4/14/24 O&A NYC GOSPEL MIME/DANCE: I’m Gonna Be Ready- Wendell Huckaby

Wendell Huckaby is a man after God’s own heart. He has been ministering in mime over 20 years. His passion for ministry through the art of mime, praise dance, and gospel hip hop as an avenue to reach God’s people is very evident in the way he ministers.   Continue reading

4/13/24 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: Ailey II

By Walter Rutledge

Ailey II began their six-day, eight performance New York City season Tuesday, April 9th at the Joyce Theater. This season marked the fiftieth anniversary of the company, which has left an indelible mark on the Ailey organization and the dance world at large. The company is a dance finishing school, touring boot camp, and a choreographer’s laboratory for emerging dance makers and established choreographers. Continue reading

4/8/24 O&A NYC DANCE: Conversation With Spencer Everett- Ailey II

By Walter Rutledge

 

Ailey II perfromer Spencer Everett is already a dance gypsy on a mission. The Stratford, Ontario, Canada native moved to New York City to pursue his dream of becoming an artist; but in Everett’s case that takes on a broader meaning than just dance. The dual major graduate completed the Ailey/Fordham BFA program with an honorable mention in dance and departmental honors in visual arts. Continue reading

4/7/24 O&A NYC DANCE: I Am Julie Caprio, Always and Forever a Harkness Dancer.

By Julie Caprio

Inspired by An American Ballet Story
It is truly amazing to me how Harkness continues to be a huge part of my life. After the NYC screening of An American Ballet Story, a documentary by Leslie Streit and Robin McCain about the Harkness years, my Facebook friend Keith Lee and I began this project. Keith, an extraordinary artist who has had a beautiful career including being a soloist with American Ballet Theatre was also a Harkness Trainee. Continue reading

3/20/24 HIP HOP DANCE PARTY WITH WALESTYLEZ: Best Dance n the World 2023 | New Les Twins

Laurent and Larry Nicolas Bourgeois professionally known as Les Twins, are French dancers, choreographers, producers, models, designers and creative directors of their brand Eleven Paris.

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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

3/8/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Lil Buck at Foundation Louis Vuitton

To mark the current exhibition at Foundation Louis Vuitton in Paris, Icons Of Modern Art: The Shchukin Collection, London-based director Andrew Margetson follows Memphis-born jookin’ dancer Lil Buck as he twists and turns past masterpieces by the likes of Picasso and Matisse. Continue reading

3/5/24 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Josh Levi – EGO

Singer, actor, and dancer Josh Levi first gained attention for his role in the NBC  television series Friday Night Lights. In his latest dance project EGO the 26 year old Houston, Texas native shows you the meaning of the phrase  “a triple threat”. 

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2/10/24 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: Philadanco at the Joyce

By Walter Rutledge

The Philadelphia Dance Company, better known by its sobriquet Philadanco, is having a stellar New York City season at the Joyce Theater.  The all-to-short four-day five performance series will conclude to today Saturday, February 10 with two performances: a 2pm family matinee and an 8pm finale. The season has successfully highlighted the works of four emerging choreographers Tommie-Waheed Evans, Nijawwon Matthews, Ray Mercer and Chris Rudd: thus, continuing the company’s role in perpetuating the Black dance tradition. Continue reading

2/5/24 O&A NYC DANCE PREVIEW: Ray Mercer- Philadanco- Balance of Power

By Walter Rutledge


Dance/choreographer Ray Mercer is living his best life out loud! The Omaha, Nebraska native can be seen eight times a week as a member of the Broadway juggernaut The King Lion. This week Mercer’s artistry will be on full display at the Joyce theater during the New York Season of Philadanco, February 6th through February 10th at the Joyce Theater. Continue reading