Judah Stretch Animation‘s bible movie Birth of Christ gives young audiences a version of the Nativity like never before experienced. Continue reading
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Tag: Black History
12/20/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Meet The First Black Star Of New York City Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’
The 2024 New York City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker has cast Charlotte Nebres, a black dancer, to play Marie for the first time in the productions 70 year history. Continue reading
11/10/24 O&A NYC IN MEMORIAL: Judith Jamison (1943- 2024) Revelations Excerpts (Hollywood Palace 1968)
O&A NYC celebrates the life and Legacy of Judith Jamison.
“She was a unique, spectacular dancer who was majestic and queenly. She danced with eloquence and integrity.”– Sylvia Waters 
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performed two excerpts from his masterwork Revelations on the weekly television variety show The Hollywood Palace (1968). Continue reading
11/7/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Dear Quincy- Carmen De Lavallade and Wesley Fata
Carmen de Lavallade dancing to Quincy Jones’s “Soul Bossa Nova” with Wesley Fata on November 16, 1968. Ms. de Lavallade’s late husband, the great Geoffrey Holder, choreographed this piece This is jut an excerpt of a much longer dance. Continue reading
11/5/24 O&A NYC SONG OF THE DAY: Sam Cooke- A Change Is Gonna Come
A Change Is Gonna Come is a song by Sam Cooke, released on December 22, 1964 by RCA Victor. Though only a modest hit for Cooke in comparison with his previous singles, A Change Is Gonna Come became an anthem for the American Civil Rights Movement. The song is widely considered Cooke’s best composition and has been voted among the best songs ever released by various publications. In 2007, the song was selected for preservation in the Library of Congress, with the National Recording Registry deeming the song “culturally, historically, or aesthetically important.” Continue reading
10/25/24 SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Paula Abdul – Straight Up
Straight Up by dancer and choreographer Paula Abdul from her debut studio album, Forever Your Girl (1988). Straight Up became Abdul’s first top-40 hit in the United States, eventually topping the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1989. Continue reading
10/20/24 O&A NYC SUNDAY GOSPEL: Rev. James Cleveland – Soldiers In The Army
James Edward Cleveland was a gospel singer, musician, and composer. Known as the “King of Gospel,” Cleveland was a driving force behind the creation of the modern gospel sound by incorporating traditional black gospel, soul, pop, and jazz in arrangements for mass choirs. Continue reading
10/1/24 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Chadwick Boseman’s Tribute to Denzel Washington (2019)
Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman pays tribute to Denzel Washington as he receives the 2019 AFI Life Achievement Award the presentation was broadcast on TNT. Continue reading
9/23/24 O&A NYC PREVIEW: Edges of Ailey at The Whitney
By Alex Smith, Jr.
Something very special is about to burst on the NYC cultural scene- Edges of Ailey. The Whitney Museum’s groundbreaking, and multi-faceted interdisciplinary exhibit is a homage to the life and work of the legendary dancer, choreographer and humanitarian Alvin Ailey. This unique collaborative effort between the Ailey Dance Foundation and the Whitney has its official debut on Wednesday, September 25. Continue reading
9/19/24 O&A THROWBACK THURSDAY: Jackie Wilson Baby Workout (Shindig 1965)
Baby Workout by Mr. Excitement aka Jackie Wilson from the album of the same name is about Wilson urging a girl to dance or work out all night long with him. Continue reading
