O & A NYC: Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center Presents PEEKS works-in-progress

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The Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center began their spring performance season with PEEKS works-in-process on May 1 at the Actors Fund Arts Center, 160 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn. Two choreographers Ranardo-Domeico Grays and William Isaac were each given thirty-minutes each to present works in progress. Both choreographers shared their developing dances and creative process with an enthusiastic and supportive audience. Continue reading

O & A NYC: Conversation with Clive Thompson Part one- The Early Years ( Reposted)

By Walter Rutledge

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This is the first part of a series of interviews with dancer and choreographer Clive Thompson. In this installment Thompson discusses growing up in Jamaica and his early dance training and career.The series will chronicle his amazing career and life in the arts.  Continue reading

Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center begins Spring Season May 1

By Walter Rutledge

May-1-promo

The Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center (THPAC) will begin their spring season with PEEKS Works In Progress on Thursday, May 1, 7:30pm at the Actors Fund Arts Center, 160 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn. The hour-long presentation will showcase works in development by Ranardo-Domeico Grays and William Isaac. Continue reading

Shall We Dance Friday: The Nicholas Brothers in “Jumpin Jive” from Stormy Weather

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The Nicholas Brothers were a famous African- American team of dancing brothers, Fayard (1914–2006) and Harold (1921–2000). With their highly acrobatic technique (flash dance), high level of artistry and daring innovations, they were considered by many the greatest tap dancers of their day. Continue reading

O & A NYC: A Conversation with Philadanco Founder Joan Myers Brown and Author Brenda Dixon Gottschild

By Walter Rutledge

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In The Art of War author Sun Tzu reveals, “…When people are skillfully led into battle, the momentum is like that of round rocks rolling down a high mountain – this is force.” This statement also applies to Philadelphia’s unstoppable force- Joan Myers Brown. Joan Myers Brown and The Audacious Hope of the Black Ballerina, a Biohistory of American Performance by Brenda Dixon Gottschild chronicles the evolution of African American dance and culture in Philadelphia. Continue reading

Hollywood Monday: Lady Sings The Blues (Big Ben) Plus Encore performance

Hollywood Mondays

Lady Sings the Blues is the story of jazz singer Billie Holiday and is loosely based on her 1956 autobiography. Holiday took its title from one of her most popular songs. Continue reading

Gospel Sunday: Calvary – Richard Smallwood and Vision

GOSPEL SUNDAY

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Richard Smallwood’s music has been recorded by artists such as Destiny’s Child, Yolanda Adams, Karen Clark-Sheard and many more. His recording career began in 1982 with the album The Richard Smallwood Singers. The album spent 87 weeks on Billboard’s Gospel chart. Continue reading

Shall We Dance Friday: Dudley Williams- I Wanna Be Ready (1986)

Shall We Dance

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In a long, brilliant career, Dudley Williams worked with such artists as Martha Graham, Talley Beatty, and Donald McKayle. Most significantly, he was a member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for more than forty years. Although Williams retired from that company in 2005, some months before his 67th birthday, he still teaches at the Ailey School. He also makes guest appearances as a teacher at the Martha Graham School. “[Dudley Williams is] amazing—an inspiration to everybody, a real poet with movement.” –Alvin Ailey from Revelations: The Autobiography of Alvin Ailey.

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