11/30/21 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Giselle- Natalia Makarova and Mikhail Baryshnikov (1977)

Giselle tells the tragic, romantic story of a beautiful young peasant girl who falls for the flirtations of the deceitful and disguised nobleman Albrecht. When the ruse is revealed, the fragile Giselle dies of heartbreak, and Albrecht must face the otherworldly consequences of his careless seduction. This 1977 American Ballet Theater televised production of Giselle was headed by Natalia Makarova, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Martine van Hamel.

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11/26/21 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Misty Copeland- Black Ballerinas Work Harder

In 2015, Dancer Misty Copeland made history by becoming the first African American female principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre. Fast forward to 2021, and she has been on Time magazine’s 100 list and one Glamour magazine’s “Women of the Year.” Now, the New York Times bestselling author and trailblazer is releasing a new book, “Black Ballerinas.” The illustrated nonfiction collection celebrates dancers of color who have influenced her on and off the stage. Continue reading

11/6/21 O&A NYC AFTER THE CONVERSATION: Elisa Monte, Sarita Allen, Lloyd Knight, Marzia Memoli

The Martha Graham Dance Company concluded its New York fall performances at the Joyce Theater. O&A NYC Editor-in-Chief Walter Rutledge sat down with Treading choreographer Elisa Monte, Graham dancers Lloyd Knight and Marzia Memoli, and “dance Icon” former Ailey principal Sarita Allen for a spirited conversation about Monte’s signature work. After the interview ended the the conversation continued.   Continue reading

8/6/21 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Carmen and Geoffrey (2005)


This documentary follows the astonishing five-decade marriage of Carmen De Lavallade and Geoffrey Holder and focuses on their careers as dancers, actors, choreographers and more. Continue reading

6/18/21 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Ailey Juneteenth Celebration

Ailey Celebrates Juneteenth is an uplifting program that features performance highlights from Alvin Ailey’s Cry and Revelations, as well as Rennie Harris’ Lazarus. Continue reading

5/7/21 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: The Harlem Sandman (1943) Count Basie and Dorothy Dandridge,

Count Basie and his Orchestra play Harlem Sandman, an extended number in Hit Parade of 1943. It features Dorothy Dandridge and Jack Williams singing plus dance act Pops and Louis (Albert Whitman & Louis Williams) along with dancers Dorothea Durham, Neva Peoples & Ruth Scott.
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4/16/21 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Night Creature- An Ailey/Ellington Masterwork

Ailey All Access presents the online encore of Alvin Ailey’s Night Creature. This classic work is a perfect fusion of Ailey’s buoyant choreography and Duke Ellington’s sparkling music. Continue reading

3/19/21 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: DTH On Demand Presents: Firebird- (Last Day to Watch it !)



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.

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2/13/21 O&A NYC ITS SATURDAY: Frances Davis- Her Story (Life Before & After Miles)

Frances Taylor Davis shares her life history as a pioneering dancer with Katherine Dunham Dance Company, her marriage to Miles Davis and renewal after as a survivor. Continue reading

2/2/21 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Cicely Tyson Remembering Arthur Mitchell

 

Cicely Tyson and Arthur Mitchell had a friendship the spanned almost 60 years. Tyson shared her heartfelt memories of their meeting and endearing friendship at the December 3, 2018 memorial at Riverside Church, New York City. Continue reading