When I began Urban Bush Women in 1984, I envisioned a company founded on the energy, vitality and boldness of the African American community that I grew up in. I wanted a company that brought forth the vulnerability, sassiness and bodaciousness of the women I experienced growing up in Kansas City. My goal was to use those experiences as a vehicle for my choreographic voice.

That was now 25 years ago. UBW has grown to be that and more. We have inspired many and left an indelible mark on the dance field. We have changed perceptions about body types and approaches to performance in both form and content. Driven by our passion for dance, we have shown how choreographers can address socio-political issues in their work and involve whole communities in art-making. Our efforts were honored when the U.S. Department of State asked UBW to inaugurate its cultural dance exchange program in 2010, our 25th anniversary season.

It is a joy to be able to return to the sensual, provocative works from our beginnings in the early '80s for our 25th anniversary season. I'm weaving parts of them together to form something new - back to the beginning to reference our present. That is an apt metaphor for what we have done at UBW over the last 25 years - examine where we came from, where we want to go and see if we have what we need to get us to that place.

Almost always, we have needed something we didn't have, and our supporters have stepped forward to provide it. We are tremendously grateful for your support. The company I envisioned in the '80s can only exist as a community of engaged people committed to the connections we can forge through creating dance and creating community.

I don't know, but I been told, if you keep on dancin' you never grow old.