10/2/14 O&A: Interview with Anthony Wayne and Kendrell Bowman- Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical

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A video interview with the co-producers and co-directors Anthony Wayne and Kendrell Bowman of the Off-Broadway musical Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical during the run of the show at the Theatre at the Church of St. Clement’s. Continue reading

O&A This Week: July 22- 27, 2014- Art, Dance, Film and Theatre

By Walter Rutledge

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This week summer is in full force and so are the arts. We have art in Soho, dance on the Westside and Chelsea, Shakespeare in Harlem and a great lady of the theatre portrays the great Lady Day. Here are some of the many events happening in that city that never sleeps guaranteed to keep you Out and About. Continue reading

1/8/17 O&A NYC: Gospel Artist Makes Medical Discovery (reprint)

By Walter Rutledge

Once again a Bible Bigot, this time Kim Burrell, has misused scripture to preach hate and exclusion. The article below originally appeared in Harlem World Magazine in the summer of 2010 shortly after the Deitrick Haddon/Tonex twitter scandal broke. For years the gospel industry had made subtle references and caddy “humorous” comments  about Tonex’s flamboyant gospel stage show. But there was nothing subtle about their reaction when Tonex decided to live in his own truth. Continue reading

Caribbean Dance Class to Celebrate Lavinia Williams Yarborough: Dancer, Educator & Anthropologist

By Walter Rutledge

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On Sunday, June 29th, 3pm, the 10th annual memorial class in honor of the late Lavinia Williams Yarborough will take place, at the Rod Rodgers Dance Studio, 62 E 4th Street. The class will be conducted by Williams long-time student, teaching assistant Noel Nantambu Hall. A reception will follow from 5pm to 6 pm. Continue reading

Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center To Present A Song For You: An Evening With Dudley Williams

By Walter Rutledge

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The Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center will present the final PEEKS performance on Monday, June 30, 7:30pm at the Actor’s Fund Arts Center 160 Schermerhorn Street. The series will conclude with A Song For You: An Evening With Dudley Williams. Dancer and teacher Dudley Williams will discuss the creative process and collaborative relation he shared with choreographer Alvin Ailey, which lead to the creation of the ballet Love Songs. Continue reading

Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center: Dancing the Single Life (part 2)

By Walter Rutledge

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Dancing the Single Life (part 2) concluded the choreographer’s showcase portion of the Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center three-day New York season at the Actor’s Fund Arts Center, 160 Schermerhorn Street. For the second night five choreographers were presented each testing the boundaries of contemporary dance. It was an engaging terpsichorean event defined by cutting edge, innovative and provocative choreography. Continue reading

Dance Of The Village Elders: Seniors In Step

By Walter Rutledge

Dance Of the Village Elders, a program of Harlem Hospital Center and Ailey Arts in Education and Community Programs, are seniors who keep in shape by keeping in step. The dance and fitness class in residence at Harlem Hospital uses movement-based exercises to strengthen muscles, increase cardiovascular function and mobility and to have fun! Continue reading

Linda Celeste Sims: Pure Light

By Walter Rutledge

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Outstanding performers have always been the hallmark of The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Dancers that consistently test the technical and artistic boundaries of modern dance remain a fundamental part of founder Alvin Ailey’s continuing legacy. Artists Carmen DeLavalallade, Dudley Williams, Judith Jamison, Miguel Godreau, Linda Kent, Sara Yarborough, Sarita Allen, Gary deLoatch, Desmond Richardson, and Renee Robinson all possessed an innate ability beyond technique, a God given gift that unfortunately cannot be taught. When the stage lights hit these special individuals it is refracted into dazing, flawless, pure light that pulls you in… moth to flame. Celeste Linda Sims is pure light. Continue reading

From the Horse’s Mouth- Tribute to Frederic Franklin

By Walter Rutledge

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From the Horse’s Mouth performed their three-day, three performance run from Friday, May 30 through Sunday, June 1 at the Pace University’s Michael Schimmel Center For The Arts. The series celebrated the life and career of Frederic Franklin. It was not only a fitting tribute to a dance legend, but also a joyous homage to a life well lived. Continue reading