… Continue reading

1/27/24 O&A NYC ITS SATURDAY- ANYTHING GOES: Aunt Viv’s Got The Moves (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)

Aunt Viv (Vivian Banks) hits the big 4-0 and decides to become a dancer. She takes class with teacher Roumel Reaux and has the legally blonde Thomas Halstead in class.  Continue reading

1/26/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Chris Rudd’s Touché featuring Calvin Royal III and João Menegussi

Touché, a work for two dancers, explores the themes of male love. The pas de deux was created by Chris Rudd and featured dancers danced by Calvin Royal III (Adam) and João Menegussi (Steve). Continue reading

1/21/24 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: Ronald K. Brown /Evidence

By Walter Rutledge Ronald K. Brown /Evidence presented their 2024 New York season January 16 through 21 at the Joyce Theater. The nine-member ensemble offered two works Walking Out the Dark (2001) and Torch (2012). The program provided an overview of the range and diversity of choreographer Brown and his… Continue reading

1/19/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Four Corners- Ronald K. Brown and Evidence: A Dance Company

Ronald K. Brown’s Four Corners was originally commissioned for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 2014. Dancers depict spiritual seekers amid four angels standing on the corners of the earth, holding the four winds. Continue reading

1/15/24 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: Dallas Black Dance Theatre

By Walter Rutledge The Black Dallas Dance Company (BDDC) began a two-day performance series at the Joyce theater on January 11th, 2024. The series was part of the Joyce Theater‘s eighth annual American Dance Platform. Jacob’s Pillow Associate Curator Melanie George presented a trilogy of performances and performers with a roster including… Continue reading

1/6/23 O&A NYC ITS SATURDAY- ANYTHING GOES: Carnival – Debbie Allen- Fame TV Series

Carnival is written by Henry Thompson & Vanessa Dale and is performed by Debbie Allen, from the season 1 of the hit television series Fame episode The Crazies. Continue reading

1/3/23 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: The Genius of Alvin Ailey

By Walter Rutledge Another bout of Covid (our third slow dance) prevented me from seeing the new works presented during the first and second weeks of the Ailey season. When Covid and I finished our Rumba, I attended an All-Ailey matinee featuring four works, Night Creature, Cry, Survivors and Revelations.… Continue reading

11/24/23 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Dear Quincy- Carmen De Lavallade and Wesley Fata

Carmen de Lavallade dancing to Quincy Jones’s “Soul Bossa Nova” with Wesley Fata on November 16, 1968. Ms. de Lavallade’s late husband, the great Geoffrey Holder, choreographed this piece This is jut an excerpt of a much longer dance. Continue reading

11/20/23 O&A NYC THEATRE- REVIEW: Hadestown- Sometimes True Love Can Be Hell.

By Walter Rutledge Recently I had the extreme pleasure to see the Broadway smash hit Hadestown at the Walter Kerr Theater. The 2019 eight-time Tony Award winning musical is still wowing audiences with Anais Mitchell’s incredible lyric music score and touching book featuring dual love stories. Before we talk about… Continue reading

11/17/23 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Robert Battle Resigns

  From the Ailey Press Office The Board of Trustees of Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation today announced that Robert Battle, Artistic Director of Ailey since 2011, has informed them that he needs to focus on his health and has submitted his resignation. The Board has accepted Mr. Battle’s resignation with… Continue reading

11/11/23 O&A NYC ITS SATURDAY- ANYTHING GOES: Rachid Alexander Male Belly Dancer

Rachid Alexander was born on Curaçao and is a trained oriental dancer. Now residing in The Netherlands, he is one of Europe’s most sought after male belly dancers.  Continue reading

11/6/23 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: Vespers- Paul Taylor Dance Company

By Walter Rutledge The Paul Taylor Dance Company began its sixty-ninth season on Tuesday October 31 at the New York State Theater. The two-week fifteen performance season will offer a total of fourteen works by five choreographers. The season will present a world premieres by Larry Keigwin and Lauren Lovette, the… Continue reading

10/20/23 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: House of Flowers From Carmen & Geoffrey (2005)

This House of Flowers excerpt featuring Geoffrey Holder and Carmen De Lavallade  is from the 2005 documentary Carmen & Geoffrey. Holder and his brother Boscoe talk about their early roots in Trinidad, forming a dance company and Holder meeting his wife (De Lavallade) in the 1955 production of House of Flowers. Continue reading

