Hope, choreography by Paris Cavanagh presents dancers from Elite Company from the performance training program. The company is comprised of students aged 14-18 years. This performance took place during the 2023 end of year annual concert. Continue reading
Tag: Dance
1/26/25 O&A NYC THE SUNDAY MORNING FUNNIES: Cardi Tries Ballet
Cardi B has launched a new series called Cardi Tries …., on Facebook Messenger and Instagram. In each episode, Cardi attempts to learn a new skill. In the premiere episode, world renowned choreographer Debbie Allen tries to teach Cardi ballet. At one point, Allen asks Cardi if she’s ever done ballet before. “Well, I used to be a stripper,” Cardi replies. Continue reading
1/25/25 O&A NYC DANCE: Martin: A Ballet By Gordon Parks Act V- Mourning Place

The final act of Martin: A Ballet By Gordon Parks takes place after the death of Dr. King . John Jones (Dr Martin Luther King) Sheila Rohan (Rosa Parks) and James E. Murphy (Assassin). Continue reading
1/24/25 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Ailey Celebrates Ellington


Ailey Celebrates Ellington premiered in 1974 on CBS. Narrated by R&B legend Gladys Knight the television special showcases the collaborative bond between choreographer Alvin Ailey and jazz music royalty Duke Ellington. Continue reading
1/24/25 O&A NYC DANCE: Martin: A Ballet By Gordon Parks ( Act IV The Assassin)

The Fourth Act of Martin: A Ballet By Gordon Parks starring John Jones as Dr. King, Sheila Rohan as Rosa Park and James E. Murphy as the Assassin.
1/23/25 O&A NYC DANCE: Martin Act III Letter From The Birmingham Jail

Martin Act III: Letter From The Birmingham Jail – Dr. King (John Jones) is arrested and while in jail he writes the now historic letter from the Birmingham Jail. With the help of Rosa Parks (Sheila Rohan) King is able to disseminate his message to the masses. Continue reading
1/22/25 O&A NYC DANCE: Martin- A Ballet by Gordon Parks- Act II March On Selma
Act II from Martin: A ballet by Gordon Parks depicts the violent encounter with police during the march on Selma. Continue reading
1/21/25 O&A NYC DANCE: Martin: A Ballet By John Parks- Act 1

Martin: A Ballet by Gordon Parks Act 1 Introduces John Jones as Martin Luther King, Sheila Rohan as Rosa Parks and James E Murphy as the Assassin. Continue reading
1/20/25 O&A NYC HAIL TO THE KING!: Martin: A Ballet By Gordon Parks (Prelude)

Martin: a ballet by Gordon Parks, an original five-movement ballet chronicling the struggles of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Filmed in 1990 the work stars John Jones as Dr. King and Sheila Rohan as Rosa Parks, featuring choreography by Real Lamb. “Martin” (PBS, 1990), about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King. Parks served as executive producer, director, composer, keyboardist and documentary photographer for this boldly ambitious project. Continue reading
1/17/25 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Happy Birthday Debbie Allen!!!
By Walter Rutledge

Happy Birthday to one of the dance world’s icons Debbie Allen. We had the opportunity to talk to Ms. Allen about a wide range of her life experiences from segregated dance classes in her native Texas, to heartless rejection and finally coming into her own in New York City. We pay tribute to a living dance legend and activist born on January 16th.- Walter Rutledge

In 2015 O&A NYC Editor-in-Chief Walter Rutledge interviewed Debbie Allen at the Faison Firehouse Theater for Dance Noir Magazine (DNM). The print article would discuss her relationship with Katherine Dunham. The video was produced as visual notes for the upcoming Dunham article. When the magazine suspended publication, out of respect for DNM Founder/Editor-in-Chief Carol Lloyd, we held the material with hopes of eventually printing the article for DNM. After eight years Ms. Allen’s words remain relevant, inspiring and informative and should be shared. We call this first installment Empathy. Continue reading









