ith the tag line “”Sassy, Strong, Relevant,”” it is no wonder that Urban Bush Women have been a force in the world of contemporary dance. This powerful group of women combines dance with theatre, song, storytelling and activism to give it a unique style.
Meaningful expressions: The diverse dance troupe Urban Bush Women express the female experience through dance and will visit UCSD on Nov. 7.
Founded 20 years ago by Jawole Will Jo Zollar, the company uses the art of dance to spread its message of necessary social and political change.
Maria Bauman, a dancer in the company for the last two years, said that the greatest strength is “”the commitment of the dancers to the integrity of the work.”” She believes that the dancers are dedicated to the company¹s values, which helps them to stay “”unified and strong.””
Zollar has created more than thirty dances for Urban Bush Women, focusing on a variety of topics and playing to the strengths of her dancers. She has also created dances for other companies, including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. Zollar still manages to divide her time between her position as tenured professor in the dance department at Florida State University.
What makes Urban Bush Women different from other modern dance companies is its focus on the multi-faceted lives of women both in the past and present. This emphasis is reflected the array of women in that comprise the company. There is a wide range of ages represented as well as range of body types and strengths.
In addition to focusing on the issues of women, Urban Bush Women have a strong interest in the African American community. Zollar has taken her New York-based company throughout the United States as well as through Latin America and Europe to help spread its message.
On Nov. 7, Urban Bush Women will come to UCSD. They will perform “”Hair Stories.”” This powerful production uses the backdrop of hair and hair styles to delve into such topics as gender, abuse, aging, race, class and self-esteem, to name a few.
Bauman feels that this production should be particularly pertinent to university students. She believes that, “”At this point in their lives, students are at the height of their activist period, and this piece helps people to look at things in different ways.””
This is bound to be a powerful and unique performance with something of importance for everyone, regardless of background or gender.
Urban Bush Women will be performing at Mandeville Auditorium on Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $24 for UCSD faculty, staff and senior citizens, and $15 for students. To purchase tickets, call the UCSD Box Office at (858) 534-TIXS, or Ticketmaster at (619) 220-8497.