10/6/23 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Alvin Ailey’s “Mary Lou’s Mass” and “Hidden Rites” Excerpts

Mary Lou’s Mass (1971) with John Parks, Dudley Williams and Clive Thompson and Hidden Rites (1973) with John Parks and Judith Jamison.  Continue reading

10/3/23 O&A INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Reframing the Narrative: Blacks in Ballet | A Kennedy Center Digital Stage Original

Eleven black dancers from historically white ballet companies were commissioned by The Kennedy Center to create and perform a brand new ballet in just two weeks. This is their story… Continue reading

10/1/23 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: Ballet X At The Joyce

By Walter Rutledge Philadelphia based Ballet X returned to New York City’s Joyce Theater for a five-day six performance season. The expectations were high for this ethnically diverse contemporary ballet company and the talented dancers rose to the occasion. It was unfortunate that the choreography and the programming were not… Continue reading

9/30/23 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Roberto Bolle and Misty Copeland – Romeo and Juliet

Misty Copeland (Juliet) and Roberto Bolle (Romeo) are joined by a stellar cast of dancers from the Teatro alla Scala in the 2016 production. Continue reading

9/28/23 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Debbie Allen Part Two- On Choreography and Directing

By Walter Rutledge The second installment from the Out and About NYC Magazine 2015 interview with entertainment icon Debbie Allen. In this section we discussed her views on choreography and directing.  Continue reading

9/25/23 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: The life of Alvin Ailey

Alvin Ailey revolutionized the world of dance by honoring the African American experience, but his journey was not without its struggles. Continue reading

9/17/23 O&A NYC REVIEW: Is Heart of Brick A Black Queer Sex In The City?

By Walter Rutledge The Joyce Theater’s fall 2023 season began September 15 with the interdisciplinary gay romance saga Heart of Brick. The theatrical production combined live vocal music, spoken narrations, voiceovers, dance, lighting and a clean, simple set design to recreate an evening at Langstons, New York City’s oldest Black… Continue reading

9/8/23 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Empathy (Part One)- A Conversation with Debbie Allen

By Walter Rutledge In 2015 O&A NYC Editor-in-Chief Walter Rutledge interviewed Debbie Allen at the Faison Firehouse Theater for Dance Noir Magazine (DNM). The print article would discuss her relationship with Katherine Dunham. The video was produced as visual notes for the upcoming Dunham article. When the magazine suspended publication,… Continue reading

9/4/23 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: The Last Dragon (1985)

The Last Dragon  is an n enjoyable 80″s pastiche of martial arts, romance, music, and video, The story centers around  a likable young hero, Leroy (Taimak), who aspires to become a kung fu master. Trouble arises when the stories protagonist, a man who calls himself “Sho’ Nuff (Julius Carry) is determined… Continue reading

9/2/23 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Ulysses Dove Vespers

Ulysses Dove proclaiming a thoroughly exhilarating vision of female power and strength in Vespers. Inspired by Dove’s memories of his grandmother’s place of worship, this dramatic work showcases the athleticism and grace of six female dancers who are propelled by Mikel Rouse’s profound electronic score.  Continue reading

8/29/23 O&A NYC DANCE: Sneek Peek at THPAC Documentary- To The Souls of Our Feet

By Walter Rutledge On August 18 and 19 the Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center (THPAC) began two days of interviews with dancers, choreographers and directors about their experiences with Thelma Hill and THPAC for the upcoming documentary To The Souls of Our Feet. The two days of filming captured the… Continue reading

12/1/23 O&A NYC WORLD AIDS DAY: Ulysses Dove- Dancing on the Front Porch of Heaven

Dancing on the Front Porch of Heaven: Odes to Love and Loss is a work by Ulysses Dove. Set to Estonian composer Arvo Pärt’s haunting composition Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten, the ballet features six dancers; and is a moving tribute described by Dove to the “people I loved. Continue reading

8/19/23 O&A NYC ITS SATURDAY- ANYTHING GOES: Carmen DeLavallade- The Creation (TEDxEast 2012)

Dancer, actor and choreographer Carmen DeLavallade performs The Creation featuring choreography by her husband Geoffrey Holder. Holder also designed the costume and music.  Continue reading

8/8/23 O&A NYC DANCE/FILM: Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center Bringing Its Groundbreaking History To The Screen

