9/16/26 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Bones The Machine- Jail Break

The incomparable Bones The Machine multi-talented dancer, artist, sculptor and director. In his 2013 dance/theatre film Jail Break. The legend of bonebreaking will be on full display September 16th and 19th during the Thelma Hill Performing Arts Centers 50th Anniversay season.  Bones The Machine returns to the THPAC stage with a new performance art solo entitled BonestheMachine Present Overgrown. Continue reading

9/7/26 O&A NYC BLACK FACTS: The Origins and Magic of the HBCU Marching Bands

Why do HBCU halftime shows feel so intentionally different from the expected military-style performance? Seemingly every part of an HBCU marching band, from the marching style to the majorette choreography to the music selection to the drum major expectations, is of an immediately identifiable, unique style. Continue reading

8/25/26 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: A Choreographer’s Brief But Spectacular Take On Life And Movement

In his Brief But Spectacular feature on PBS NewsHour, visionary choreographer Alonzo King shares his profound perspective that movement and sound are everywhere and fundamentally identical. As the founder of the San Francisco-based Alonzo King LINES Ballet, King explains how dance makes thought visible, rooted heavily in his upbringing by prominent civil rights activist parents. Continue reading

8/21/26 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Meet Guilluame Diop – The Paris Opera Ballet’s First Black Danseur Etoile

Guillaume Diop is a French ballet dancer who made history in March 2023 by becoming the first Black dancer promoted to “Danseur Étoile” (star dancer)—the highest, principal rank within the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet. Born in Paris in 2000 to a French mother and a Senegalese father, he is celebrated globally as a technical prodigy and a prominent cultural symbol of modernization and diversity in classical arts. Continue reading

8/15/26 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Dottie Peoples – Oh Lord Let Me Lean On You

Oh Lord Let Me Lean On You is a powerful traditional gospel anthem recorded by the legendary Dottie Peoples alongside The Peoples Choice Chorale. Released in 1996 on her acclaimed album Count On God under Atlanta International Records, this soul-stirring track showcases her signature dynamic, powerhouse vocals and a deep, unwavering message of faith, spiritual reliance, and comfort. Continue reading

8/15/26 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Rhythmetron: The Dance Theatre of Harlem with Arthur Mitchell (Part 1&2) 1973

Dance Theatre of Harlem founder Arthur Mitchell shares his unique gifts of leadership, civic pride and his love of the young people of Harlem. This historic 1973 lecture-demonstration film showcases the early artistry, discipline, and educational mission of the Dance Theatre of Harlem – America’s Black classical ballet company. Continue reading

8/9/26 O&A NYC THE SUNDAY MORNING FUNNIES: First Sundays With Small Fire – Remixing Old Church Songs

The hilarious and legendary Small Fire riffs on remixing old church songs. Continue reading

7/28/26 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Diana Ross Central Park – No Wind, No Rain Can Stop Me

On July 21, 1983, music icon Diana Ross gave one of the most legendary performances of her career when a massive, torrential thunderstorm struck her free benefit concert on The Great Lawn in New York City’s Central Park. Continue reading

7/17/26 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Lindy Hop Swing Dance Scene From Malcolm X (1992)

The Lindy Hop Swing Dance Scene from 1992 movie Malcolm X featuring Denzel Washington and Spike Lee. Choreographed with the help of Frankie Manning (blue suit) and Norma Miller (yellow dress) and the scene included background dancers Dawn Hampton and Ryan Francois. Otis Sallid was the choreographer and the song Flying Home is by Lionel Hampton. Continue reading

7/16/26 O&A NYC THE MORNING FUNNIES: Vanita Smythe – Low, Short and Squatty

Low, Short and Squatty is a vibrant jump blues and swing song recorded by African-American vocalist and actress Vanita Smythe, released on December 2, 1946. The track was famously released as a “soundie”—a three-minute musical film that served as a precursor to modern music videos—and became a prominent jukebox hit in urban clubs. Continue reading