4/17/26 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Firebird- Dance Theatre of Harlem

Dance Theatre of Harlem’s iconic Firebird places the Russian folk tale about a magical bird that triumphs over evil in an exotic Caribbean setting. John Taras’ choreography to Stravinsky’s familiar score was further enlivened by sets and costumes by Geoffrey Holder. The 1982 DTH production was a tremendous worldwide success. Continue reading

4/16/26 O&A NYC REVIEW BY WALTER RUTLEDGE:  Cats: The Jellicle Ball

By Walter Rutledge

Cats: The Jellicle Ball made it’s Broadway debut on April 7that the Broadhurst Theater. The new production has replaced the London alley/junkyard with a New York City gay ball. Called a “radical reimagining” this reincarnation of Daniel Lloyd Webber iconic musical is a fun, raucous, high energy theatrical juggernaut. We give this clever remake “tens across the board”. Continue reading

4/10/26 O&A NYC O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Appalachian Spring- Martha Graham Dance Company

Shall We Dance Graham Letter to World 1

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Martha Graham Dance Company, April 8 through April 12 at the New York City Center, O&A NYC Magazine reposts Martha Graham’s Appalachian Spring.

Appalachian Spring premiered on October 30th, 1944, at the Library of Congress, Coolidge Auditorium in Washington DC, with Martha Graham dancing the lead role. Created during the darkest days of War World II Graham wanted to create inspiring art that came out of the American experience.  Graham spoke of the work, “To be great art… it must belong to the country in which it flourishes, not be a pale copy of some art form perfected by another culture and another people”. Continue reading

4/9/26 O&A NYC DANCE: Firebird- A DTH Signature Classic From MotionMami Animation

Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) has a long tradition of collaborating with visual artists, including Richard Barcliff, Geoffrey Holder, Hilary Knight, and Artis Lane among others, to help bring ballets to life beyond the stage. Continue reading

4/7/26 O&A NYC DANCE BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: A Conversation With Lloyd Knight – GRAHAM100 The Centennial Celebration

By Walter Rutledge

 

Lloyd Knight is living art. There is no other way to describe him. A master of his art form, while remaining one of its most humble servants. Continue reading

4/5/26 O&A NYC DANCE BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (Week Two)

By Walter Rutledge

The second week of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago began Tuesday March 31 and runs thru Easter Sunday, April 5th at the Joyce Theater. The two-week run offered two programs each running for six consecutive days and seven performances.  Week two features choreography by Aszure Barton, Bob Fosse, James Gregg and Matthew Rushing.  Continue reading

3/29/26 O&A NYC DANCE BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Hubbard Street Dance Chicago – Week One

By Walter Rutledge

The Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is presenting their New York City season from March 17th until Easter Sunday April 5th. The two-week season will offer two eclectic programs featuring a total of six works. The March season also marks the fifth anniversary of Artistic Director Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell historic tenure. Her 2021 appointment broke many glass ceilings as the first alumna, woman, and person of color to lead the organization. Continue reading

3/25/26 O&A NYC DANCE BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Ailey II

By Walter Rutledge

Ailey II presented their fifty second New York City season March 17 through March 22 at the Joyce Theater. The sold out six-day eight performance season offered two programs New Works and Legacy/Future. The season featured Alvin Ailey’s masterwork Streams and four New York City premieres by Renee I. McDonald, Rena Butler, My’Kal Stromile, and Chalvar Monteiro. Continue reading

3/23/26 O&A NYC SONG OF THE DAY: Lena Horne – The Lady Is A Tramp

Lena Horne performed by The Lady Is a Tramp from the musical Babes in Arms (1937). The musical features music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Lorenz Hart. Continue reading

3/16/26 O&A NYC DIVA ALERT: Misty Copeland Performs In Sinners Musical Number At Oscars

The musical tribute to Sinner at the 98th Academy Awards featuring a special appearance by former American Ballet Theatre principal dance Misty Copeland. Continue reading