Cosby Celebrates Ailey was a the 1989 Television Special that showcased the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The show was recorded December 12, 1988 but not broadcast until over a year later. When the show finally aired it was as a tribute to Alvin Ailey who had died December 1, 1989. Continue reading
Category: Video
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.
8/22/24 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: LL Cool J- Jingling Baby

Jingling Baby is the final single released from LL Cool J’s third album, Walking with a Panther. It was released on January 8, 1990 for Def Jam Records and was produced by LL Cool J and Dwayne Simon. Continue reading
8/21/24 WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Michelle Obama DNC 2024 Speech

Michelle Obama‘s full speech at the 2024 DNC in Chicago. She pulled no punches and sets the record straight. Continue reading
8/18/24 O&A NYC SUNDAY MORNING FUNNIES: Arnez J- Church Singing and Hoodie Opera (Comedy)
Atlanta based comedian Arnez J. discusses the differences between a Baptist and Catholic choirs and takes us to Hoodie Opera. Continue reading
10/13/24 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: I Surrender All and Medley ft. Cece Winans, Whitney Houston and Shirley Caesar

I Surrender All and Gospel medley featuring CeCe Winans, Whitney Houston and Shirley Caesar performed at the 1996 Grammy Awards. Continue reading
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
8/11/24 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: The Staple Singers – I’ll Take You There (Live)

The Staple Singers were a gospel, soul, and R&B family singing group and one of the first early crossover groups. Roebuck “Pops” Staples the patriarch of the family, formed the group with his children Cleotha, Pervis, and Mavis. Yvonne replaced her brother when he was drafted into the U.S. Army, and again in 1970. 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










