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

1/15/26 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: Fade – featuring Teyana Taylor

Fade featuring Teyana Taylor is an iconic 2016 music video from the album The Life of Pablo, by Kayne West. Continue reading

1/10/26 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Cirque du Soleil – Alegria, Bazzar, Echo

Since its inception in 1984, more than 378 million people around the world have been inspired by the artistry and international inclusiveness of Cirque du Soleil

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1/9/26 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: The A- Z of Dance

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Shot on the streets and rooftops of sunny LA, our A-Z of Dance shows you how to set hearts alight and clubs on fire. Float like an Arabesque, spin like a B-Boy, wobble like a Chicken Noodle Soup… it’s time to step up! In a very special project for i-D and Diesel, director Jacob Sutton has captured the world’s hottest dancers walking in the air in their Jogg Jeans and cut-offs.

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Lil Buck shows us the way of Memphis Jookin. Super-thighs Nicole the Pole – star of Rihanna’s “Pour It Up” video – takes us to a whole other level. And fresh from the Rick Owens catwalk, the Soul Step team show us how to dance to Le1f. Continue reading

1/8/26 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: Michael Jackson – In The Closet

In The Closet is by Pop artist Michael Jackson, released on April 13, 1992, by Epic Records, as the third single from his eighth album, Dangerous (1991). Continue reading

1/7/26 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Surreal Zaouli Dance Music Video – AI Short Film

In this video Zaouli Dance Traditions are blended seamlessly with futuristic AI animation. Inspired by the rhythmic movements of West African rituals, this unique video takes you on an otherworldly journey where culture, music, and technology unite in an unforgettable dance performance. 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

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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12/26/25 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