By Walter Rutledge Please excuse my self indulgent opening digression. It is the perfect example of  history being rewritten and romanticized to create propaganda more palatable to the American founding fathers myth. . Continue reading

6/11/23 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: Ailey At BAM

By Walter Rutledge The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater presented a Brooklyn dance series June 6th thru 11th at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). The six-day seven performance series offered two well curated programs of new works and Ailey classics. The Saturday evening performance consisted of four works by… Continue reading

2/14/24 O&A NYC ST. VALENTINE’S DAY DANCE: Dudley Williams- Alvin Ailey’s Love Songs

In 1972, Alvin Ailey created the elegiac solo Love Songs for dancer Dudley Williams. The  sixteen minute solo, composed in three sections includes A Song for You by Donny Hathaway; Poppies by Nina Simone; and He Ain’t Heavy, He’s my Brother by Donny Hathaway. Many  thought of the work as the… Continue reading

5/20/23 O&A NYC GOING BACK TO AFRICA WITH WALESTYLEZ: Portable Showcases Dance Steps As He Perform Hit Song Zazoo

Habeeb Olalomi Oyegbile popularly known as Portable or Dr Zeh is a Nigerian singer, rapper and songwriter. Continue reading

5/17/23 O&A NYC WaleStylez DANCE PARTY: Lil Buck & LoJoWerkz Tulsa Race Riot Memorial -T21 Preview (2014)

Lil Buck teams up with LoJoWerkz to launch their T21 Project. This is an excerpt of a performance commemorating Black Wall Street and the Tragedy of the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921, performed on the anniversary of the Riot (May 31st) on the historic grounds where the events took place. Continue reading

5/10/23 O&A NYC WALESTYLEZ DANCE PARTY: BattleFest | Up It Tournament | Quamaine vs Finesse

Battlefest returns to its birthplace Brooklyn,NewYork after being absent for five years. O&A NYC want to give back a good write up between two dancers Quamaine and Finesse. This dance battle gave us a show to remember. Finesse lets the crowd knows he is not taking any prisoner. Quamaine the… Continue reading

4/30/23 O&A NYC DANCE HISTORY: The Life of Alvin Ailey

Dancer and choreographer  Alvin Ailey revolutionized the world of dance by honoring the African American experience. Unfortunately his personal journey was not without its struggles. Continue reading

4/21/23 O&A NYC ITS SATURDAY- ANYTHING GOES: The Kiss by Margo Sappington

Dancers Valentina Kozlova and Sven Toorvald performs choreographer Margo Sappington‘s Rodin inspired duet The Kiss Continue reading

4/22/23 O&A NYC FILM REVIEW: An American Ballet Story- The Harkness Ballet

By Walter Rutledge An American Ballet Story is the long-awaited documentary about the rise and fall of the Harkness Ballet. The company and school had an almost mythical two-decade impact on dance and helped changed the artform forever. The 94-minute documentary, which was seven years in the making, tells the unvarnished… Continue reading

4/18/23 O&A NYC MORE HARKNESS STORIES: Margo Sappington

By Margo Sappington Vicente Nebrada called me in 1973 because he had seen my ballet “Weewis” which I choreographed for the Joffrey Ballet. It was a ballet for 3 couples set to a commissioned score for rock band and chamber orchestra. He said the Harkness Ballet needed something like that… Continue reading

4/15/23 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Lawrence Rhodes- Beginning of the Harkness Ballet

Larry Rhodes discusses the events leading to the formation of the Harkness Ballet in an excerpt from the upcoming documentary An American Ballet Story.  The story about the all too short life of the Harkness Ballet, will have its New York live screening premiere on April 20th at the New York Public Library Performing Arts – Bruno Walter Auditorium. O&A… Continue reading

4/13/23 O&A NYC MORE HARKNESS STORIES: Cheryl Clark- A Few 1966 and Beyond Harkness Memories for Walter Rutledge

A Few 1966 and Beyond Harkness Memories for Walter Rutledge By Cheryl Clark Dear Walter, I am sending you the above attached Playbill Legacy Bio when I received the 2019 Legacy Award (that is housed now in the Jerome Robbins collection at Lincoln Center for Performing Arts Library…). It mentions my… Continue reading

