Walter’s World: Ailey II A Choreographic Laboratory

By Walter Rutledge Ailey II has evolved into a formidable force in the modern dance community. The company is presently experiencing unparallel success having recently completed a 49-city tour spanning both North America and Europe. The professional work ethic is a combination of a nurturing dance symposium, and boot camp. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up…

Walter’s World: Preview Paul Taylor Dance Company

By Walter Rutledge Every artist desires longevity. Beyond the exuberance of youth, and then the serious and cerebral commitment to perfecting one’s craft there comes a time when an artist just creates. This results in a clear and uncontrived conversation between the artist and their muse; and a grateful public has the good fortune to…

Walter’s World: Dancer Michelle Fleet

By Walter Rutledge Some people have the good fortune to know early in life what they aspired to become. I imagine a baby eagle instinctively understands that one day it will soar above the clouds. Dancer Michelle Fleet has been one of these fortunate individuals. As a member of the Paul Taylor Dance Company she…

Walter’s World: Dance Parade New York

By Walter Rutledge Dance Parade New York celebrated the rich diversity of dance on May 21, 2011. Since the first parade in 2006 the event has literally grown by leap and bounds to become an “only in New York style event”. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Select list(s) to subscribe toHarlem World…

Movement-Based Meditation: Shaking Spirit Waves in Harlem

By Yolande Brener When I read about Kierra Foster-Ba’s dance class “without any set choreography and without the self-consciousness of caring what you look like” I was skeptical that many people would be unguarded enough to dance without prescribed movements. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Select list(s) to subscribe toHarlem World Magazine…

Walter’s World: Revelations at Fifty

By Walter Rutledge The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater begins a five-week season on December 1, 2010 at the New York City Center. The season will mark the fiftieth anniversary of Revelation, the masterwork choreographed by company founder Alvin Ailey. In preparation of this milestone the Ailey school’s department of Arts In Education and Community…

Walter’s World: The Dance Gallery Festival

By Walter Rutledge One of the many obstacles an emerging artist faces is visibility. The philosophical riddle, “If a tree falls in the forest but nobody is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” addresses the differences of the observed and unobserved worlds. The Dance Gallery Festival provided visibility in a professional venue…

Valaida Snow From Harlem To The High Hat

Valaida Snow (June 2, 1904 – May 30, 1956) was an African American jazz musician and entertainer. She was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Select list(s) to subscribe toHarlem World Magazine Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Harlem World Magazine. (You can unsubscribe anytime)Constant Contact…

Walter’s World: Remembering Jimmy

By Walter Rutledge August 2, 2010 marked the eighty-sixth birthday of James Baldwin. For the second year in a row the Faison Firehouse Theater has chosen to step to the forefront and present Remembering Jimmy– a tribute to the late James Baldwin. Last year the celebration was a forum with colleagues and contemporaries, and family…

Michael Jackson’s A Legacy of Music

by Claude Jay “Just call my name, and I’ll be there”, these lyrics Michael sang from an early hit, “I’ll Be There”, recorded with his brother The Jackson Five. Michael Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009, however, we continue to call his name loud and clear because he was there in our lives with…