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

1/1/26 O&A NYC DIVA ALERT: Diana Ross – 2025 Times Square ball drop (I’m Coming Out)

Diana Ross headlined the 2026 Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve celebration in Times Square on December 31, 2025. At 81 years old, the Motown legend led the countdown to the new year and performed a career-spanning medley of hits. Continue reading

12/30/25 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Carmen DeLavallade- The Creation


Dancer, actor and choreographer Carmen DeLavallade performs The Creation featuring choreography by her husband Geoffrey Holder. Holder also designed the costume and music. 
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12/29/25 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: Miracle In Harlem (1948)

Miracle in Harlem (1948) is a independent American film known as a race film, featuring an all-African American cast. is a murder mystery melodrama with musical elements, considered one of the better films of its genre from that era. The cast in the all black cast included  Sheila Guyse as Julie Weston, Hilda Offley as Aunt Hattie, William Greaves as Bert Hallam (Julie’s boyfriend), Stepin Fetchit as Swifty, the handyman, Laurence Criner as Albert Marshall, and  vocalists Savannah Churchill, Juanita Hall, and the Lynn Proctor Trio. Continue reading

12/26/25 O&A NYC DANCE BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Cry – Deborah Manning

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In 1971, Alvin Ailey created Cry, one of his signature dance works, as a birthday present for his mother Lula Elizabeth Ailey. Ailey dedicated the ballet to “all black women everywhere — especially our mothers.” The three-part ballet, set to contemporary music by Alice Coltrane, Laura Nyro and Chuck Griffin, depicts a woman’s journey through toil to an ecstatic state of grace. Cry premiered at New York City Center on May 4, 1971. Continue reading