Ghanaian natives Robert Koffie Fugah (New Zealand based) and WALA Group (Australia based) perform traditional songs, rhythms and dances from their homeland Ghana. Continue reading
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Tag: Dance History
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
10/30/24 O&A NYC WALESTYLEZ DANCE PARTY: Top 5 Michael Jackson Dance Routines That Are Impossible To Copy
Michael Jackson was a dance icon, and in this video, we’re diving into 5 Michael Jackson dance routines that are nearly impossible to copy! From the legendary Remember The Time to the jaw-dropping 2 Bad, we’ll show you why these moves are untouchable. Whether you’re a fan of MJ or a dancer trying to learn, this breakdown will leave you amazed. Continue reading
10/5/24 O&A NYC IT’S SATURDAY: A Conversation With Debbie Blunden- Diggs, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
By Walter Rutledge
The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) is one of the heartland’s preeminent dance companies. The company is fifty-six years young and has remained rooted in sharing the experiences of Americans of African decent through movement. This 2016 conversation with DCDC Artistic Director Debbie Blunden- Diggs took place during the company’s performances of Rainbow Round My Shoulder as guest artists with the Paul Taylor Dance Company at State Theater in Lincoln Center.
The company received a Bessie Award (The New York Dance and Performance Awards) that same year for Outstanding Revival for Rainbow. Blunden and I discuss the importance of keeping masterworks like Rainbow alive and on stage for the next generation of balletomanes. Her comments and commitment still ring true as DCDC become the first African American modern dance company to perform one of Taylor’s signature masterwork Esplanade during the company’s 2024 Joyce Theater season October 2- 6. 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
9/20/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Fred Astaire & Cyd Charisse- The Girl Hunt Ballet from The Band Wagon (1953)
The dance is called Girl Hunt Ballet from the 1953 film The Band Wagon directed by Vincente Minnelli. It is around 12 minutes long and is a mini-mystery dance. Fred Astaire plays Rod Reilly, a private detective and he is narrating his story, which is unfolding in the dance. Cyd Charisse plays duel roles as both the innocent blonde and the brunette siren. Continue reading
9/8/24 O&A NYC SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ CONCERT: Bunny Briggs and Duke Ellington- David Danced Before the Lord
Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concert of Music featured guest artist, famed tap dancer Bunny Briggs. Briggs known as Duke’s Dancer had a smooth effortless style perfect for Ellington’s Come Sunday. Continue reading
8/23/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Happy Birthday Dudley Williams
By Walter Rutledge
Alvin Ailey dancer emeritus Dudley Williams would have celebrated his 85 birthday on August 18th. And although time is a very fickle and forgetful mistress Dudley remains of one the stars of the “Golden Age” of the Ailey company. His name is synonymous with dancers and choreographers such as Talley Beatty, John Butler, Louis Falco, George Faison, Miguel Godreau, Judith Jamison, Linda Kent, Kelvin Retardier,|Clive Thompson, Sara Yarborough, Estelle Spurlock and Donna Wood to name a few.
5/6/24 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: A Ballerina’s Tale
Ballerina Misty Copeland made history becoming the first African-American Woman to earn the position of Principal Dancer with the world renowned American Ballet Theater. Continue reading
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
