Samuel George “Sammy” Davis, Jr. was born on December 8, 1925. He was an African- American entertainer who broke many barriers and paved the way for entertainers in all disciplines. Davis was primarily a dancer and singer, but he also received acclaim as an actor of stage and screen, musician, and impressionist. Davis died at age 64 in 1990, after spending 61 years in the profession he loved. Continue reading
Category: Choreography
Summerstage Harlem Dance Caravan: Erasing The Boundaries
By Walter Rutledge
Harlem Dance Caravan: Erasing The Boundaries performances were held on August 15th and 16th at the Richard Rodgers Amphitheater in Marcus Garvey Park. This is the second year SummerStage and the Faison Firehouse has collaborated on the outdoor, free to the public performing arts presentation; and it has already become one the most anticipated and well attended events offered in the summer series. This year the eclectic roster of performers included Baoku & The Image Afro-Beat Band, Cecilia Marta Dance Company, George Faison Universal Dance Experience, Jamel Gaines’ Creative Outlet, and Lotus Music & Dance Multicultural Artists. The well curated production lived up to its title offering a diverse and well-paced program with an international flavor. Continue reading
8/18/17 (Repost) O&A NYC Shall We Dance Friday: Desmond Richardson- Lament and Encore Performance Precious Blood with Carmen de Lavallade
Desmond Richardson is a dancer, co-founder and co-artistic director of Complexions Contemporary Ballet. He has mastered a wide range of dance forms including classical, modern, contemporary ballet and jazz making him one of the most recognized performers of his generation. Continue reading
Shall We Dance Friday: Gregg Burge & Hinton Battle Tap Dance – George H.W. Bush Inaugural Gala, 1989
O&A Saturday Dance Bonus: 1976 Television Debut of Mikhail Baryshnikov
Mikhail Baryshnikov’s 1976 United States television debut live from Wolf Trap. The performance also featured Gelsey Kirkland and Marianna Tcherkassky in Coppelia (pas de deux), Le spectre de la Rose, Vestris and Don Quixote (pas de deux). Continue reading
9/1/17 (REPOST) O&A NYC Shall We Dance Friday: Jennifer Gelfand in Vortex Section from Alvin Ailey’s The River
Jennifer Gelfand performs the Vortex section of Alvin Ailey’s The River. Originally set on American Ballet Theatre in 1970 the work was performed by Gelfand during a tour entitled Vortex section of Alvin Ailey’s The River. Fernando Bujones and Stars of the Boston Ballet in 1993. The work was set to music by Duke Ellington. Continue reading
Shall We Dance Friday: Romeo and Juliet Balcony Scene
Balcony scene from John Cranko’s Romeo and Juliet featuring Marcia Haydee and Richard Cragun with music by Sergei Prokofiev. Continue reading
Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center: Dancing the Single Life (part 2)
By Walter Rutledge
Dancing the Single Life (part 2) concluded the choreographer’s showcase portion of the Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center three-day New York season at the Actor’s Fund Arts Center, 160 Schermerhorn Street. For the second night five choreographers were presented each testing the boundaries of contemporary dance. It was an engaging terpsichorean event defined by cutting edge, innovative and provocative choreography. Continue reading
Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center: Dancing The Single Life (part 1)
By Walter Rutledge
The Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center opened their three-day New York season at the Actor’s Fund Arts Center, 160 Schermerhorn Street, with the first installment of Dancing The Single Life. The concert features five solo works by five choreographers Germaul Barnes, Gierre Godley, Amy Grant Hall, Jason Herbert and Christopher Rudd. It was an evocative evening of dance works by cutting edge dancer makers. Continue reading
Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center Series Begins Monday
By Walter Rutledge
The Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center (THPAC) will present their annual Souls of Our Feet: People of Color Dance Festival June 23, 24, and 25; 7:30pm at the Actors Fund Arts Center, 160 Schermerhorn Street in Downtown Brooklyn. This year the performances will showcase the works of ten choreographers in a unique program of dance solos. The series is aptly entitled Dancing the Single Life. Continue reading


















