Taylor Time is in full swing. The Paul Taylor Dance Company held their Gala performance tonight at New York State Theater in Lincoln Center. The evening presented two world premieres by Resident Choreographers Lauren Lovette and Robert Battle and the Taylor classic Sunset. This is a quick recap of the evening. A review(s) will follow, but we wanted to keep you in the know. Continue reading
The Paul Taylor Dance Company‘s New York City season opened on Tuesday November 4 at the New York State Theater in Lincoln Center for 20 performances through November 23. The opening night performance presented Paul Taylor’s Concertiana and Cascade, and the New York premiere of Hope Boykin’s How Love Sounds. That evening Boykin’s work programmatically felt like a culinary intermezzo, a refreshing palette cleanser between two Taylor classics; but on Thursday’s program How Love Sounds proved to also be a versatile audience pleasing closer. Continue reading
By Walter Rutledge
In the spring of 2014 The Edwynn Houk Gallery,745 Fifth Avenue, presented an exhibition of rare, vintage photographs by celebrated American photographer Herb Ritts. The exhibition focused exclusively on the five models in his iconic work, Stephanie, Cindy, Christy, Tatjana, Naomi, Hollywood, 1989. O&A NYC shares images from the exhibition that capture the supermodel era of the 80’s and early 90’s. Continue reading
The Paul Taylor Dance Company opened its New York City season tonight in State Theater at Lincoln Center. I very really can just watch a performance without a critical eye. This evening the Taylor Company indulged me with a ticket to tonight’s performance. Review(s) will follow, but it would be remiss of me not to give you a sneak preview of the Taylor season. Continue reading
The Dance of the Village Elders returned to their Harlem home at St. Philips Church, 204 west 134th street, after a five-year CONVID 19 induced hiatus. The return was really a reunion of a very special dance family. You may ask how did you all maintain this relationship for so long? The answer is we have a long and rich history.
The Dance of the Village Elders was the brainchild of Monique Headman who produced the concept of a health and wellness program designed for seniors in 2013 for Harlem Hospital. I was one of three teaching artists hired from a world-renowned dance organization to teach for 12 weeks (one third of the 36-week program). This first year I was the last instructor to teach, and the classes attracted more than forty participants far surpassing the other two instructors.
The next year (2014) I went first and attracted a larger following. For the 2015 dance season I asked Monique could we write the grant together with me teaching the entire 36 weeks. She agreed and 2015 I became the primary instructor.
In 2016 the funding was cut, and Harlem Hospital wanted the dance organization to add some funds to offset the loss. The organization was unable (or unwilling), so we proposed to raise the money, approximately $5,000 ourselves. In the spirit of a Judy Garland/Micky Rooney musical we used a performance as our fundraiser.
At first Harlem Hospital was leery of giving us the 450-seat auditorium because to make it cost effective we would need at least 150 guests. By show time we had sold over 500 tickets. The Village Elders saved their program.
The following fall Harlem Hospital did not want to continue the program unless the dance organization contributed financially. The organization refused – why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free? The program was not renewed.
I pleaded with the organization and in writing offered to teach for free. Our request fell on deaf ears. Then the executive director remined me, “I worked for them, and they would tell me if and when the program would return.” My response in writing was “In the words of Billie Holiday I’ll do nothing till I hear from you.” And we waited and waited.
When the fall granting/funding season was over and we had not heard back we realized what it meant we had become a former program. A program is a funded entity that enhances peoples’ lives and when it becomes financially inconvenient it just disappears. Giving the participants the big corporate middle finger.
This could not happen! We were all invested in the Dance of the Village Elders and had developed a kinship that went beyond the instruction. We had become a dance family and refused to disband. We acquired the permission to use the name from Monique; I designed a logo
We moved the program to St. Philips Church two blocks away at 204 west 134th street and decided to create what we call a dance cooperative. We would raise the money ourselves and control our own dance/wellness cooperative. At St. Philips the Dance of the Village Elders flourished.
We partnered with Dancers of a Variable Population as guest performers for their Riverside Park performances. Dance of the Village Elders created our own opportunities and increased our visibility during Harlem Week, at the Richard Rogers Theater in Marcus Garvey Park and our biannual performances at St. Philips Church. We were on a roll! Then the world closed.