4/10/23 O&A NYC MORE HARKNESS STORIES: Lawrence Leritz- I’ve Been Around

I’ve Been Around (Excerpt from upcoming book of the same name) By Lawrence Leritz I arrived in NYC on a Sunday afternoon during the intense summer heat of early July, 1974.  David Howard, co-director of Harkness House, recommended that I stay at The East End Hotel, a rundown boarding hotel on the… Continue reading

4/9/23 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: A.I.M. By Kyle Abraham

By Walter Rutledge A.I.M. By Kyle Abraham presented their New York season from April 4th through April 9th at the Joyce Theater. The well curated program presented five works by three choreographers including three world premieres. All the works, which ranged from dance theatre/storytelling to pure dance, fit the A.I.M.… Continue reading

4/7/23 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Ballet For Life: Harkness Ballet- Finis Jhung

In the dance film autobiography Ballet For Life: Harkness Ballet former dance and acclaimed teacher  Finis Jhung reminisces about his years with the Harkness Ballet where he reached the pinnacle in his career and discovered Buddhism, which dramatically changed the course of his life. Continue reading

4/3/23 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: Wizkid – Made In Lagos [Short Film]

Afrobeats star Wizkid has released a short film entitled Made In Lagos which you can watch it below). The film, which is directed by Kuukua Eshun and Wizkid, illustrates his most recent tracks, Anoti, Mood and Steady and is named after his latest album. Continue reading

4/3/23 O&A NYC MORE HARKNESS STORIES: Claudia Folts- Beauty Is Never Easy, But Always Worth Striving Toward

Beauty Is Never Easy, But Always Worth Striving Toward By Claudia Folts I was late to the party.  By the time I walked through those beautiful doors at 4 East 75th St. in 1975/76 the decline had already begun.  Of course, I did not yet know this.  To me, it… Continue reading

3/27/23 O&A NYC MORE HARKNESS STORIES: Luc Louis de Lairesse- I Cherish Those Days      

I Cherish Those Days       By Luc Louis de Lairesse                                              Now 44 years ago, Nikita Talin (director) and Rebekah Harkness invited me teach and choreograph for what grew into… Continue reading

3/24/23 O&A NYC MORE HARKNESS STORIES: Patricia Williams- Creating Beauty Is Not An Accident.

Foreward by Walter Rutledge Patricia Williams is the founder and executive chef of 10 Chairs NYC, the Hell’s Kitchen boutique dining concept developed and presented by Chef Williams. But did you know this culinary diva actually received  her first  New York reviews as a ballet dancer? Starting at the Harkness School for… Continue reading

3/10/23 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: They Called Her Moses

They Called Her Moses is Donald McKayle‘s story of freedom fighter Harriet Tubman. The cast includes Jacqueline Walcott, Robert Powell, Sylvia Waters, Arthur Mitchell, Kathleen Stanford, Donald McKayle and Carmen DeLavallade. Continue reading

2/24/23 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY- CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Rainbow Round My Shoulder- Donald McKayle with Mary Hinkson

Donald McKayle’s 1959 masterwork, Rainbow Round My Shoulder, is acclaimed as a modern dance classic. A searing dramatic narrative, it is set on a chain gang in the American south where prisoners work, breaking rock from “can see to can’t see.” Their aspirations for freedom come in the guise of a… Continue reading

2/20/23 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet Dance Theater of Brooklyn

By Walter Rutledge Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet Dance Theater of Brooklyn (JGCO) presented Remembering… on February 17th and 18th at BAM Fisher, Fishman Space. The 70-minute one act was an extremely enlightening audience friendly black history celebration. This multi-media event is a perfect example of art as education.   Continue reading

2/13/23 O&A NYC DIVA ALERT!!!: Rihanna’s Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show

Rihanna opened the show with a rousing rendition of her hit song, “Bitch Better Have My Money” and then pumped up the crowd with her dance hits “Where Have You Been” and “Only Girl (In The World).” She kept the energy up with new arrangements of “We Found Love” and… Continue reading

2/13/23 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: Brown Sugar: The History of the Black Female Entertainer (1985/1990)

Brown Sugar: The History of the Black Female Entertainer (1985/1990) is a 1985 documentary based on film historian Donald Bogles’ book Brown Sugar. One of the best docu-film about black female entertainers hosted by actor Billy Dee Williams. Continue reading

1/8/23 WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Moi Renee performing Miss Honey

The Legendary Moi Renee performing “Miss Honey” May she rest in peace!! Continue reading

