1/16/26 O&A NYC DANCE BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: THE HOLY BLUES INTERVIEW – Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Samantha Figgins and Chalvar Monteiro

“My roots are also in the Gospel church, the Gospel churches of the south where I grew up…holy blues—paeans to joy, anthems to the human spirit.” These words written by Alvin Ailey were the impetus for The Holy Blues, a collaborative choreographic endeavor by choreographer Jawole Willa Jo Zollar and emerging dancemakers Samantha Figgins and Chalvar Monteiro. Continue reading

1/13/26 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Teyana Taylor Wins Female Supporting Actor In A Motion Picture at Golden Globes Awards

Teyana Taylor won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Female Actor in a Motion Picture for her powerful role as Perfidia Beverly Hills in the film One Battel After Another, marking a significant career milestone at the 2026 ceremony. She dedicated her win to brown sisters and little brown girls, delivering an emotional speech emphasizing that their softness isn’t a liability and they belong in every room.  Continue reading

1/12/26 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: Sounder – Cicely Tyson, Paul Winfield and Kevin Hooks

Sounder (1972) is a film drama based on the 1969 novel by William H. Armstrong about a black depression era sharecropper family in Louisiana. The movie starred Cicely Tyson, Paul Winfield, and Kevin Hooks. Musician Taj Mahal composed the film’s blue-inspired soundtrack and appears in a supporting role. Continue reading

1/11/26 O&A NYC IN MEMORIAM: Carmen de Lavallade (CBS Sunday Morning 2017)

In this Dec. 3, 2017 Sunday Morning report, Carmen de Lavallade talked with Rita Braver about her artistic journey (including her collaborations with Alvin Ailey and future husband Geoffrey Holder), and her decision to boycott a 2017 Kennedy Center Honorees reception following President Trump‘s remarks about White nationalists who marched in Charlottesville, Va. Continue reading

1/5/26 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: The Life of Alvin Ailey (January 5, 1931 – December 1, 1989)

Alvin Ailey revolutionized the world of dance by honoring the African American experience, but his journey was not without its struggles. O&A NYC Magazine honors the memory of one of dance’s most prolific pioneers on the anniversary of his 95th birthday. Continue reading

1/5/26 O&A NYC HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALVIN AILEY!: Alvin Ailey 1985 Cairo Interview (Historic Stock Video Footage)

Today, January 5 is the 95th birthday of choreographer Alvin Ailey. O&A NYC shares rare video footage from a 1985 interview. The one-way dialogue between Alvin Ailey, founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater took place in Cairo, Egypt. (Note: We only hear Ailey’s answers; not questions asked). He talks about his life, his dance school, the motivational forces behind his choreography and theories of dance. Continue reading

1/4/26 O&A NYC SUNDAY GOSPEL: Rev. James Cleveland and The Caravans – Soldiers In The Army

Soldiers in the Army, often performed by Rev. James Cleveland with choirs like The Caravans, is a powerful, classic gospel anthem about spiritual perseverance, It resonates deeply with listeners for its message of faith and divine struggle, often evoking nostalgia for traditional church experiences and celebrating figures like Inez Andrews and the Caravans. Continue reading

1/3/26 O&A NYC IN MEMORIAM: Kennedy Center Honoree Carmen de Lavallade

The legendary (Carmen de Lavallade) ballet dancer, choreographer and teacher, who is among the honorees being feted for their illustrious careers by the Kennedy Center nine years ago, talks with correspondent Rita Braver about bringing modern dance to new levels; her marriage to dancer-director Geoffrey Holder; and the bittersweet memories of a life danced to the fullest. Continue reading

1/2/25 O&A NYC Encore Performance: Diana Ross Live Ball Drop On Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2026

Music icon Diana Ross headlined Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026, performing a career-spanning medley of hits in Times Square just before the ball drop to welcome 2026. Continue reading

1/1/25 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: Vanessa Williams- Happy Days Are Here Again

What better way to start our New Year Celebration then with Vanessa Williams rendition of Happy Days Are Here Again.  Continue reading