8/1/25 O&A NYC SHAL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Maya Plisetskaya Dances Bolero, The Dying Swan And More

Shall We Dancemed_1408733786_image

Maya Plisetskaya, Prima Ballerina Assoluta of the Bolshoi Ballet, danced Maurice Bejart’s Bolero set to the famous Ravel score in 1975. Plisetskaya created a stunning theatrical experience. What makes the piece so compelling is that although Plisetskaya may be accompanied by dozens of other dancers mirroring her movement, the first and only focus is on the prima ballerina herself.  Continue reading

8/1/25 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Maya Plisetskaya Dances Bolero, The Dying Swan And More

Shall We Dancemed_1408733786_image

Maya Plisetskaya, Prima Ballerina Assoluta of the Bolshoi Ballet, danced Maurice Bejart’s Bolero set to the famous Ravel score in 1975. Plisetskaya created a stunning theatrical experience. What makes the piece so compelling is that although Plisetskaya may be accompanied by dozens of other dancers mirroring her movement, the first and only focus is on the prima ballerina herself.  Continue reading

4/22/25 O&A NYC REVIEW: Macbeth in Stride

By Walter Rutledge

For those of us that believe “Hell has no fury like a women scorned”. And for those of us who know firsthand you do not mess with a Black woman who “ain’t feeling it”. Leave your Elizabethan mindset at home and head to the Harvey Theater to experience MacBeth in Stride – Shakespeare from a sistah’s point of view. Written and performed by Obie- Award winner Whitney White the production takes Shakespeare and female empowerment to a new level. This soulful contemporary rendition of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Macbeth runs for only five remaining performances through April 27 at the Harvey Theater located at 651 Futon Street in downtown Brooklyn. Continue reading

4/14/25 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: Dance Theatre of Harlem

By Walter Rutledge

The Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) presented their New York City season April 10th through April 14th at New York City Center. The four-day four-performance season featured works by George Balanchine, William Forsythe, Jodi Gates, and DTH Artistic Director Robert Garland. The evening presented four abstract works in the Contemporary Ballet, Neoclassic and Garland’s own Harem Swag styles. There was a lot of admirable dancing presented but little theatre offered. Continue reading

2/14/25 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: I Wanna Be Ready – Amos Machanic Jr.

Amos Machanic, Jr. joined the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1996. During his 15 years with the company, Amos had the pleasure of traveling and performing across the globe and in 2010, he performed at the White House tribute to Judith Jamison. Continue reading

2/11/25 O&A NYC DANCE: Kevin Iega Jeff Creates to Communicate With Homage

By Walter Rutledge 

Keeping in the spirit of his credo, “create to communicate”, Kevin Iega Jeff has choreographed Homage for the Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet. Homage will be presented during Remembering, the company’s 30th anniversary season celebration February 13, 14, 15 at BAM Fisher Fishman Space in downtown Brooklyn. The intergenerational ensemble work highlights the artistry of three accomplished female performers Shirley Black Brown Coward, Bahiyah Sayyed and Thera Ward. Continue reading

2/7/25 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Jamel Gaines Frontline Mentor

By Walter Rutledge

The applause has subsided, curtain fallen and the house lights are at half during a brief pause between dances. Instinctively we peruse the program to find the bio of that one standout performer. In many cases that dancer’s initial training and nurturing did not happen in one of metropolis’ elite dance academies. Instead, that first fire was probably kindled in a storefront, church basement, or school gymnasium. Continue reading

2/1/24 O&A NYC ITS SATURDAY ANYTHING GOES: Mercy by Alex Miedzinski for Senior Lyrical 2023

 

Choreographer Alex Miedzinski presents Mercy, featuring the senior students (age 17-18 years) of the Performance Training Program. The work was performed at their 2023 End of Year Concert at Brent Street one of Australia’s premiere dance academies. Continue reading

1/29/25 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Hope By Paris Cavanagh For Elite Company 2023

Hope, choreography by Paris Cavanagh presents dancers from Elite Company from the performance training program. The company is comprised of students aged 14-18 years. This performance took place during the 2023 end of year annual concert. Continue reading

1/25/25 O&A NYC DANCE: Martin: A Ballet By Gordon Parks Act V- Mourning Place

The final act of Martin: A Ballet By Gordon Parks takes place after the death of Dr. King . John Jones (Dr Martin Luther King) Sheila Rohan (Rosa Parks) and James E. Murphy (Assassin). Continue reading