2/7/23 O&A NYC MORE HARKNESS STORIES: Keith Lee- First Black Soloist at ABT (American Ballet Theater)

Keith Lee describes his early Harkness experiences as a story book tale. While a student at the High School for the Performing Arts (aka Fame High) this dance phenom received a full scholarship to the Harkness House for Ballet Arts. This experience had a lasting impact and helped shape his own unique artistry… Continue reading

1/4/23 SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: John Henry- Dance Theatre of Harlem

John Henry is the tale of the steel drivin’ man who fights against automation. He challenges the steam drill and wins, but dies with his hammer in his hand. Choreographed by DTH Co-founder Arthur Mitchell in 1988, his ballet is a testament to the singular perseverance that allowed the folk hero to triumph… Continue reading

2/4/23 O&A NYC MORE HARKNESS STORIES: Mary Price Boday- Each Day I Offer Gratitude

Harkness House touched the lives of everyone who ever dashed up the circular marble staircase for class. An American Ballet Story takes us into the stages and studios of the Harkness Ballet through the stories of the dancers who were there. The documentary about the all too short life of the Harkness Ballet of New York, will have it’s New… Continue reading

2/2/23 O&A NYC MORE HARKNESS STORIES: William Starrett Visiting Mrs. Harkness’s Nassau Home With David Howard and Gelsey Kirkland

An American Ballet Story, a documentary about the the all too short life of the Harkness Ballet, will have it’s New York live screening premiere on April 20th at the New York Public Library Performing Arts – Bruno Walter Auditorium. O&A NYC Magazine. Editor in Chief Walter Rutledge will moderate the post screening Q and A. An American Ballet Story takes us into… Continue reading

2/2/23 O&A NYC MORE HARKNESS STORIES: William Starrett- Mrs. Harkness’s Nassau Home

An American Ballet Story, a documentary about the the all too short life of the Harkness Ballet, will have it’s New York live screening premiere on April 20th at the New York Public Library Performing Arts – Bruno Walter Auditorium. O&A NYC Magazine. Editor in Chief Walter Rutledge will moderate the post screening Q and A. An American Ballet Story takes us into… Continue reading

2/1/23 O&A NYC MORE HARKNESS STORIES: Julie Caprio- Forever a Harkness Dancer

On April 20th 2023 a live screening of An American Ballet Story, a documentary about the the all too short life of the Harkness Ballet, will take place at the New York Public Library Performing Arts – Bruno Walter Auditorium. O&A NYC Magazine Editor in Chief Walter Rutledge will moderate the post screening Q and A. An American Ballet Story takes… Continue reading

1/29/23 O&A NYC DANCE HARKNESS BALLET- MORE STORIES ABOUT “AN AMERICAN BALLET STORY”: Kathryn Sullivan

An American Ballet Story takes us into the stages and studios of the Harkness Ballet through the stories of the dancers who were there. On April 20th 2023 A live screening of An American Ballet Storyat the New York Public Library Performing Arts – Bruno Walter Auditorium. O&A NYC Magazine Editor in Chief Walter Rutledge will moderate the post screening Q and A. If… Continue reading

1/21/23 O&A NYC IN MEMORIAM: Lupe Serrano and Jacques d’Amboise- Black Swan Pas De Deux (1960)

Lupe Serrano, a former prima ballerina with American Ballet Theater died on Monday in Syosset, N.Y. at age 92. A petite powerhouse, Ms. Serrano dazzled audiences with virtuosic technique, steely strength and an exuberant stage personality. She excelled in classical and modern choreography during her 18 years with American Ballet Theater… Continue reading

1/18/23 O&A NYC REVIEW: Ronald K. Brown/Evidence

By Walter Rutledge Ronald K. Brown/Evidence began its New York season at the Joyce Theater on Tuesday January 17 and runs through Sunday, January 22. The six-day, seven performance offering presents three ensemble works spanning twenty-four years of Brown’s artistry. The season provides an insight into the thirty-eight-year journey of… Continue reading

1/18/23 O&A NYC WALESTYLEZ DANCE PARTY: BeAfrika Academy | Ampiano Dance | Chreo Tebza

BeAfrica Dance Academy is a Afro-Fusion dance company in which different people from the cultures cultivate the style of african dance.Tebza Diphehlo is a dancer, teacher and choreographer from South Africa in Soweto. He was born in 1993 in Johannesburg and began his dance journey in 2000. Continue reading

