Fabulous Feet from the Broadway musical The Tap Dance Kid choreographed by Danny Daniels and featuring Alfonso Ribeiro, Hinton Battle and Company. This performance is from the 1984 Tony Awards. Continue reading
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Tag: Dance Theater
9/6/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Alicia Graf/Donald Williams in Robert Garland’s Return
Robert Garland made the leap from principal dancer to emerging choreography with his 1979 company debut Return. Garland described the work as “post-modern urban neoclassicism – an attempt to fuse an urban physical sensibility and a neoclassical one.” Continue reading
9/4/24 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Madame Re-Res Dance Scene- School Daze
The iconic salon dance fight sequence choreographed by Otis Sallid from Spike Lee‘s 1988 musical comedy School Daze. Continue reading
8/16/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Unite- The Future Faces of Ballet
By Walter Rutledge
Unite, the Joyce Ballet Festival’s opening night performance was an eye-opening reveal of the face (or faces) of the future of ballet. The six-day, festival offers eight performances from Tuesday August 13 through Sunday August 18. Unite is an enlightening example of the growing and long overdue multicultural diversity and inclusiveness the artform so rightfully deserves. Continue reading
4/30/24 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: The Martha Graham Dance Company
By Walter Rutledge
The Martha Graham Dance Company presented their 98th season April 17 thru 20th at New York City Center. The season offered only four performances featuring works by Agnes DeMille, Martha Graham, Jamar Roberts and Hofesh Shechter. The Thursday night program featured two Graham masterworks Rite of Spring (1984) and her icon Appalachian Spring (1944) and We The People, a new work by Roberts. The audience was treated to a season of live music (a former dance staple now a luxury) by the Mannes Orchestra and the Gabe Witcher Sextet. Continue reading
4/5/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: A Conversation With Patrick Gamble- Ailey II
By Walter Rutledge
One of the most gratifying aspects of teaching and choreographing is the incredibly talented young people you encounter along your journey. For those ofttimes all to brief moments that your paths cross you hope you were able to share something- one small seed that will take root and grow. And if life affords us the good fortune to see the rewards gained by their hard work and determination; we take solace in watching the next generation take flight and soar. Patrick Gamble will “take flight” next week, along with the 12-member ensemble of the Ailey II, April 9th through 14th at the Joyce Theater.
We had the opportunity to reconnect recently to discuss the upcoming Ailey II season. Gamble shared insight into his artistic process, preparation for the season and his plans and dreams after his Ailey II tenure is complete.
A Conversation With Patrick Gamble
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
2/1/24 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: RudduR Dance
By Walter Rutledge
RudduR Dance presented a three-day New York season January 25th through January 27th at the Chelsea Factory. Founder and choreographer Christopher Rudd continues to develop choreography that both entertaining and enlightening. The well curated seventy-five-minute concert presented three works and offered a retrospective into choreographer Rudd’s work and artistic evolution. Continue reading
1/26/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Chris Rudd’s Touché featuring Calvin Royal III and João Menegussi
Touché, a work for two dancers, explores the themes of male love. The pas de deux was created by Chris Rudd and featured dancers danced by Calvin Royal III (Adam) and João Menegussi (Steve). Continue reading
