During the 1977 Christmas season, CBS brought Mikhail Baryshnikov’s highly acclaimed American Ballet Theatre production of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet The Nutcracker to television. The production has remains the most popular and most often shown television production of the work in the U.S. Mikhail Baryshnikov performed the title role, with Gelsey Kirkland as Clara.
Continue reading
Tag: choreography
12/9/16 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: The Nutcracker Ballet- Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gelsey Kirkland (1977)
During the 1977 Christmas season, CBS brought Mikhail Baryshnikov’s highly acclaimed American Ballet Theatre production of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet The Nutcracker to television. The production has remains the most popular and most often shown television production of the work in the U.S. Mikhail Baryshnikov performed the title role, with Gelsey Kirkland as Clara.
Continue reading
11/30/24 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Alvin Ailey’s Revelations (1960)
Alvin Ailey’s masterwork Revelations (1960), remains one of the cornerstones of modern dance works. It 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.
11/29/24 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
11/23/24 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: Claire De Lune Wows Taylor Audience
By Walter Rutledge
There is no greater pleasure than attending a performance as just an audience member. No notes, no critique. I am one of many enveloped in a communal cocoon of darkness enthusiastically sharing the wonderment and power of the creative collective. Tuesday November 19th was one such occasion at the Paul Taylor Dance Company. But after seeing the performance it would be remiss of me not to briefly mention the ethereal Clair de Lune.
The well curated program opened with Taylor’s masterwork Arden Court and closed with his Bach signature piece Esplanade. Two additional works by female choreographers Jody Sperling and resident choreographer Lauren Lovette completed the program. It was Sperling’s visually mesmerizing homage to modern dance pioneer Loie Fuller’s 1891 Serpentine Dance that wowed the audience.
Pianist Margaret Kampmeier’s rendition of Debussy’s impressionist chestnut Claire De Lune summoned dancer Emmy Wildermuth to open her gossamer like wings. Billowing swirls of fabric provided a lulling comfort to the eye; then a burst of cyclonic energy created a centripetal cylinder of fabric seemingly ten feet high that left us in awe. The works beguiling elegance and courageous simplicity make this tribute timeless. The spirit of Loie Fuller’s groundbreaking modern dance work dances once again in Clair de Lune.
The last opportunity to see Clair De Lune is the Saturday November 23 matinee. Unfortunately, some of you will see this commentary after the mid-day performance. So, O&A NYC would like to share a 2013 performance of the work by choreographer/performer Jody Sperling.
Claire de Lune- Jody Sperling
The Taylor Company ends its 2024 New York season with a special dance reunion where former company members perform with the present company in Esplanade. For more information and or ticket information visit https://paultaylordance.org/performances/newyorkseason/.
In Photo: Emmy Wildermuth in Jody Spering’s “Clair de Lune”
Photo by Whitney Browne
11/13/24 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Michael Jackson Dance Evolution (1968 – 2009)
From the of the beginning of his meteoric rise to fame Michael Jackson has been dancing to the delight of his audiences worldwide. Continue reading
11/11/24 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: Paul Taylor Dance Company Gala
By Walter Rutledge
It’s Taylor Time! The Paul Taylor Dance Company began their New York City fall season on Tuesday, November 5th at the State Theater at Lincoln Center. The three-week, twenty-one performance season will offer eighteen works by seven dance makers including four world premieres by Robert Battle, Lauren Lovette and Jody Sperling. During the Wednesday November 6th Gala performance, the public was treated to two premieres by Battle and Lovette. Continue reading
11/9/24 O&A NYC GOING BACK TO AFRICA WITH WaleStylez: Ghana Traditional Drumming -Koffie Fugah and WALA Group
Ghanaian natives Robert Koffie Fugah (New Zealand based) and WALA Group (Australia based) perform traditional songs, rhythms and dances from their homeland Ghana. Continue reading
10/25/24 SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Paula Abdul – Straight Up
Straight Up by dancer and choreographer Paula Abdul from her debut studio album, Forever Your Girl (1988). Straight Up became Abdul’s first top-40 hit in the United States, eventually topping the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1989. Continue reading
10/3/24 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: BalletX at the Joyce
By Walter Rutledge
BalletX returned to the Joyce Theater September 25 thru September 29 for a second consecutive New York City season. The Philadelphia based contemporary ballet company offered an aesthetically satisfying concert highlighted by technically proficient performers and focused direction. The company presented a diverse program consisting of three ballets by choreographers Jodie Gates, Loughlan Prior and Takehiro Ueyama. Continue reading