1/13/23 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Ancestral Voices- Dianne McIntyre, Romare Bearden and Cecil Taylor

One of Bearden’s early dance collaborations was the modern dance work Ancestral Voices choreographed by Dianne McIntyre and presented by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. At the suggestion of company founder and artistic director Alvin Ailey, Romare Bearden was commissioned to create the visuals for the work which premiered… Continue reading

1/7/22 O&A NYC ITS SATURDAY- ANYTHING GOES: Funkin’ Stylez Classic Vogue Battle

Javier Madrid, known in the entertainment world as Javier Ninja, is a member of the Legendary House of Ninja founded by his mentor the late Willi Ninja.  The Queens (native) is an accomplished vogue dancer and teacher and has won the House Dance International vogue contest and Champion of the Year for three consecutive years.… Continue reading

12/24/22 O&A NYC FROM THE VAULT: A Conversation with Clive Thompson- The Ailey Years

By Walter Rutledge Clive Thompson danced in the Golden Era of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Officially becoming a permanent member in 1970 when choreographer Ailey was entering a creative zenith. He viral good looks, skillful partnering, and his ability to capture audiences in both dramatic and abstract roles… Continue reading

12/16/22 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Fik Shun and Twitch So You Think You Can Dance Season 10 Finale

Stephen Laurel Twitch Boss was an American freestyle hip hop dancer, choreographer, actor, television producer and television personality. In 2008, he finished in second place on the American version of So You Think You Can Dance. Sleep In Heaven! Continue reading

12/10/22 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Rudolf Nureyev’s Nutcracker (1968)

This historic performance from 1968 captures choreographer/performer Rudolf Nureyev at the peak of his career. Filmed at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, the ballet features artists of the Royal Ballet including Wayne Sleep, Jillian Gibbs and Merle Park as Clara. Continue reading

11/25/22 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Alvin Ailey’s Revelations (1960),

Alvin Ailey’s masterwork Revelations (1960), one of the most recognizable modern dance works, remains a powerful testament to the human spirit. This cast includes Marilyn Banks, April Berry, Kevin Brown, Gary DeLoatch, Ralph Glenmore, Deborah Manning, Renee Robinson and Dudley Williams.  Continue reading

  11/23/22 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Rudolph Nureyev at Muppet Show

This episode is referred to in Jim Henson: the Works as a “key moment in season two, and in the entire history of the Muppets.” News that Rudolf Nureyev — the world’s most famous ballet dancer — would be appearing on the show “generated unprecedented press coverage and audience curiosity.” By… Continue reading

10/27/22 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: Michael Jackson – Thriller

Thriller, Michael Jackson’s 1984 music video directed by John Landis and written by Landis and Jackson.   Continue reading

10/21/22 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Greed | A Story Told Through Dance

Josh Killacky is a famous Dancer, Choreographer, Tik Tok Star, Model from the United States. He is famous for his dancing on Tik Tok as well on other social media platform. He has been seen Ellen Show, NBC World Of Dance, Good Morning America. Continue reading

10/19/22 O&A NYC WALESTYLEZ DANCE PARTY: Tugz vs Liquid | | The Millineum

Tugz vs Liquid | | The Millineum Continue reading

11/16/22 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: The Old Landmark Featuring James Brown From The Blues Brothers 

James Brown, The Godfather Of Soul, leads his flock through a spirited version of The Old Landmark( look for an angelic Chaka Khan is the choir).  Continue reading

10/14/22 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Dracula – Northern Ballet

Seducing countless generations, Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire lives on in this extraordinary ballet. The dark tale of the immortal Count is played out through Northern Ballet’s blend of sensuous dancing and gripping theatre enhanced by gothic sets and costumes. Continue reading

10/13/22 HALLOWEEN THROWBACK THURSDAY: Torture- The Jacksons

“Torture” is the second single released off the album Victory by the The Jacksons. Written by Jackie Jackson and fellow Motown veteran Kathy Wakefield,  the song is about someone ending a relationship and the torture you feel when you’re still in love with the other person. Continue reading

8/10/22 O&A NYC WALESTYLEZ DANCE PARTY: They Entered The Beat In An Addictive Mode

This is the new video of The Best Tickets To The Base in battle, a video that cost to make where you will find dancers like Les Twins, Issei, Hozin, Hoan, Waydi and Arsenal.  Continue reading

