HISTORY & HONORS

CREATE DANCE - Presented Internationally. Since its founding in 1984, UBW has been presented extensively in New York City and has traveled throughout the United States, Canada, Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and South America. Festival appearances include Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival, BAM Next Wave Festival, Jacob’s Pillow, Spoleto USA, National Black Arts Festival and Dance Umbrella UK. The Company has been commissioned by presenters nationwide and is highly sought after for its choreography and residencies.

Honors Include

• The U.S. Department of State. Selects UBW to inaugurate its dance cultural exchange program, DanceMotion USA, administered by BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) in 2010.
• NEA. The National Endowment of the Arts recognizes Walking with Pearl...Southern Diaries as an American Masterpiece in 2006.
• Doris Duke Awards. The American Dance Festival recognizes UBW with its Doris Duke Award for New Work in 2004 and in 1998.
• Capezio. Honors UBW with an Outstanding Achievement in Dance award in 1994.
• Bessie.  Selected to receive a New York Dance and Performance Award in 2006 and 1992.

CREATE COMMUNITY - Innovative Summer Leadership Institute. In 1997 UBW established the Summer Dance Institute in partnership with Florida State University to offer intensive training for young artists with leadership potential interested in a community focus in their art making. This prompts the White House to invite Jawole to a convening in May 2009 of innovative, grassroots leaders building community. It is now known as the Summer Leadership Institute and is open to all.