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: Dance
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
1/3/26 O&A NYC IN MEMORIAM: Kennedy Center Honoree Carmen de Lavallade


The legendary (Carmen de Lavallade) ballet dancer, choreographer and teacher, who is among the honorees being feted for their illustrious careers by the Kennedy Center nine years ago, talks with correspondent Rita Braver about bringing modern dance to new levels; her marriage to dancer-director Geoffrey Holder; and the bittersweet memories of a life danced to the fullest. Continue reading
12/30/25 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Carmen DeLavallade- The Creation
Dancer, actor and choreographer Carmen DeLavallade performs The Creation featuring choreography by her husband Geoffrey Holder. Holder also designed the costume and music.
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12/26/25 O&A NYC DANCE BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Cry – Deborah Manning


In 1971, Alvin Ailey created Cry, one of his signature dance works, as a birthday present for his mother Lula Elizabeth Ailey. Ailey dedicated the ballet to “all black women everywhere — especially our mothers.” The three-part ballet, set to contemporary music by Alice Coltrane, Laura Nyro and Chuck Griffin, depicts a woman’s journey through toil to an ecstatic state of grace. Cry premiered at New York City Center on May 4, 1971. 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
12/24/25 O&A NYC BLACK FACTS: Judith Jamison – Sunday Morning CBS – AAADT at 60 (2019)


In this CBS Sunday Morning report that originally aired August 11, 2019, on the occasion of the dance group’s 60th anniversary, correspondent Rita Braver talked with dance icon and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director Judith Jamison and her succeeding artistic director Robert Battle.
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12/24/25 O&A NYC BLACK FACTS: Judith Jamison – Sunday Morning CBS (2019) AAADT at 60


In this CBS Sunday Morning report that originally aired August 11, 2019, on the occasion of the dance group’s 60th anniversary, correspondent Rita Braver talked with dance icon and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director Judith Jamison and her succeeding artistic director Robert Battle.
Continue reading
12/21/25 O&A NYC ENCORE PERFORMANCE: Disciples of Mime – Something About The Name Jesus


The Disciples of Mime ministering to Something About The Name Jesus by Rance Allen and Kirk Franklin. Continue reading
12/20/25 O&A NYC GOING BACK TO AFRICA WITH WALESTYLEZ: Night Owl (AI Dance Video)


Night Owl is a 4K AI-generated dance music video created by digital artist Kelly Boesch and released in mid-December 2025. The project is a technical showcase for high-fidelity AI animation, specifically focusing on fluid human movement. Continue reading














