11/18/25 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Debbie Allen Receives Honorary Oscar Award

The 16th Governors Awards presents Honorary Oscars to Debbie Allen, Tom Cruise and Wynn Thomas, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award to Dolly Parton. The four Oscar® statuettes were presented at the Academy’s 16th Governors Awards on Sunday, November 16th, 2025, in Los Angeles. Continue reading

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

1/17/25 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

1/6/23 O&A NYC ITS SATURDAY- ANYTHING GOES: Carnival – Debbie Allen- Fame TV Series

Carnival is written by Henry Thompson & Vanessa Dale and is performed by Debbie Allen, from the season 1 of the hit television series Fame episode The Crazies. Continue reading

9/28/23 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Debbie Allen Part Two- On Choreography and Directing

By Walter Rutledge

The second installment from the Out and About NYC Magazine 2015 interview with entertainment icon Debbie Allen. In this section we discussed her views on choreography and directing.  Continue reading

9/8/23 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Empathy (Part One)- A Conversation with Debbie Allen

By 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

11/21/22 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: The Old Settler (2001)  Phylicia Rashad, Bumper Robinson & Debbie Allen

The Old Settler is an adaptation of John Henry Redwood‘s play starring Phylicia Rashad, Bumper Robinson and Debbie Allen, who also directed the production. Set in Harlem in the 1940s, about two sisters whose lives are altered when a young Southern man takes temporary lodging in their apartment. Continue reading

9/21/21 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Debbie Allen Receives Governors Award At The 73rd Emmys

Debbie Allen the legendary actress, choreographer, and producer was honored at the 73rd Annual Emmy Awards Ceremony with the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ prestigious Governors Award during the Sunday 19th 2021 telecast.  Continue reading

10/5/20 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: Stompin’ at the Savoy (1992) Starring Lynn Whitfield Jasmine Guy- Debbie Allen director

As the Harlem Renaissance flourishes in jazzy New York City, Pauline (Vanessa Williams), Esther (Lynn Whitfield) and Alice (Jasmine Guy) struggle to survive. By day, they toil at dreary jobs, dreaming of stardom, riches and happiness. By night, they dance their troubles away at the famous Savoy Ballroom. But when World War II appears on the horizon, the girls find their fortunes unfolding too unevenly to reconcile, and they inevitably begin to drift apart. Continue reading

9/28/19 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Motown Returns to The Apollo (1985)

Motown Returns to The Apollo (1985) a star studded celebration of the 50th anniversary and re-opening of The Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York. Proceeds from the concert went to the Africare/Ethiopian Relief Fund. The program received a 1985 for Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Program. Continue reading