Cristian Cerezo and Wilson Munoz dance “Temo” by Orquesta Típica Victor, sung by Mario Pomar, at the 19th Lisbon Tango Festival 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. Continue reading
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Category: Shall We Dance Friday
9/20/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Fred Astaire & Cyd Charisse- The Girl Hunt Ballet from The Band Wagon (1953)
The dance is called Girl Hunt Ballet from the 1953 film The Band Wagon directed by Vincente Minnelli. It is around 12 minutes long and is a mini-mystery dance. Fred Astaire plays Rod Reilly, a private detective and he is narrating his story, which is unfolding in the dance. Cyd Charisse plays duel roles as both the innocent blonde and the brunette siren. Continue reading
9/6/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Alicia Graf/Donald Williams in Robert Garland’s Return
Robert Garland made the leap from principal dancer to emerging choreography with his 1979 company debut Return. Garland described the work as “post-modern urban neoclassicism – an attempt to fuse an urban physical sensibility and a neoclassical one.” Continue reading
8/23/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Happy Birthday Dudley Williams
By Walter Rutledge
Alvin Ailey dancer emeritus Dudley Williams would have celebrated his 85 birthday on August 18th. And although time is a very fickle and forgetful mistress Dudley remains of one the stars of the “Golden Age” of the Ailey company. His name is synonymous with dancers and choreographers such as Talley Beatty, John Butler, Louis Falco, George Faison, Miguel Godreau, Judith Jamison, Linda Kent, Kelvin Retardier,|Clive Thompson, Sara Yarborough, Estelle Spurlock and Donna Wood to name a few.
8/16/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Unite- The Future Faces of Ballet
By Walter Rutledge
Unite, the Joyce Ballet Festival’s opening night performance was an eye-opening reveal of the face (or faces) of the future of ballet. The six-day, festival offers eight performances from Tuesday August 13 through Sunday August 18. Unite is an enlightening example of the growing and long overdue multicultural diversity and inclusiveness the artform so rightfully deserves. Continue reading
8/9/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Calvin Royal III and João Menegussi Perform Touche at Unite- Joyce Ballet Festival
UNITE the Joyce Theater’s Ballet Festival, August 13 through August 18, is curated and co-produced by American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer Calvin Royal III. One of the works to be presented, Touché, is a duet that explores the themes of male love. Created by Chris Rudd the ballet features Royal III (Adam) and ABT Corps de ballet member João Menegussi (Steve). Continue reading
8/2/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Happy Birthday Geoffrey Holder- Banda
By Walter Rutledge
Happy Birthday renaissance man Geoffrey Holder. The dancer, actor, choreographer, director, visual artist and all around force of nature was born on August 1st, 1930 in Port of Spain; the capital city of the Caribbean island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. Continue reading
5/17/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY SPECIAL: Janet Jackson – Alright
Alright is by R&B artist from her fourth studio album, Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814. Written by Janet Jackson and Jimmy Jam also Terry Lewis, he song was released on March 4, 1990, by A&M Records as the fourth single from Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814. Continue reading
4/5/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: A Conversation With Patrick Gamble- Ailey II
By Walter Rutledge
One of the most gratifying aspects of teaching and choreographing is the incredibly talented young people you encounter along your journey. For those ofttimes all to brief moments that your paths cross you hope you were able to share something- one small seed that will take root and grow. And if life affords us the good fortune to see the rewards gained by their hard work and determination; we take solace in watching the next generation take flight and soar. Patrick Gamble will “take flight” next week, along with the 12-member ensemble of the Ailey II, April 9th through 14th at the Joyce Theater.
We had the opportunity to reconnect recently to discuss the upcoming Ailey II season. Gamble shared insight into his artistic process, preparation for the season and his plans and dreams after his Ailey II tenure is complete.
A Conversation With Patrick Gamble
3/15/24 O&A NYC CELEBRATING WOMEN ON SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Firebird- Dance Theatre of Harlem
Dance Theatre of Harlem’s iconic Firebird places the Russian folk tale about a magical bird that triumphs over evil in an exotic Caribbean setting. John Taras’ choreography to Stravinsky’s familiar score was further enlivened by sets and costumes by Geoffrey Holder. The 1982 DTH production was a tremendous worldwide success. Continue reading
