Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center: Dancing The Single Life (part 1)

By Walter Rutledge

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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

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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

Dance Of The Village Elders: Seniors In Step

By Walter Rutledge

Dance Of the Village Elders, a program of Harlem Hospital Center and Ailey Arts in Education and Community Programs, are seniors who keep in shape by keeping in step. The dance and fitness class in residence at Harlem Hospital uses movement-based exercises to strengthen muscles, increase cardiovascular function and mobility and to have fun! Continue reading

The Real Lesson in The Pleasure of The Lesson

By Walter Rutledge

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On Thursday, June 11, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater presented the world premiere of The Pleasure of the Lesson by choreographer Robert Moses. The work is a rich, sumptuous erotic adventure danced with an unbridled fervor by an ensemble of ten dancers. Continue reading

Linda Celeste Sims: Pure Light

By Walter Rutledge

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Outstanding performers have always been the hallmark of The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Dancers that consistently test the technical and artistic boundaries of modern dance remain a fundamental part of founder Alvin Ailey’s continuing legacy. Artists Carmen DeLavalallade, Dudley Williams, Judith Jamison, Miguel Godreau, Linda Kent, Sara Yarborough, Sarita Allen, Gary deLoatch, Desmond Richardson, and Renee Robinson all possessed an innate ability beyond technique, a God given gift that unfortunately cannot be taught. When the stage lights hit these special individuals it is refracted into dazing, flawless, pure light that pulls you in… moth to flame. Celeste Linda Sims is pure light. Continue reading

Ailey Returns To Lincoln Center Today

By Walter Rutledge

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Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center for 15 performances beginning, Wednesday, June 11.  Continue reading

Dance Theatre of Harlem New York Season 2014 (Review)

By Walter Rutledge

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 The Dance Theatre of Harlem held their New York season at the Frederick P. Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center Wednesday, April 23 through Sunday, April 27. Two very ambitious programs were offered featuring works by five choreographers. The season, which had something for everyone, could best be described as uneven. Continue reading

Shall We Dance Friday: Dman In the Waters (1998)- Bill T. Jones /Arnie Zane Dance Company

Shall We Dance628x471Bill T. Jones choreographed D-Man in the Waters in 1989, when the mortal danger of AIDS was at a high tide. The work celebrates the buoyant spirit of dancer Demian Acquavella. He had AIDS and died in 1988, but “swimming in its waters” are many others, including Mr. Jones’s partner and company co-founder, Arnie Zane, who had died in 1988. The cast includes Miguel Anaya, Stefanie Batten Bland, Germaul Barnes, Eric Bradley, Catherine Cabeen, Christian Canciani, Rosine Leblanc, Toshiko Oiwa, and Daniel Russel Kubert. Continue reading

Mary Anthony Dance Legend Dies (November 11, 1916 – May 31, 2014)

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Mary Anthony, a national treasure and legend of modern dance, died in her dance studio home in the East Village in New York City on May 31, 2014 at the age of 97. Anthony was recognized as one of the leaders of the modern dance movement both as a choreographer and an exceptional teacher. Continue reading