1/11/26 O&A NYC IN MEMORIAM: Carmen de Lavallade (CBS Sunday Morning 2017)

In this Dec. 3, 2017 Sunday Morning report, Carmen de Lavallade talked with Rita Braver about her artistic journey (including her collaborations with Alvin Ailey and future husband Geoffrey Holder), and her decision to boycott a 2017 Kennedy Center Honorees reception following President Trump‘s remarks about White nationalists who marched in Charlottesville, Va. Continue reading

1/4/26 O&A NYC IN MEMORIAM: Richard Smallwood – Total Praise

Richard Smallwood wrote the gospel classic Total Praise during a period of immense personal trial while caring for his mother, who had dementia, and a close friend battling cancer. Continue reading

1/3/26 O&A NYC IN MEMORIAM: Kennedy Center Honoree Carmen de Lavallade

The legendary (Carmen de Lavallade) ballet dancer, choreographer and teacher, who is among the honorees being feted for their illustrious careers by the Kennedy Center nine years ago, talks with correspondent Rita Braver about bringing modern dance to new levels; her marriage to dancer-director Geoffrey Holder; and the bittersweet memories of a life danced to the fullest. Continue reading

5/16/25 O&A NYC DANCE IN MEMORIAM: Ella Thompson Moore- May 31, 1939- May 13, 2025

“On behalf of the Charles Moore Dance Theatre, it is with a broken heart that we announce the passing of Ella Thompson Moore, Artistic Director of the Charles Moore Dance Theatre, Dance Matriarch to many, Queen to all. Ella went to join her beloved husband, Charles Moore on Tuesday May 13, days before her 96th birthday. Arrangements will be posted when finalized. Please keep her son Anthony and grandson Jalen, her dancers and drummers in prayer. Her presence, grace, wit and warmth will be greatly missed. We are eternally grateful for the impact she had in our lives.”- Faye Moore (with permission of the family) Continue reading

9/9/24 O&A NYC MILESTONE: James Earl Jones Has Died He Was 93.

Widely regarded as the one of greatest stage and screen actors both in his native USA and internationally, James Earl Jones has died he was 93. Continue reading

3/25/24 O&A NYC IN MEMORARIUM: Lorraine Graves

By Walter Rutledge

Dancer, and teacher Lorraine Graves passed away on March 21, 2024, at the young age of 66. Graves started dancing at the age of 8 in the hometown of Norfolk, Virginia. She began her training at the Academy of the Norfolk Ballet (under the direction of the late Gene Hammett) and made her performing debut with the Norfolk Civic Ballet. As a teenager Graves she spent summers in New York City studying dance at the Joffrey Ballet and the prestigious School of American Ballet (New York City Ballet). Continue reading

4/25/23 O&A NYC IN MEMORARIUM:  Harry Belafonte Dies At 96

Harry Belafonte, a multi-talented entertainer and activist who broke barriers in the film and music industry, and was instrumental in the civil rights movement has died at 96.
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1/21/23 O&A NYC IN MEMORIAM: Lupe Serrano and Jacques d’Amboise- Black Swan Pas De Deux (1960)

Lupe Serrano, a former prima ballerina with American Ballet Theater died on Monday in Syosset, N.Y. at age 92. A petite powerhouse, Ms. Serrano dazzled audiences with virtuosic technique, steely strength and an exuberant stage personality. She excelled in classical and modern choreography during her 18 years with American Ballet Theater , which she joined as a principal dancer in 1953. American audiences had rarely seen a female dancer achieve the soaring jumps, fleet footwork and swift turns that Ms. Serrano executed with aplomb.

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12/31/22 O&A NYC IN MEMORIAM: Vivienne Westwood – Renegades of fashion. RIP! 

Vivienne Westwood, the designer who defined the look of punk, using rock iconography, royalty, art and religion as recurring motifs in collections that brought a rebellious edge to British style, before going on to a long and influential career as a fashion designer with an activist streak, died on Thursday in the Clapham neighborhood of South London. She was 81. Continue reading

1/29/21 O&A NYC IN MEMORIAM: Cicely Tyson- The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman

Cicely Tyson passed yesterday January 28, 2021. In a career spanning more than seven decades, Tyson became known for her portrayal of strong African-American women.  Continue reading