COVID 19 forced us to suspend in person sessions, so we went online. This was not as successful as we hoped because not all our participants were not computer savvy. The classes were eventually suspended.
Despite our hiatus we stayed in touch on facebook, by phone, text and email. It was truly gratifying the steadfast love and support we maintained for each other as we continued to share our lives apart. In the words of gospel icon Dottie Peoples “He’s an on time God” we have returned to our Harlem home. And last week we had our first class in five years.
Ww Are Back Dance of the Village Elders
The enthusiasm was palpable, and the love is real. We thank Canon Rector, Reverend Canon Charles Simmons; The Reverend Deacon Fitzroy Edwards, Curate Kevin Booker Kidd and our guardian angel Parish Administrator Gail Silver for making us feel so welcome again.
We are back at our Harlem home. Come join us. We meet every Thursday from 2:30pm to 3:30pm at St. Philips Church 204 west 134th street. For more information contact Walter Rutledge at walterutledge@gmail.com.
BalletX presented their New York City season Wednesday September 24 through Friday September 28 at the Joyce Theater. The five-day, six performance series presented four effectual works that demonstrated the company’s range and proficiency. This Philadelphia based contemporary ballet company’s New York season can best described as sensual, sultry, and visceral. Continue reading
By Walter Rutledge
The Dance of the Village Elders is returning to St. Philips Church, 204 W 134th Street beginning Thursday October 16th, at 2:30pm. The senior wellness classes, which uses dance as the primary medium was a mainstay in the Harlem community. The participates learned choreography, in addition to the wellness/fitness training, and presented biannual concerts in St. Philips’ sanctuary. Continue reading
By Walter Rutledge
By Walter Rutledge
Lights! Camera! Action! The Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project’s Unbound: Shattered Frames, Endless Visions is finally here. This Black dance extravaganza will that place tonight, August 23, 6pm at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. Continue reading
By Walter Rutledge
The Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project (CBDLP) 2025 presentation, Unbound: Shattered Frames, Endless Visions will grace the stage of the Harris Theater for Music and Dance this Saturday, August 23, 6pm. This unprecedented dance/theatre event showcases ten of Chicago’s most dynamic and diverse dance companies. The event is more than a dance concert. The production is a collective of Chicago-based artists celebrating the continued historic contributions of the Black dance community on the city’s cultural landscape. Continue reading
Claude Monet once claimed that Venice was “too beautiful to be painted,” a challenge he embraced by creating an extraordinary sequence of works depicting the Italian city. Monet and Venice is the first exhibition to focus on Monet’s luminous Venetian paintings—a radiant yet underexplored chapter in the artist’s late career—since their debut in 1912.
200 Eastern Parkway
Enter a winter wonderland unlike any other at the The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show, where cherished seasonal traditions find a home in our enchanting train displays, by day…or night.
The New York Botanical Garden
Encounter an artist who changed the face of portrait photography. Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens is the most expansive North American exhibition of the legendary Malian photographer’s work to date. More than 280 works include iconic prints, never-before-seen portraits, textiles, and Keïta’s personal artifacts, all brought to life with unique insights from his family.
Brooklyn Museum
To mark the centennial of The New Negro—the groundbreaking 1925 anthology of poetry, essays, and art edited by Alain Locke—The Gay Harlem Renaissance invites visitors to immerse themselves in the richness of Black LGBTQ+ life in the 1920s and 1930s.
The New York Historical
“American contemporary ballet at its best" (The Ballet Herald), Complexions Contemporary Ballet returns to The Joyce to celebrate its 31st season under the direction of Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson.
Joyce Theater
Its Taylor Time! The Paul Taylor Dance Company returns to Lincoln Center’s State Theater November 4 through 23. The company will present a total of eighteen works including the New York premiere of choreographer Hope Boykin and world premieres by resident choreographers Lauren Lovett and Robert Battle.
New York State Theater in Lincoln Center
Claude Monet once claimed that Venice was “too beautiful to be painted,” a challenge he embraced by creating an extraordinary sequence of works depicting the Italian city. Monet and Venice is the first exhibition to focus on Monet’s luminous Venetian paintings—a radiant yet underexplored chapter in the artist’s late career—since their debut in 1912.
