1/5/18 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Manon- The Royal Ballet- Antoinette Sibley and Anthony Dowell (1982)

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Manon, choreographed by Sir Kenneth MacMilan, was his second three-act ballet as artistic director of the Royal Ballet. He based his scenario on the 1731 novel by the Abbé Prévost, L’Histoire du Chevalier des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut. MacMilan had chosen Antoinette Sibley as Manon and Anthony Dowell as Des Grieux, giving them both a copy of Prévost’s novel to read in preparation for their roles. Continue reading

1/2/17 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Akeelah And The Bee – Deepest Fear

Our Deepest Fears, a poem by Marianne Williamson has been quoted by many humanitarians including Nelson Mandela. In the film Akeelah and The Bee Akeelah Anderson (Keke Palmer) recites the poem at the request of for coach  Dr. Joshua Larabee (Laurence Fishburne). Continue reading

1/1/18 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: Quarantine featuring Kyle Abraham (Essential Dance Film)

Quarantine is the first film in Gabri Christa’s “Another Building” series, which features short narrative dance films that take place in and around historic buildings and sites connected to the Dutch History. An older man looks at his younger self (Kyle Abraham) explore an old quarantine building for enslaved Africans. Continue reading

12/24/17 O&A NYC FILM: The Nativity Story

The Nativity Story is a 2006 biblical drama film based on the nativity of Jesus, directed by Catherine Hardwicke and starring Keisha Castle-Hughes and Oscar Isaac. The film was released on December 1, 2006 after it premiered in Vatican City November 27, 2006.

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12/15/17 O&A NYC WITH WaleStylez MOVIE PREVIEW: HBO Teases Its Upcoming David Bowie Documentary

By Adewale Adekanbi Jr

HBO has released a trailer for its upcoming documentary about David Bowie’s rich legacy, remarkable career and the final years of his life. Entitled , the clip above teases an array of archival footage, photographs and interview clips. Continue reading

12/12/17 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Tracee Ellis Ross Tells The Most Epic Stories About Her Mom

Black-ish star and Emmy nominee Tracee Ellis Ross shares the most epic stories about her mom, Diana Ross, with W Magazine. From stealing Diana’s clothes to going on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Paris for her 18th birthday, Tracee relishes the experiences with supermodels, designers, unforgettable fashion shows and her diva mother. Ross also chats about her first auditions, lessons learned, and landing her role as Rainbow Johnson. Continue reading

11/14/17 O&A NYC HEALTH AND WELLNESS: Michael B. Jordan – Body Transformation From Creed To A Black Panther

Michael B. Jordan is cast in the upcoming Black Panther movie as villain Erik Killmonger. Jordan continued to build on the physique he established for Creed take bulking up to a new level.  Continue reading

11/11/17 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Paul Mooney- Jesus Is Black

Know Your History: Jesus Is Black; So Was Cleopatra, a 2007 stand-up comedy film starring comedian Paul Mooney and directed by Bart Phillips; was filmed live at The Laugh Factory. Continue reading

11/7/18 O&A NYC DANCE: Bill Bojangle Robinson – Stair Dance from Harlem Is Heaven (1932)

The Stair Dance featured in Harlem Is Heaven (1932): one of the first movies to ever feature an all-black cast, this film also boasts one of the earliest recorded versions of Bill Robinson’s famous stair dance routine, where he tapped up and down two flights of five steps joined by a shared platform. Continue reading