Alvin Ailey revolutionized the world of dance by honoring the African American experience, but his journey was not without its struggles. O&A NYC Magazine honors the memory of one of dance’s most prolific pioneers on the anniversary of his 95th birthday. Continue reading
Category: Event
1/5/26 O&A NYC HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALVIN AILEY!: Alvin Ailey 1985 Cairo Interview (Historic Stock Video Footage)

Today, January 5 is the 95th birthday of choreographer Alvin Ailey. O&A NYC shares rare video footage from a 1985 interview. The one-way dialogue between Alvin Ailey, founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater took place in Cairo, Egypt. (Note: We only hear Ailey’s answers; not questions asked). He talks about his life, his dance school, the motivational forces behind his choreography and theories of dance. Continue reading
1/3/26 O&A NYC ITS SATURDAY – ANYTHING GOES: Conchita Wurst – Rise Like a Phoenix (Austria) 2014 LIVE Eurovision


Rise Like a Phoenix, performed by Conchita Wurst representing Austria, was the winning song of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest held in Copenhagen, Denmark. The performance is notable for its James Bond-inspired orchestration and Wurst’s iconic “bearded lady” stage persona. Continue reading
1/2/25 O&A NYC Encore Performance: Diana Ross Live Ball Drop On Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2026


Music icon Diana Ross headlined Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026, performing a career-spanning medley of hits in Times Square just before the ball drop to welcome 2026. Continue reading
1/1/25 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: Vanessa Williams- Happy Days Are Here Again

What better way to start our New Year Celebration then with Vanessa Williams rendition of Happy Days Are Here Again. Continue reading
1/1/26 O&A NYC DIVA ALERT: Diana Ross – 2025 Times Square ball drop (I’m Coming Out)


Diana Ross headlined the 2026 Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve celebration in Times Square on December 31, 2025. At 81 years old, the Motown legend led the countdown to the new year and performed a career-spanning medley of hits. Continue reading
12/28/25 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Oh, Happy Day – Ray Charles and the Voices of Jubilation


This soul-stirring gospel performance of Oh, Happy Day by legendary musician Ray Charles, accompanied by the Voices of Jubilation, a world-famous 120-member choir from Newark, New Jersey. Continue reading
12/25/25 O&A NYC SONG OF THE DAY: The Voices of East Harlem – Right On Be Free

The Voices of East Harlem was an African American vocal ensemble that originated in an inner-city action project in East Harlem, New York City. The song Right On, Be Free enjoys continued exposure as the last movement of Alvin Ailey‘s masterwork Cry. Continue reading
12/25/25 O&A NYC HOLIDAY SONG OF THE DAY: Nat King Cole – Hark! The Herald Angels Sing


Official visualizer for Hark! The Herald Angels Sing performed by Nat King Cole. Continue reading
12/24/25 O&A NYC BLACK FACTS: Judith Jamison – Sunday Morning CBS – AAADT at 60 (2019)


In this CBS Sunday Morning report that originally aired August 11, 2019, on the occasion of the dance group’s 60th anniversary, correspondent Rita Braver talked with dance icon and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director Judith Jamison and her succeeding artistic director Robert Battle.
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