8/15/26 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Rhythmetron: The Dance Theatre of Harlem with Arthur Mitchell (Part 1&2) 1973

Dance Theatre of Harlem founder Arthur Mitchell shares his unique gifts of leadership, civic pride and his love of the young people of Harlem. This historic 1973 lecture-demonstration film showcases the early artistry, discipline, and educational mission of the Dance Theatre of Harlem – America’s Black classical ballet company. Continue reading

8/14/26 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Lift Every Voice – excerpt from Alonzo King’s Deep River

Babatunji performs the powerful solo Lift Every Voice. An excerpt from Alonzo King LINES Ballet’s acclaimed work, Deep River. Featured on PBS’s Next at the Kennedy Center series, the piece merges powerful movement with the historic Black National Anthem. Continue reading

8/8/26 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Joyce Ballet Festival Curated by Misty Copeland

By Walter Rutledge

What better way to conclude the Joyce Theater spring/summer 2026 season than with a ballet festival curated by dance treasure Misty Copeland. The two-week, fourteen performance series began Tuesday August 4 and runs through Sunday August 16. Two programs will be presented, one each week. Continue reading

8/7/26 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Desmond Richardson – Imprint/Maya – Complexions Contemporary Ballet

Complexions Contemporary Ballet‘s co-founder Desmond Richardson performs Imprint/Maya.  Choreographed by Dwight Rhoden and set to words by Maya Angelou with music by the jazz composer David Rozenblatt the work was part of Ballet Across America — programs curated by Misty Copeland and Justin Peck –– on April 17, 2017 at the Kennedy Center. Continue reading

8/3/26 O&A NYC DANCE BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Danni Gee Talks Ballet Festival

By Walter Rutledge

The Joyce Ballet Festival returns to the Joyce’s Tino & Rajika Puri Auditorium August 3 though August 16. Former American Ballet Principal Dancer Misty Copeland has curated a stellar festival featuring outstanding choreography performed by an impressive roster of world class artists. Each night will feel like a gala performance. Choreographers Kyle Abraham, Bob Fosse, Alonzo King, José Limón, Dwight Rhoden, Rudolf Nureyev, John Taras, Ingrid Silva, Houston Thomas and a new work by Aleisha Walker commissioned by the Joyce complete the roster – and that’s just the roster for the first week! Continue reading

7/31/26 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Philadanco – A Must See

By Walter Rutledge

Question: What do you get when you combine strong performers, stellar choreography and exceptional production elements? 
Answer: You get Philadanco! Continue reading

7/29/26 O&A NYC STOP THE PRESSES: Tommie-Waheed Evans Talks Philadanco

By Walter Rutledge

The Philadelphia Dance Company aka Philadanco begins their New York City Season tonight July 29th at the Joyce Theater. The five day, six performance season will feature works by four choreographers Thang Dao, Rennie Harris,  Christopher Huggins and Co-Artistic Director Tommie-Waheed Evans. O&A NYC Editor-in-Chief Walter Rutledge caught up with Evans during the afternoon rehearsal to discuss the New York City season.

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7/24/26 O&A NYC DANCE BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Danni Gee Talks Philadanco

By Walter Rutledge

PHILADANCO! (The Philadelphia Dance Company) returns to New York City for a highly anticipated six performance season at The Joyce Theater from July 29 through August 2, 2026. This celebrated company’s mission, to preserve the Black American concert dance traditions, will be on full display with a program featuring two New York premieres, a world premiere, and a company revival. “Danco’s” dynamic New York City season will include works by Co-Artistic Director Tommie-Waheed Evans, Thang Dao, Rennie Harris and Christopher Huggins. Continue reading

7/20/26 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Long Live Erick Hawkins

By Walter Rutledge

An informal presentation of dance works inspired by 20th century modern mover Erick Hawkins was offered on July 16th at the Joan Weill Center for Dance, studio 5D. A Tribute to Erick Hawkins featured two dances by Gloria McLean and a dance/theatre work by Bert Gstettner. The three solo dances were well suited for the informal and intimate studio setting. These two veteran dance makers displayed a well-honed understanding of the craft and their unique and individual artistic vision. Continue reading

7/18/26 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Carmen de Lavallade and John Butler – Portrait of Billie (1960)

Portrait of Billie (1960) is an iconic modern dance duet choreographed by John Butler as a poignant tribute to the legendary jazz and blues singer Billie Holiday portrayed by Carmen de Lavallade. Continue reading