8/19/26 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Joyce Ballet Festival – Week Two

By Walter Rutledge

The Joyce Ballet Festival finished its second week of performances on Sunday August 16, 2026. As we observed in week one the festival was an evening of short, well-crafted vignettes that had the look and elan of a gala event. The ambience continued in week two with a rich duet by a European master, a story ballet classic, and inspiring works by contemporary choreographers and emerging dance makers. The sophomore week did not have the same build as week one. This was most apparent in Act One which featured three cleanly crafted works and Roland Petit. Continue reading

8/8/26 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Joyce Ballet Festival Curated by Misty Copeland

By Walter Rutledge

What better way to conclude the Joyce Theater spring/summer 2026 season than with a ballet festival curated by dance treasure Misty Copeland. The two-week, fourteen performance series began Tuesday August 4 and runs through Sunday August 16. Two programs will be presented, one each week. Continue reading

8/3/26 O&A NYC DANCE BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Danni Gee Talks Ballet Festival

By Walter Rutledge

The Joyce Ballet Festival returns to the Joyce’s Tino & Rajika Puri Auditorium August 3 though August 16. Former American Ballet Principal Dancer Misty Copeland has curated a stellar festival featuring outstanding choreography performed by an impressive roster of world class artists. Each night will feel like a gala performance. Choreographers Kyle Abraham, Bob Fosse, Alonzo King, José Limón, Dwight Rhoden, Rudolf Nureyev, John Taras, Ingrid Silva, Houston Thomas and a new work by Aleisha Walker commissioned by the Joyce complete the roster – and that’s just the roster for the first week! Continue reading

4/30/26 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Firebird – Dance Theatre of Harlem

By Walter Rutledge

The Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) presented their New York City season April 16th thru 19th at New York City Center. The company offered new DTH favorites by William Forsythe, and Jodie Gates, and Artistic Director Robert Garland, and the much-anticipated revival of the iconic story ballet Firebird. The overwhelming response recalls the nostalgic revival of Dougla. It seems the public is clamoring for more from the Arthur Mitchell era. Continue reading

4/17/26 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Firebird- Dance Theatre of Harlem

Dance Theatre of Harlem’s iconic Firebird places the Russian folk tale about a magical bird that triumphs over evil in an exotic Caribbean setting. John Taras’ choreography to Stravinsky’s familiar score was further enlivened by sets and costumes by Geoffrey Holder. The 1982 DTH production was a tremendous worldwide success. Continue reading

3/15/24 O&A NYC CELEBRATING WOMEN ON SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Firebird- Dance Theatre of Harlem

Dance Theatre of Harlem’s iconic Firebird places the Russian folk tale about a magical bird that triumphs over evil in an exotic Caribbean setting. John Taras’ choreography to Stravinsky’s familiar score was further enlivened by sets and costumes by Geoffrey Holder. The 1982 DTH production was a tremendous worldwide success. Continue reading

3/19/21 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: DTH On Demand Presents: Firebird- (Last Day to Watch it !)



Dance Theatre of Harlem’s iconic Firebird places the Russian folk tale about a magical bird that triumphs over evil in an exotic Caribbean setting. John Taras’ choreography to Stravinsky’s familiar score was further enlivened by sets and costumes by Geoffrey Holder. The 1982 DTH production was a tremendous worldwide success.

Continue reading