7/14/22 O&A NYC WALESTYLEZ DANCE PARTY: Paradox, Rubix, Ben, Wave, Bwylder, Twin Ruin | The Kulture of Hype&Hope | FIRE Edition

The Kulture of Hype&Hope is an event that is created for the HipHop scene to develop the skills in knowledge, experience, culture and having fun. Continue reading

6/17/22 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: JABBAWOCKEEZ At The 2022 NBA Finals

Jabbawockeez is a Hip Hop dance crew that rose to prominence as the winner of the first season of America’s Best Dance Crew in 2008. Established in 2003 in San Diego, California when dancers Kevin Brewer and Joe Larot put together an innovative dance crew. Continue reading

6/10/22 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: Calvin Royal III in Giselle

By Walter Rutledge American Ballet Theatre (ABT) begins its summer New York season June 13 at the Metropolitan Opera House. Before we discuss the upcoming season, it would be remiss of me not to discuss one important event during the prior fall season. A season marked by many ABT firsts,… Continue reading

5/20/22 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Fikshun Audition SYTYCD

Du-Shaunt Stegall is a dancer and actor. He is more popular by his stage name, Fik-Shun. A native of Kansas, he started dancing at the age of five or six. He went to Las Vegas, where he enrolled at the Las Vegas Academy of Arts. Continue reading

4/29/22 O&A NYC MAGAZINE SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Fikshun Vs King Havoc-BattleFest TV Series (Ep4)

Battle Fest started in the basements in the heart of Bedstuy and Flatbush Brooklyn. Like most of underground Black culture the Hip Hop Dance artform has exploded worldwide.  Continue reading

4/4/22 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: White Night Opening Credits

The opening ballet sequence, Le Jeune Homme et La Mort, originally choreographed by Roland Petit in 1946 and performed anew by Baryshnikov and Florence Faure, was filmed at the Bristol Hippodrome.  Continue reading

3/31/22 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: Airs- Paul Taylor Dance Company

By Walter Rutledge I had planned to do a season review of the Paul Taylor Dance Company following the final performance tonight. Then last night I saw Airs! First, the company’s dancing during the entire season has been impressive to say the least. The eighteen-member ensemble is comprised of fourteen… Continue reading

11/10/23 O&A SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Paul Taylor’s Esplanade (1975)

An esplanade is an outdoor place to walk; in 1975 Paul Taylor, inspired by the sight of a girl running to catch a bus, created a masterwork based on pedestrian movement. Continue reading

3/21/22 O&A NYC DANCE: Francesca Harper Sets New Direction For Ailey II

By Walter Rutledge The Ailey II season begins March 23 and run thru April 3 at the Ailey Citigroup Theater 405 west 55th Street at the corner of Ninth Avenue This is not only the company’s return to the theater since the pandemic, but also the debut season for the… Continue reading

3/8/22 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Flutter- AXIS Dance Company 

Robert Dekkers’ Flutter was originally created for Post:ballet in 2010. The complex musicality, spatial shifts, and physicality in this dance for camera showcases the AXIS dancers’ strengths as individuals and as a collective. Continue reading

3/6/22 O&A NYC MUSIC: Staten Island Jazz Festival 33- Her Legacy Continues

By Walter Rutledge In August Universal Temple of The Arts founder Sadja Musawwir Ladner joined the ancestors. A fixture in Staten Island arts scene for over fifty years Ladner provided arts education, performance opportunities and outreach to the underserved communities of her beloved borough- Staten Island. Her untimely passing shocked… Continue reading

3/4/22 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Ghetto Funk- James Brown (2022)

Ghetto Funk started out life as a UK based online blog and record label which was founded by Simon and Will in August 2010. They wanted to create something for the burgeoning ‘party breaks’ scene so that people had a place to find the latest music and artists contributing to… Continue reading

2/12/22 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Ghetto Kids – Dance Talker 2022

The Ghetto Kids (or Triplets Ghetto Kids) is a dance group founded in 2014 by Daouda Kavuma and composed of children from the Katwe slum in Kampala (Uganda). Continue reading

1/9/22 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Michael Jackson – You Rock My World

The short film to You Rock My World, the Top 10 hit single from Michael Jackson‘s Invincible, features guest appearances from Chris Tucker, Michael Madsen and Marlon Brando, in one of his final film appearances. Continue reading

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