Celebrating 40 Years of Urban Bush Women: Haint Blu, Risk, and the Power of Black Women's Voices

It's 2024, and we're celebrating a milestone for one of the most influential dance companies in the world - Urban Bush Women. Founded in 1984 by Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, this trailblazing ensemble has spent the past four decades pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance and amplifying the stories and experiences of Black women.

As we reflect on the legacy of Urban Bush Women, it's impossible not to be in awe of the sheer audacity and vision of their work. From the very beginning, Zollar and her collaborators have embraced the concept of "haint blu" - a color associated with protection and the ability to ward off negative spirits. This ethos has infused every aspect of Urban Bush Women's artistic output, creating a space where Black women can freely explore their power, resilience, and humanity.

One of the hallmarks of Urban Bush Women's approach has been their willingness to tackle difficult, often taboo subjects. Whether it's the legacy of slavery, the ongoing struggle for civil rights, or the complex intersections of race, gender, and class, this company has never shied away from the tough stuff. Their performances have a way of cutting straight to the heart of the matter, challenging audiences to confront the harsh realities of the world while also offering a glimmer of hope and possibility.

At the core of Urban Bush Women's work is a deep commitment to the voices and experiences of Black women. In a world that so often silences and marginalizes these voices, the company has made it their mission to amplify them, to celebrate them, and to create a space where they can be fully expressed. From the powerful, visceral movements of their dancers to the thought-provoking narratives woven into their productions, Urban Bush Women has consistently demonstrated that when black women plus speak, the world must listen.

As we look to the future, it's clear that the legacy of Urban Bush Women will continue to inspire and challenge us. In a time of increasing social and political turmoil, the company's message of resilience, resistance, and the transformative power of art feels more urgent than ever. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to their work, there's no denying the impact that Urban Bush Women has had, and will continue to have, on the cultural landscape.

So let's raise a glass to 40 years of Urban Bush Women - to the risk-takers, the visionaries, and the storytellers who have paved the way for a new generation of artists and activists. Here's to the next 40 years of haint blu, of speaking truth to power, and of reminding the world that when black women plus speak, the world must listen.

The Founding of Urban Bush Women

In 1984, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, a dancer and choreographer from Kansas City, Missouri, had a vision. She wanted to create a dance company that would celebrate the experiences and perspectives of Black women, a group that had long been marginalized and underrepresented in the world of contemporary dance. With a group of like-minded collaborators, Zollar founded Urban Bush Women, a company that would go on to become one of the most influential and groundbreaking ensembles in the world.

From the very beginning, Urban Bush Women embraced the concept of "haint blu," a color associated with protection and the ability to ward off negative spirits. This idea of creating a safe, empowering space for Black women to explore their stories and their power became the foundation of the company's work.

Pushing Boundaries and Challenging Norms

Over the past four decades, Urban Bush Women has consistently pushed the boundaries of contemporary dance, challenging audiences and critics alike to confront the harsh realities of the world while also offering a glimmer of hope and possibility. Their performances have tackled everything from the legacy of slavery to the ongoing struggle for civil rights, always with a deep commitment to amplifying the voices and experiences of Black women.

One of the hallmarks of Urban Bush Women's approach has been their willingness to take risks. Whether it's experimenting with new choreographic techniques or tackling controversial subject matter, the company has never shied away from the tough stuff. This commitment to risk-taking has allowed them to create some of the most powerful and thought-provoking dance works of the past four decades.

The Power of Black Women's Voices

At the heart of Urban Bush Women's mission is a deep commitment to the voices and experiences of Black women. In a world that so often silences and marginalizes these voices, the company has made it their mission to amplify them, to celebrate them, and to create a space where they can be fully expressed.

From the powerful, visceral movements of their dancers to the thought-provoking narratives woven into their productions, Urban Bush Women has consistently demonstrated that when black women plus speak, the world must listen. Their work has inspired and empowered countless individuals, reminding us all of the transformative power of art and the importance of centering the stories and perspectives of those who have been historically marginalized.

As we look to the future, it's clear that the legacy of Urban Bush Women will continue to inspire and challenge us. In a time of increasing social and political turmoil, the company's message of resilience, resistance, and the transformative power of art feels more urgent than ever. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to their work, there's no denying the impact that Urban Bush Women has had, and will continue to have, on the cultural landscape.