The biblical narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah is frequently misinterpreted as a judgment on sexual orientation rather than an indictment of extreme inhospitality, xeno-violence, and a failure to aid the vulnerable. Continue reading
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Category: Education
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
6/23/26 O&A NYC THE MORNING FUNNIES: Obama Did It Better (Savage Trump vs Obama Political Satire Song)
Obama Did It Better, a fact‑driven political satire parody of Nobody Does It Better, comparing Donald Trump and Barack Obama on leadership, policy, and basic competence with a darkly cinematic Bond‑style twist. From jobs and healthcare to allies, norms, and democratic guardrails, this track leans into receipts over vibes—turning real‑world data and public record into a smooth, biting musical takedown of the Trump era. Continue reading
6/10/26 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Agon Pas de Deux – Diana Adams and Arthur Mitchell
The Agon pas de deux, choreographed by George Balanchine in 1957 to a score by Igor Stravinsky, is a revolutionary milestone in 20th-century ballet. Its original cast paired Arthur Mitchell, the first Black principal dancer at the New York City Ballet, with Diana Adams, a caucasian ballerina.
6/17/26 O&A NYC BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Hymn Conversation
By Walter Rutledge
On June 4 at a group of former Ailey dancers sat down to discuss the recent reconstruction of Judith Jamison’s Hymn for the Ailey company’s four-day spring series at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The dancers were part of the original cast of Hymn and had participated in the new remounting of the work, while also coaching the dancers in the present Ailey company. What was apparent from the beginning of the discussion was their willingness, enthusiasm and what can only be described the sheer joy in sharing their experiences with the dancers and now the public. Continue reading
5/17/26 O&A NYC DANCE BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Jamel Gaines Named Artistic Director of Brooklyn North High Schools
By Walter Rutledge
The local weather had predicted steady morning rain with below average temperatures for April 30th; and for once they were spot on. A brigade of umbrellas seemed to march down Jay Street in downtown Brooklyn. With heads slightly bowed they maneuvered through the wet and dreary inclemency. When we entered the New York City College of Technology and headed towards the theater the mood immediately changed to one of academic excitement. Inside arts educators for Brooklyn North High Schools (BKNHS) were participating in the third in a series of four arts professional development workshops conducted by the district’s new Artist Director, Jamel Gaines.
The pedagogic atmosphere recalled the energy depicted in Rapheal’s fresco School of Athens. But instead of Aristotle flanked by Plato Gaines was introduced by a different scholar, Superintendent of Brooklyn North High Schools Dr. Rushell White. Dr. White (still basking in the afterglow of her April 28th appointment to Superintendent) welcomed the engaged teachers/mentors; and expressed her appreciation for their commitment to nurture the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. She was instrumental is the implementation of this new arts initiative now more than two-thirds through its first year.
Gaines role as Artistic Director goes beyond merely increasing classroom engagement, but to also provide professional assistance to the 47 schools that comprise the Brooklyn North High School District. To help guide the real-life/professional application of the students emerging artistry through sharing auditions techniques for dance, theater, and film, assist with creating a portfolio, exploring the seemingly less glamorus but neccesary technical/production career opportunities in house, stage and production managing, light, set and costume design. He will also work with educators to develop arts centric programming that reinvigorates and reimagines teaching techniques as prescribed by the Department of Education’s Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts. Educators and students will also receive hands on instruction/interaction from his staff of experienced teaching artists, all who have earned accolades and renowned for their vast professional experiences.
JGDC BKNHS Arts Profesional Development Series 3
Gaines began his mission in 1994 when JHS 113 in the Fort Green section of Brooklyn (this was before you could buy a latte or scones in that neighborhood) became his “Lyceum”, the home of the school for the Jamel Gaines Dance Company. His encouraging yet discipled methodology/mentorship has offered young people an expressive haven for over thirty years; and the tutelage ranges from dance decorum to banquet etiquette. This philosophy prepares not just the performer but the entire person for any field of endeavor. “Our goal is to ensure that students receive industry-standard training and technical development. To cultivate and empower the next generation of young artists”. Marketing/Production Assistant Shandale Rickets proudly proclaims, “We want them to lead with creativity and confidence”.
The final BKNHS arts professional development workshop will take place on Wednesday May 20th at New York City College of Technology. O&A NYC will be in the house (who knows what teaching tips we might learn).
In Photo: 1. Jamel Gaines, 2. Dr. Rushell White 3. Jamel Gaines, cast and BKNHS teachers
Walter Rutledge Photographer
2/23/26 O&A NYC LOCKDOWN LEARNING: The Real Story of Jean-Michel Basquiat
The Real Story of Jean-Michel Basquiat, often focusing on his transition from a homeless graffiti artist to a global art icon. This YouTube mini-documentary titled The Real Story of Jean-Michel Basquiat was released in 2023. Continue reading
1/30/26 O&A NYC DANCE BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Unity Through Community – Jamel Gaines and MAAFA: The Capture
By Walter Rutledge
Dance Theatre of. Harlem founder Arthur Mitchell told me, “It’s easy to choreograph on professionals try choreographing on regular people”. He was implying that the dance maker must rely more on creativity than on established steps and patterns. Jamel Gaines has accepted this challenge. Instead of using members of the Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet Dance Theater, he has constructed a large intergenerational cast of church constituents.
On Sunday February 1st the Creative Outlet founder/artistic director will present his staging and choreography in MAAFA: The Capture. The Brainchild of Bishop, Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, the 9am free performance at Mt. Piscah Baptist Church, located at 167-10 137th Ave in Jamaica, Queens, will herald in Black History Month. MAAFA: The Capture is a twenty-minute dance theatre vignette depicting the African American experience.
O&A NYC Magazine Editor-in-Chief Walter Rutledge attended recent rehearsals and watched Gaines put his neophyte cast through the paces. These rehearsals were equal parts inspiration and perspiration. A true old school director Gaines rehearsals are both exacting and exhausting. And Gaines high energy and cajoling demeanor effortlessly brings out the movement shapes and dramatic artistry. Don’t take my word here’s a sneak peek into the rehearsal process.
MAAFA: The Capture rehearsal
The black church has always been the source of not only inspiration but the hallmark for information and education. MAAFA: The Capture captures African American history in an entertaining and enlightening dance theater group endeavor. Unity through community.
1/27/26 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Martin Luther King Jr. – No Human Is Illegal
This short speech reframes immigration as America’s greatest source of strength — not a threat. Inspired by the moral cadence of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it challenges the fear, division, and political noise surrounding immigration today. It’s clear the voices of oppression have not been silenced. The chorus of hate, fear, greed and politics remain synonyms for discrimination and bigotry. Whether you’re living the immigrant journey or witnessing it in your community, this message is for every outsider who refused to stay outside. Continue reading
1/18/26 O&A NYC HAIL TO THE KING!: Martin: A Ballet By Gordon Parks (Prelude)
Martin: a ballet by Gordon Parks, an original five-movement ballet chronicling the struggles of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Filmed in 1990 the work stars John Jones as Dr. King and Sheila Rohan as Rosa Parks, featuring choreography by Real Lamb. “Martin” (PBS, 1990), about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King. Parks served as executive producer, director, composer, keyboardist and documentary photographer for this boldly ambitious project. Continue reading
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