A Word From Jawole

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 19 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.

To arrive at this 20th anniversary season has been no small feat. In tough times in particular, I thought about those artists who endured many sacrifices and injustices before me – people like Ailey, Pomare, Katherine Dunham, Pearl Primus and Dianne McIntyre. In making these connections to my predecessors and role models, I found real strength. And so the season ahead is about making connections. It brings me and Urban Bush Women full circle: a reflection on the past, an attempt to seek assurance in the present, and a determination to invest in the future.

My direct inspiration here is Pearl Primus. I heard Dr. Primus speak at a conference shortly after I had formed Urban Bush Women. There was a statement that she made that affirmed my direction and purpose in forming UBW. She said that it was necessary for African Americans to study African dance, but not to the detriment of overlooking African American dance traditions. It is her legacy as an artist dedicated to social change that resonates deep within me. In making Walking With Pearl, I am interested in preserving history and in honoring Pearl’s legacy.

It is a joy to be able to bring back two works from repertory this season – Girlfriends, made in 1986, and Batty Moves, made in 1995. I have such fond memories of the college roommates who inspired these dances and of the women I worked with to create them. Thinking through the many cast changes makes me laugh and cry. I remember with mixed emotions, too, the bus rides and airport transfers, costume dramas, cluttered hotel rooms, and restaurant meals (too many!) that make life on the road simultaneously glamorous and exhausting.

As Urban Bush Women celebrates this milestone season, it is a privilege for me to offer a younger choreographer Bridget L. Moore an opportunity to work with this amazing group of women. Project Next Generation was conceived as a way to give back to the dance community and audiences that have supported UBW for two decades while also reinvigorating our organization. How far have we come? Where do we need to go? What are the pressing artistic issues and intentions of the day? Who are the new pioneers?

Urban Bush Women, 20 years and counting . . . Dare To Go There.

Jawole Willa Jo Zollar