200 Eastern ParkwayEnter a winter wonderland unlike any other at the The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show, where cherished seasonal traditions find a home in our enchanting train displays, by day…or night.
The New York Botanical GardenEncounter an artist who changed the face of portrait photography. Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens is the most expansive North American exhibition of the legendary Malian photographer’s work to date. More than 280 works include iconic prints, never-before-seen portraits, textiles, and Keïta’s personal artifacts, all brought to life with unique insights from his family.
Brooklyn MuseumTo mark the centennial of The New Negro—the groundbreaking 1925 anthology of poetry, essays, and art edited by Alain Locke—The Gay Harlem Renaissance invites visitors to immerse themselves in the richness of Black LGBTQ+ life in the 1920s and 1930s.
The New York HistoricalClaude Monet once claimed that Venice was “too beautiful to be painted,” a challenge he embraced by creating an extraordinary sequence of works depicting the Italian city. Monet and Venice is the first exhibition to focus on Monet’s luminous Venetian paintings—a radiant yet underexplored chapter in the artist’s late career—since their debut in 1912.
200 Eastern ParkwayEnter a winter wonderland unlike any other at the The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show, where cherished seasonal traditions find a home in our enchanting train displays, by day…or night.
The New York Botanical GardenEncounter an artist who changed the face of portrait photography. Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens is the most expansive North American exhibition of the legendary Malian photographer’s work to date. More than 280 works include iconic prints, never-before-seen portraits, textiles, and Keïta’s personal artifacts, all brought to life with unique insights from his family.
Brooklyn MuseumTo mark the centennial of The New Negro—the groundbreaking 1925 anthology of poetry, essays, and art edited by Alain Locke—The Gay Harlem Renaissance invites visitors to immerse themselves in the richness of Black LGBTQ+ life in the 1920s and 1930s.
The New York Historical“American contemporary ballet at its best" (The Ballet Herald), Complexions Contemporary Ballet returns to The Joyce to celebrate its 31st season under the direction of Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson.
The Tino & Rajika Puri AuditoriumClaude Monet once claimed that Venice was “too beautiful to be painted,” a challenge he embraced by creating an extraordinary sequence of works depicting the Italian city. Monet and Venice is the first exhibition to focus on Monet’s luminous Venetian paintings—a radiant yet underexplored chapter in the artist’s late career—since their debut in 1912.
200 Eastern ParkwayEnter a winter wonderland unlike any other at the The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show, where cherished seasonal traditions find a home in our enchanting train displays, by day…or night.
The New York Botanical GardenEncounter an artist who changed the face of portrait photography. Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens is the most expansive North American exhibition of the legendary Malian photographer’s work to date. More than 280 works include iconic prints, never-before-seen portraits, textiles, and Keïta’s personal artifacts, all brought to life with unique insights from his family.
Brooklyn MuseumTo mark the centennial of The New Negro—the groundbreaking 1925 anthology of poetry, essays, and art edited by Alain Locke—The Gay Harlem Renaissance invites visitors to immerse themselves in the richness of Black LGBTQ+ life in the 1920s and 1930s.
The New York Historical“American contemporary ballet at its best" (The Ballet Herald), Complexions Contemporary Ballet returns to The Joyce to celebrate its 31st season under the direction of Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson.
The Tino & Rajika Puri Auditorium
O&A NYC MAGAZINE WISHES YOU A HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAY
Claude Monet once claimed that Venice was “too beautiful to be painted,” a challenge he embraced by creating an extraordinary sequence of works depicting the Italian city. Monet and Venice is the first exhibition to focus on Monet’s luminous Venetian paintings—a radiant yet underexplored chapter in the artist’s late career—since their debut in 1912.
200 Eastern ParkwayEnter a winter wonderland unlike any other at the The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show, where cherished seasonal traditions find a home in our enchanting train displays, by day…or night.
The New York Botanical GardenEncounter an artist who changed the face of portrait photography. Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens is the most expansive North American exhibition of the legendary Malian photographer’s work to date. More than 280 works include iconic prints, never-before-seen portraits, textiles, and Keïta’s personal artifacts, all brought to life with unique insights from his family.
Brooklyn MuseumTo mark the centennial of The New Negro—the groundbreaking 1925 anthology of poetry, essays, and art edited by Alain Locke—The Gay Harlem Renaissance invites visitors to immerse themselves in the richness of Black LGBTQ+ life in the 1920s and 1930s.
