12/9/16 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: The Nutcracker Ballet- Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gelsey Kirkland (1977)

Shall We Dance

nutcracker-baryshnikov

During the 1977 Christmas season, CBS brought Mikhail Baryshnikov’s highly acclaimed American Ballet Theatre production of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet The Nutcracker to television. The production has remains the most popular and most often shown television production of the work in the U.S.  Mikhail Baryshnikov performed the title role, with Gelsey Kirkland as Clara.
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12/6/24 O&A NYC SONG OF THE DAY: Boyz II Men ft. Brian McKnight – Let It Snow

Let It Snow is co-produced and performed by R&B group Boyz II Men, featuring vocals from fellow R&B artist Brian McKnight. The song was issued as the only official single from the group’s holiday album Christmas Interpretations. Continue reading

12/5/24 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY HOLIDAY GREETINGS: Frosty the Snowman

Frosty the Snowman (1969) is an animated Christmas television special based on the Walter E. Rollins and Steve Nelson song of the same name. It featured the voices  of comedians Jimmy Durante (in his final film role) as the film’s narrator, Billy De Wolfe as Professor Hinkle, and Jackie Vernon as Frosty. Continue reading

12/4/24 O&A NYC WALESTYLEZ HIP HOP WEDNESDAY: Juelz Santana ft. Meek Mill, Jim Jones, Rowdy Rebel – Boyz N Da Hood

Juelz Santana has always been a heavyweight in the East Coast Hip Hop scene, and his latest track, Boyz N Da Hood, proves he’s still got the fire that made him a staple in the game. Santana’s new single is a posse cut that brings together a powerhouse lineup of Meek Mill, Jim Jones and Rowdy Rebel. Continue reading

12/1/24 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Mary Did You Know? (feat. Chandler Moore & Lizzie Morgan)

The official music video for Mary Did You Know? featuring Chandler Moore, Lizzie Morgan and the Mav City Gospel Choir. Happy Holidays!!! Continue reading

11/30/24 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Alvin Ailey’s Revelations (1960)


Alvin Ailey’s masterwork Revelations (1960), remains one of the cornerstones of modern dance works. It remains a powerful testament to the human spirit. This cast includes Marilyn Banks, April Berry, Kevin Brown, Gary DeLoatch, Ralph Glenmore, Deborah Manning, Renee Robinson and Dudley Williams. 

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11/27/24 O&A NYC WALESTYLEZ HIP HOP WEDNESDAY: Lil Baby – 5AM

 

Dominique Armani Jones known professionally as Lil  Baby, is a Hip Hop artist.He rose to prominence following the release of his 2017 mixtapes Harder than Hard and Too Hard, the former of which spawned his first  Billboard 100 entry with its lead single, My Dawg. Continue reading

11/23/24 O&A NYC GOING BACK TO AFRICA WITH WALESTYLEZ: Fireboy DML ft. Lagbaja – Back n Forth

Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan known professionally as Fireboy DML, is an Afrobeat artist. In 2018 he signed a record label deal with YBNL Nation, a record label founded by Hip Hop artist Olamide. Continue reading

11/23/24 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: Claire De Lune Wows Taylor Audience

By Walter Rutledge

There is no greater pleasure than attending a performance as just an audience member. No notes, no critique. I am one of many enveloped in a communal cocoon of darkness enthusiastically sharing the wonderment and power of the creative collective. Tuesday November 19th was one such occasion at the Paul Taylor Dance Company. But after seeing the performance it would be remiss of me not to briefly mention the ethereal Clair de Lune.

The well curated program opened with Taylor’s masterwork Arden Court and closed with his Bach signature piece Esplanade. Two additional works by female choreographers Jody Sperling and resident choreographer Lauren Lovette completed the program. It was Sperling’s visually mesmerizing homage to modern dance pioneer Loie Fuller’s 1891 Serpentine Dance that wowed the audience.  

Pianist Margaret Kampmeier’s rendition of Debussy’s impressionist chestnut Claire De Lune summoned dancer Emmy Wildermuth to open her gossamer like wings. Billowing swirls of fabric provided a lulling comfort to the eye; then a burst of cyclonic energy created a centripetal cylinder of fabric seemingly ten feet high that left us in awe. The works beguiling elegance and courageous simplicity make this tribute timeless. The spirit of Loie Fuller’s groundbreaking modern dance work dances once again in Clair de Lune.

The last opportunity to see Clair De Lune is the Saturday November 23 matinee. Unfortunately, some of you will see this commentary after the mid-day performance. So, O&A NYC would like to share a 2013 performance of the work by choreographer/performer Jody Sperling.

Claire de Lune- Jody Sperling

The Taylor Company ends its 2024 New York season with a special dance reunion where former company members perform with the present company in Esplanade. For more information and or ticket information visit https://paultaylordance.org/performances/newyorkseason/.

In Photo: Emmy Wildermuth in Jody Spering’s “Clair de Lune”
Photo by Whitney Browne