1/3/25 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Nureyev- Ballet’s Most Incredible Story

Shall We Dance FridayNureyev- Ballet’s Most Incredible Story is a striking and moving documentary from BAFTA nominated directors Jacqui and David Morris traces the extraordinary life of Rudolf Nureyev. From his birth in the 5th class carriage of a trans-Siberian train, to his dramatic leap to freedom in the West at the height of the Cold War, and unprecedented adulation as the most famous dancer in the world. Continue reading

1/2/25 O&A NYC THE MORNING FUNNIES: Alte Zachen – Rocka My Soul In The Bosom of Abraham (Howard A. Robert Arrangement)

Alte Zachen, Choreography by Nadav Zelner featuring dancers Réginald Lefebvre and Alessio Marchini set to Howard A. Robert renowned arrangement of Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham with costumes by Ofir Hazan.Ofir Continue reading

1/1/25 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: Matthew Rushing- Sacred Songs

By Walter Rutledge

The 2024 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s (AAADT’s) New York City Center fall season presented four premieres by two former company members Hope Boykin and Jamal Roberts, master choreographer Lar Lubovitch, and AAADT Associate Artistic Director Matthew Rushing. Rushing’s Sacred Songs, an ensemble work with an interesting twist, is set to the music edited from the original version of Alvin Ailey’s and AAADT’s signature work Revelations. Sacred Songs it made its debut on December 20th, was the last of the four new works to premiere, and it was worth the wait.    Continue reading

12/22/24 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: Ailey Premieres by Boykin, Lobovitch, and Roberts

By Walter Rutledge

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is now halfway through their 66th New York season at New York City Center. In the 18 remaining performances this season, which runs until January 5, the company will present 19 works by 12 choreographers. The fall/winter Ailey season has become one of New York City’s annual holiday traditions. Continue reading

12/20/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Meet The First Black Star Of New York City Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’

Shall We Dance Friday

 The 2024 New York City Ballet’s production of  The Nutcracker has cast Charlotte Nebres, a black dancer, to play Marie for the first time in the productions 70 year history. Continue reading

12/13/24 O&A NYC DANCE: A Conversation with Lloyd Knight -The Drama (A Self Portrait)

By Walter Rutledge

Lloyd Knight’s solo dance work, The Drama will have its preview public performances Friday, December 13, 7pm, and Saturday, December 14, 6pm, at the Martha Graham Studio Theater, 55 Bethune Street, 11th Floor, in Manhattan’s West Village/Meatpacking district. Commissioned by the Guggenheim’s Works & Process The Drama is being presented on conjunction with Fall 2024 Studio Series and will have it official premiere on January 13th, 2025, 7pm, at the Guggenheim Museum. Continue reading

12/6/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: The Nutcracker Ballet- Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gelsey Kirkland (1977)

Shall We Dance

nutcracker-baryshnikov

During the 1977 Christmas season, CBS brought Mikhail Baryshnikov’s highly acclaimed American Ballet Theatre production of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet The Nutcracker to television. The production has remains the most popular and most often shown television production of the work in the U.S.  Mikhail Baryshnikov performed the title role, with Gelsey Kirkland as Clara.
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12/9/16 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: The Nutcracker Ballet- Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gelsey Kirkland (1977)

Shall We Dance

nutcracker-baryshnikov

During the 1977 Christmas season, CBS brought Mikhail Baryshnikov’s highly acclaimed American Ballet Theatre production of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet The Nutcracker to television. The production has remains the most popular and most often shown television production of the work in the U.S.  Mikhail Baryshnikov performed the title role, with Gelsey Kirkland as Clara.
Continue reading

11/30/24 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Alvin Ailey’s Revelations (1960)


Alvin Ailey’s masterwork Revelations (1960), remains one of the cornerstones of modern dance works. It remains a powerful testament to the human spirit. This cast includes Marilyn Banks, April Berry, Kevin Brown, Gary DeLoatch, Ralph Glenmore, Deborah Manning, Renee Robinson and Dudley Williams. 

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11/29/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Rudolf Nureyev’s Nutcracker (1968)

Shall We Dance

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This historic performance from 1968 captures choreographer/performer Rudolf Nureyev at the peak of his career. Filmed at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, the ballet features artists of the Royal Ballet including Wayne Sleep, Jillian Gibbs and Merle Park as Clara. Continue reading