Alvin Ailey revolutionized the world of dance by honoring the African American experience, but his journey was not without its struggles. O&A NYC Magazine honors the memory of one of dance’s most prolific pioneers on the anniversary of his 95th birthday. Continue reading
Tag: choreography
1/5/26 O&A NYC HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALVIN AILEY!: Alvin Ailey 1985 Cairo Interview (Historic Stock Video Footage)

Today, January 5 is the 95th birthday of choreographer Alvin Ailey. O&A NYC shares rare video footage from a 1985 interview. The one-way dialogue between Alvin Ailey, founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater took place in Cairo, Egypt. (Note: We only hear Ailey’s answers; not questions asked). He talks about his life, his dance school, the motivational forces behind his choreography and theories of dance. Continue reading
12/23/25 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Todrick Hall – Bells, Bows, Gifts, Trees


Todrick Hall magically appears underneath a green neon light in the shape of a Christmas tree for the accompanying visual. He flips his Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels anthem from 2019 into the sleigh-worthy holiday sing – a long with an equally electrifying music video. Continue reading
12/19/25 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Judith Jamison and Donald Mckayle Cut A Rug on The Cosby Show


You never know what what plot twist will lead to a history lesson on The Cosby Show. When Denise throws a little get-together, things take a wild turn as the older crowd (Judith Jamison Donald McKayle, Bill Cosby, and Phylicia Rashad) show the youngsters how to really party. A nice dance scene with cast members Lisa Bonet, Malcolm Jamal-Warner, Tempestt Bledsoe, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Blair Underwood, and Gerard Cooper.
12/14/25 O&A NYC THE WORD: Revelations – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater


12/5/25 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: New York City Ballet (NYCB) Balanchine Nutcracker (2011)


The 2011 New York City Ballet (NYCB) Balanchine Nutcracker performance was filmed for a PBS Live From Lincoln Center broadcast. The televised production featured principal dancers Megan Fairchild as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Joaquin De Luz as her Cavalier, with Adam Hendrickson as Herr Drosselmeier with students from the School of American Ballet, the official school of the NYCB. Continue reading
12/3/25 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Dance Federation Africa – Oil It – Mr. Killa


The Dance Federation Africa performing Oil It the 2021 dancehall song by Mr. Killa. Continue reading
11/29/25 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: The Nutcracker Rudolf Nureyev and Merle Park (1968)


Rudolf Nureyev‘s 1968 staging of the Nutcracker for the Royal Ballet at Covent Garden fundamentally altered the perception of The Nutcracker. Nureyev discarded the simplistic notion of a pure children’s fantasy, instead turning the entire dream sequence into a complex psycho-sexual exploration of Clara’s burgeoning maturity and her subconscious desire for her godfather, Drosselmeyer. Continue reading
11/28/25 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Robert Battle’s Under the Rhythm – Paul Taylor Dance Company
By Walter Rutledge

When Robert Battle discussed Under the Rhythm prior to the Paul Taylor Dance Company New York season the poignant story of his upbringing was inspiring. Dessie Williams, his mother by choice, introduced him to the arts and encouraged his terpsichorean journey. The nonagenarian still plays the piano at the same church little Robert attended. Continue reading
11/21/25 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Esplanade – Paul Taylor
An esplanade is an outdoor place to walk; in 1975 Paul Taylor, inspired by the sight of a girl running to catch a bus, created a masterwork based on pedestrian movement. Continue reading