The New York HistoricalClaude Monet once claimed that Venice was “too beautiful to be painted,” a challenge he embraced by creating an extraordinary sequence of works depicting the Italian city. Monet and Venice is the first exhibition to focus on Monet’s luminous Venetian paintings—a radiant yet underexplored chapter in the artist’s late career—since their debut in 1912.
200 Eastern ParkwayEnter a winter wonderland unlike any other at the The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show, where cherished seasonal traditions find a home in our enchanting train displays, by day…or night.
The New York Botanical GardenEncounter an artist who changed the face of portrait photography. Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens is the most expansive North American exhibition of the legendary Malian photographer’s work to date. More than 280 works include iconic prints, never-before-seen portraits, textiles, and Keïta’s personal artifacts, all brought to life with unique insights from his family.
Brooklyn Museum
A dance and wellness classes design for Older Adults taught by Walter Rutledge
720 Nereid Ave, Bronx, NY 10466
To mark the centennial of The New Negro—the groundbreaking 1925 anthology of poetry, essays, and art edited by Alain Locke—The Gay Harlem Renaissance invites visitors to immerse themselves in the richness of Black LGBTQ+ life in the 1920s and 1930s.
The New York Historical“American contemporary ballet at its best" (The Ballet Herald), Complexions Contemporary Ballet returns to The Joyce to celebrate its 31st season under the direction of Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson.
The Tino & Rajika Puri AuditoriumClaude Monet once claimed that Venice was “too beautiful to be painted,” a challenge he embraced by creating an extraordinary sequence of works depicting the Italian city. Monet and Venice is the first exhibition to focus on Monet’s luminous Venetian paintings—a radiant yet underexplored chapter in the artist’s late career—since their debut in 1912.
200 Eastern ParkwayEnter a winter wonderland unlike any other at the The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show, where cherished seasonal traditions find a home in our enchanting train displays, by day…or night.
The New York Botanical GardenEncounter an artist who changed the face of portrait photography. Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens is the most expansive North American exhibition of the legendary Malian photographer’s work to date. More than 280 works include iconic prints, never-before-seen portraits, textiles, and Keïta’s personal artifacts, all brought to life with unique insights from his family.
Brooklyn MuseumTo mark the centennial of The New Negro—the groundbreaking 1925 anthology of poetry, essays, and art edited by Alain Locke—The Gay Harlem Renaissance invites visitors to immerse themselves in the richness of Black LGBTQ+ life in the 1920s and 1930s.
The New York Historical“American contemporary ballet at its best" (The Ballet Herald), Complexions Contemporary Ballet returns to The Joyce to celebrate its 31st season under the direction of Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson.
The Tino & Rajika Puri Auditorium“American contemporary ballet at its best" (The Ballet Herald), Complexions Contemporary Ballet returns to The Joyce to celebrate its 31st season under the direction of Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson.
The Tino & Rajika Puri AuditoriumClaude Monet once claimed that Venice was “too beautiful to be painted,” a challenge he embraced by creating an extraordinary sequence of works depicting the Italian city. Monet and Venice is the first exhibition to focus on Monet’s luminous Venetian paintings—a radiant yet underexplored chapter in the artist’s late career—since their debut in 1912.
200 Eastern ParkwayEnter a winter wonderland unlike any other at the The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show, where cherished seasonal traditions find a home in our enchanting train displays, by day…or night.
The New York Botanical GardenEncounter an artist who changed the face of portrait photography. Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens is the most expansive North American exhibition of the legendary Malian photographer’s work to date. More than 280 works include iconic prints, never-before-seen portraits, textiles, and Keïta’s personal artifacts, all brought to life with unique insights from his family.
Brooklyn MuseumTo mark the centennial of The New Negro—the groundbreaking 1925 anthology of poetry, essays, and art edited by Alain Locke—The Gay Harlem Renaissance invites visitors to immerse themselves in the richness of Black LGBTQ+ life in the 1920s and 1930s.
The New York Historical“American contemporary ballet at its best" (The Ballet Herald), Complexions Contemporary Ballet returns to The Joyce to celebrate its 31st season under the direction of Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson.
The Tino & Rajika Puri Auditorium