4/22/25 O&A NYC REVIEW: Macbeth in Stride

By Walter Rutledge

For those of us that believe “Hell has no fury like a women scorned”. And for those of us who know firsthand you do not mess with a Black woman who “ain’t feeling it”. Leave your Elizabethan mindset at home and head to the Harvey Theater to experience MacBeth in Stride – Shakespeare from a sistah’s point of view. Written and performed by Obie- Award winner Whitney White the production takes Shakespeare and female empowerment to a new level. This soulful contemporary rendition of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Macbeth runs for only five remaining performances through April 27 at the Harvey Theater located at 651 Futon Street in downtown Brooklyn. Continue reading

3/21/25 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: They Called Her Moses

Shall We Dance Friday

They Called Her Moses is Donald McKayle‘s story of freedom fighter Harriet Tubman. The cast includes Jacqueline Walcott, Robert Powell, Sylvia Waters, Arthur Mitchell, Kathleen Stanford, Donald McKayle and Carmen DeLavallade. Continue reading

3/20/25 O&A NYC DANCE: THPAC Search For Choreographers

The Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center (THPAC) is conducting a search for three choreographers for the upcoming 2025 season June 27th and 28th at the Ailey Citicorp Theater. THPAC will present A Ramp to Paradise an original work based on a short story by THPAC Executive Chairman Alex Smith Jr. The story is set in the Paradise Garage, the New York Black gay mega club from the late 70’s and 80’s. Choreographers should have expertise in Modern, Jazz and period social/club dance styles. Continue reading

3/7/25 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Stormy Weather- Lena Horne, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Cab Calloway, Nicholas Brothers, Katherine Dunham and dancers

Shall We Dance Friday

Stormy Weather is a 1943 film musical produced and released by 20th Century Fox. The movie is considered one of the best Hollywood musicals with an all African-American cast and serve to  showcase of some of the top African-American performers of the time. Continue reading

2/14/25 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: I Wanna Be Ready – Amos Machanic Jr.

Amos Machanic, Jr. joined the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1996. During his 15 years with the company, Amos had the pleasure of traveling and performing across the globe and in 2010, he performed at the White House tribute to Judith Jamison. Continue reading

2/11/25 O&A NYC DANCE: Kevin Iega Jeff Creates to Communicate With Homage

By Walter Rutledge 

Keeping in the spirit of his credo, “create to communicate”, Kevin Iega Jeff has choreographed Homage for the Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet. Homage will be presented during Remembering, the company’s 30th anniversary season celebration February 13, 14, 15 at BAM Fisher Fishman Space in downtown Brooklyn. The intergenerational ensemble work highlights the artistry of three accomplished female performers Shirley Black Brown Coward, Bahiyah Sayyed and Thera Ward. Continue reading

2/7/25 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Jamel Gaines Frontline Mentor

By Walter Rutledge

The applause has subsided, curtain fallen and the house lights are at half during a brief pause between dances. Instinctively we peruse the program to find the bio of that one standout performer. In many cases that dancer’s initial training and nurturing did not happen in one of metropolis’ elite dance academies. Instead, that first fire was probably kindled in a storefront, church basement, or school gymnasium. Continue reading

2/1/24 O&A NYC ITS SATURDAY ANYTHING GOES: Mercy by Alex Miedzinski for Senior Lyrical 2023

 

Choreographer Alex Miedzinski presents Mercy, featuring the senior students (age 17-18 years) of the Performance Training Program. The work was performed at their 2023 End of Year Concert at Brent Street one of Australia’s premiere dance academies. Continue reading

1/29/25 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Hope By Paris Cavanagh For Elite Company 2023

Hope, choreography by Paris Cavanagh presents dancers from Elite Company from the performance training program. The company is comprised of students aged 14-18 years. This performance took place during the 2023 end of year annual concert. Continue reading

1/26/25 O&A NYC THE SUNDAY MORNING FUNNIES: Cardi Tries Ballet

Cardi B has launched a new series called Cardi Tries …., on Facebook Messenger and Instagram. In each episode, Cardi attempts to learn a new skill. In the premiere episode, world renowned choreographer Debbie Allen tries to teach Cardi ballet. At one point, Allen asks Cardi if she’s ever done ballet before. “Well, I used to be a stripper,” Cardi replies.  Continue reading