The Pas de Deux and Finale of George Balanchine’s tribute to our flag and country, Stars And Stripes. He made this to the music of John Philip Sousa, orchestrated by Hershey Kay. Danced here by Margaret Tracey and Damian Woetzel.
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Category: Ballet
6/26/26 O&A NYC DANCE BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Amina – A Day In The Life Of A Dancer
By Walter Rutledge
One of the more rewarding aspects of being a cultural commentator is the opportunity to observe so much young talent. People from all walks of life converge on New York City with their dreams wrapped in the invincibility of youth. It’s amazing! It’s like seeing Geese flying south, Salmon swimming upstream and sometimes Lemming to the sea. Regardless, many have sacrificed with the hope of fulfilling their destiny, of living their dream. Amina Konaté is living her dream. Continue reading
6/10/26 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Agon Pas de Deux – Diana Adams and Arthur Mitchell
The Agon pas de deux, choreographed by George Balanchine in 1957 to a score by Igor Stravinsky, is a revolutionary milestone in 20th-century ballet. Its original cast paired Arthur Mitchell, the first Black principal dancer at the New York City Ballet, with Diana Adams, a caucasian ballerina.
6/5/26 O&A SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY PRIDE: Lar Lubovitch- Duet from Concerto Six Twenty-Two
Duet from Concerto Six Twenty-Two is set to Concerto in A for Clarinet and Orchestra, K. 622 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Choreographer Lar Lubovitch premiered this work on his company, the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, at the Municipal Theatre in Angers, France on December 12th 1985 on dancers Sylvain Lafortune and Edward Hillyer. The work was performed at the first Fire Island Dance Festival, which has become the annual summer fundraising centerpiece for Dancers Responding To AIDS. Continue reading
4/30/26 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Firebird – Dance Theatre of Harlem
By Walter Rutledge
The Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) presented their New York City season April 16th thru 19th at New York City Center. The company offered new DTH favorites by William Forsythe, and Jodie Gates, and Artistic Director Robert Garland, and the much-anticipated revival of the iconic story ballet Firebird. The overwhelming response recalls the nostalgic revival of Dougla. It seems the public is clamoring for more from the Arthur Mitchell era. Continue reading
4/17/26 O&A NYC 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
4/9/26 O&A NYC DANCE: Firebird- A DTH Signature Classic From MotionMami Animation
Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) has a long tradition of collaborating with visual artists, including Richard Barcliff, Geoffrey Holder, Hilary Knight, and Artis Lane among others, to help bring ballets to life beyond the stage. Continue reading
3/16/26 O&A NYC DIVA ALERT: Misty Copeland Performs In Sinners Musical Number At Oscars
The musical tribute to Sinner at the 98th Academy Awards featuring a special appearance by former American Ballet Theatre principal dance Misty Copeland. Continue reading
3/15/26 O&A NYC DANCE BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: A Conversation With Francesca Harper and Adanna Smalls – A Preview of Ailey II N.Y.C. Season
Ailey II returns to the Joyce Theater for their New York City season March 17 through 22. The all too short season will feature two programs. New Works featuring cutting edge choreography from inspired emerging dance makers and Legacy/Future which is an exciting mix of established and emerging artists including works by company founder Alvin Ailey. Out and About NYC Magazine Editor-in-Chief Walter Rutledge discussed the upcoming season and all things Ailey II with Artistic Director Francesca Harper and one of the newest company members Adanna Smalls. Continue reading
3/14/ 26 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Works & Process American Ballet Theatre- Othello by Lar Lubovitch
The Works & Process performing arts series at the Guggenheim Museum recently hosted a preview and discussion of American Ballet Theatre’s revival of Othello: A Dance in Three Acts. The presentation featured a discussion moderated by ABT Artistic Director Susan Jaffe with choreographer Lar Lubovitch, offering insights into his creative process and the use of elaborate storyboards to guide the production. Lubovitch shared how he revised the original 1997 work, deleting approximately 20 minutes of music and refining character actions for this revival. Continue reading
