1/5/26 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: The Life of Alvin Ailey (January 5, 1931 – December 1, 1989)

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

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

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.
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12/18/25 O&A NYC DANCE: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Perform On Tamron Hall Show

Artistic Director Alicia Mack introduces the Wade In The Water section of Alvin Ailey’s Revelations. Kudos to Solomon Dumas, Hannah Alissa Richardson and Isabel Wallace-Green. Continue reading

12/14/25 O&A NYC THE WORD: Revelations – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Revelations was the tenth ballet by 29 year old emerging choreographer Alvin Ailey. The  work premiered in New York City on January 31, 1960, at the 92nd Street YM-YWHA. Revelations immediately captivated audiences with its powerful universal message of faith and resilience.  

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11/28/25 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Robert Battle’s Under the Rhythm – Paul Taylor Dance Company

By Walter Rutledge

When Robert Battle discussed Under the Rhythm prior to the Paul Taylor Dance Company New York season the poignant story of his upbringing was inspiring. Dessie Williams, his mother by choice, introduced him to the arts and encouraged his terpsichorean journey. The nonagenarian still plays the piano at the same church little Robert attended. Continue reading

11/15/25 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Paul Taylor Dancemaker (1998)

A look at Paul Taylor (1930-2018) and his dance company over several months in 1997. Preparation of Taylor’s piece, Piazzolla Caldera, from conception and rehearsals to opening night at City Center, frames the film.

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11/14/25 O&A Shall We Dance Friday: Promethean Fire- Paul Taylor Dance Company

Shall We Dancehudson-valley-dance-festival-2014-paul-taylor-dance-company-02-photo-by-daniel-roberts

Promethean Fire (2002) is danced to the music of three of Leopold Stokowski’s famous Bach transcriptions (Opus 116). The ensemble work is one of Paul Taylor’s six ballets set to the music of the baroque master. This excerpt is the first movement choreographed to the celebrated Toccata and Fugue in D minor.   Continue reading

11/4/25 O&A NYC DANCE BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Paul Taylor Dance Company Sneak Preview

The Paul Taylor Dance Company opened its New York City season tonight in State Theater at Lincoln Center. I very really can just watch a performance without a critical eye. This evening the Taylor Company indulged me with a ticket to tonight’s performance. Review(s) will follow, but it would be remiss of me not to give you a sneak preview of the Taylor season. Continue reading