Dance Theatre of Harlem in Lester Horton‘s 1949 masterwork The Beloved the duet (based on a true story) performed by Cassandra Phifer and Hagues Magen. Continue reading
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Tag: Dance Theatre of Harlem
8/8/25 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Chicago’s Hiplet Ballerinas To Perform In The Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project Debut
By Walter Rutledge
Who would defile the sacred world of ballet (the last bastion of “pure” euro-centric dance and culture) by adding a healthy dose of urban flair? Move over Swan Lake and make way for the Hiplet Ballerinas. The Chicago – based dance company, whose unique style has taken the dance world by storm. The company will be part of The Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project – Unbound: Shattered Frames, Endless Visions on Saturday, August 23, 6 pm at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance (205 E. Randolph Street). The performance is a showcase of Black dance excellence and will feature ten of the city’s most innovative and diverse dance companies. Continue reading
4/14/25 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: Dance Theatre of Harlem
By Walter Rutledge
The Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) presented their New York City season April 10th through April 14th at New York City Center. The four-day four-performance season featured works by George Balanchine, William Forsythe, Jodi Gates, and DTH Artistic Director Robert Garland. The evening presented four abstract works in the Contemporary Ballet, Neoclassic and Garland’s own Harem Swag styles. There was a lot of admirable dancing presented but little theatre offered. Continue reading
4/4/25 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: A Conversation With Micah Bullard
By Walter Rutledge
Houston, Texas native Micah Bullard is living his dream. The twenty-six-year-old dancer will perform with the Dance Theatre of Harlem April 10 through April 14 at New York City Center. This New York City season begins his fourth year with the company. Recently O&A NYC Editor-in-Chief Walter Rutledge and Bullock sat down to discuss the upcoming season, his early training and being an African American male who dances ballet. Continue reading
9/6/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Alicia Graf/Donald Williams in Robert Garland’s Return
Robert Garland made the leap from principal dancer to emerging choreography with his 1979 company debut Return. Garland described the work as “post-modern urban neoclassicism – an attempt to fuse an urban physical sensibility and a neoclassical one.” Continue reading
8/2/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Happy Birthday Geoffrey Holder- Banda
By Walter Rutledge
Happy Birthday renaissance man Geoffrey Holder. The dancer, actor, choreographer, director, visual artist and all around force of nature was born on August 1st, 1930 in Port of Spain; the capital city of the Caribbean island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. Continue reading
3/25/24 O&A NYC IN MEMORARIUM: Lorraine Graves
By Walter Rutledge
Dancer, and teacher Lorraine Graves passed away on March 21, 2024, at the young age of 66. Graves started dancing at the age of 8 in the hometown of Norfolk, Virginia. She began her training at the Academy of the Norfolk Ballet (under the direction of the late Gene Hammett) and made her performing debut with the Norfolk Civic Ballet. As a teenager Graves she spent summers in New York City studying dance at the Joffrey Ballet and the prestigious School of American Ballet (New York City Ballet). Continue reading
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
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…
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 over impossible odds. Continue reading
