SU’s Pulse to present performance ensemble Urban Bush Women Feb. 21

SU’s Pulse to present performance ensemble Urban Bush Women Feb. 21January 10, 2006Jaime Winne Alvarez jlwinne@syr.edu

In celebration of Black History Month, Brooklyn-based performance ensemble Urban Bush Women (UBW) will perform in Syracuse University’s Goldstein Auditorium, in the Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center, Feb. 21 at 8 p.m. The performance is sponsored by Pulse, which provides SU undergraduates with opportunities to attend and participate in cultural programs, performances, exhibitions and events on campus and in the community.

The mission of UBW, led by founding artistic director Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, is to bring bold, life-affirming dance theater to a diverse audience. Founded in 1984, the company’s performances are based on women’s experiences, African American history and cultural influences of the African diaspora.

In addition to performing, the company trains artists in dance and community engagement and produces public projects that encourage cultural activity as an inherent part of community life. UBW seeks to validate the individual by nurturing leadership skills and using art as a means of encouraging social responsibility and civic engagement.

UBW has performed extensively throughout New York City and has toured the United States, Asia, Australia, Europe and South America. It has been commissioned nationwide. UBW won a 1992 New York Dance and Performance Award, the 1994 Capezio Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance, and a 1998 Doris Duke Award for New Work from the American Dance Festival.

“We are delighted to bring the Urban Bush Women and their celebration of African American heritage to the students of Syracuse University and the Central New York Community,” says Barry L. Wells, senior vice president and dean of student affairs. “This performance will provide a spirited, engaging demonstration of the many good reasons we have for celebrating Black History Month.”

Tickets are $20 for the public; $10 for SU faculty, staff and alumni; and $5 for students with valid SU I.D. They can be purchased at the Schine Student Center Box Office. Paid parking is available in the Comstock, Marion, Waverly and all other SU pay lots. For more information, call the Schine Box Office at (315) 443-4517 orvisit http://students.syr.edu/pulse.