7/6/25 O&A NYC DANCE COMMENTARY: The Ramp To Paradise Afterglow

By Walter Rutledge

The Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center (THPAC) presented A Ramp To Paradise at the Ailey Citicorp Theater on June 27th and 28th. The two-day spring performance season showcased the third rendition of the dance theater narrative. The story begins in 1985 at the now celebrated underground nightclub- the Paradise Garage.  The sold-out Saturday evening performance was followed by a classic Paradise Garage style after party that lasted from 9pm to 12am (that’s 12 midnight not the Garage’s notorious Sunday noon closing- for those who remember). Continue reading

3/20/25 O&A NYC DANCE: THPAC Search For Choreographers

The Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center (THPAC) is conducting a search for three choreographers for the upcoming 2025 season June 27th and 28th at the Ailey Citicorp Theater. THPAC will present A Ramp to Paradise an original work based on a short story by THPAC Executive Chairman Alex Smith Jr. The story is set in the Paradise Garage, the New York Black gay mega club from the late 70’s and 80’s. Choreographers should have expertise in Modern, Jazz and period social/club dance styles. Continue reading

6/8/16 O&A NYC DANCE: Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center Dedicates 40th Anniversary Season To Loretta Abbott

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The Thelma Hill Performing Art Center (THPAC) will dedicate their 40th Anniversary season to dancer icon and longtime THPAC supporter Loretta Abbott. The 4 day season, which runs from June 19 through June 22 at the Actor Fund Center 160 Schermerhorn Strret in downtown Brooklyn, will showcase 40 choreographers, and dance companies during the milestone 40th season. The artists presented range from early THPAC contributors including such dance luminaries as Emmy and Tony Award winner George Faison, Philadanco, Charles Moore Dance Theatre, and Rod Rodgers Dance Company. Mid-career choreographers Marshall Swiney, Ronald K Alexander, Germaul Barnes and Rodger C. Jeffery; and emerging artists Nijawwon Matthews, DaVon Doane, and Sidra Bell. Continue reading