UBW in Venezuela's Boletín Estilo Baile

Venezuela's dance publication Estilo Baile recently featured an interview with Urban Bush Women choreographer Jawole Willa Jo Zollar. She talks about the history of the company and how it has evolved over the past 25 years, and reflects upon their experience in Venezuela as part of the DanceMotion USA tour ("What's beautiful here is that men dance!"). Each of the seven dancers also discusses her individual experiences and growth as a member of Urban Bush Women.

Click here to read the article (in Spanish)

The New York Times: Dance for Diplomacy

The New York Times featured an excellent piece on Dance Motion USA by Roslyn Sulcas this past weekend. She accompanied Evidence: A Dance Company on many of their activities in South Africa, and interviewed members of Urban Bush Women and ODC/Dance about their respective experiences in South America and Southeast Asia. Read the article online:

The Soft Steps of Diplomacy

UBW: Geeking Out in Colombia

I am writing to you as I sit onstage at one of the most beautiful theaters I have ever seen. And I have seen a lot of them. Colombia has restored their 100 to 200 year old theaters with exquisite detail. Everywhere you look there is elegance. Angels coast overhead in the balconies and devils leer from the proscenium. Comedy and tragedy amuse each other on every arch and ornate wood latticework separates each section of the seating. One can imagine that it is hard for what is onstage to measure up to what is surrounding the audience.

Teatro Mejias in Cartagena

I have been lucky to have excellent hosts helping me out in Cali and Cartagena.

Night lights in Cali

Hernando, the lighting designer for Incoballet in Cali was my hero. He stepped in to help with the translation (not only linguistic, but also conceptual) of my work from paper to presentation. During our breaks, he took me around the city and showed me the breathtaking views of the lights of the city at night as well as the curviest streets that, during the day, are the proving ground for young skateboarders. One day he invited Christine and me to come to his house for lunch. There we saw the extraordinary house he and his family had built, complete with banana trees, avocado trees and a grapevine. Parrots called out from the garden and dogs bellowed out from the house. His father, an artist, had covered the walls with elegant drawings and quirky sculptures. I was amazed at how beautiful it felt to be surrounded by art and nature. The sounds of the city were far from this oasis. I was quite sad to depart Cali. It was great seeing the city and ‘geeking out’ with Hernando. It was the first time I talked tech with someone in a while.

Commuting in Cartagena

Here in Cartagena I have John as my host. He is the lighting designer for Colegio del Cuerpo – College of the Body. Colegio is an incredible place. Its basic mission is to create professional dancers, but its deeper mission is to help underprivileged children find a way out of the historical poverty of their families and neighborhoods by teaching ownership and pride in their bodies. To hear the directors speak about how they break through to the most guarded children who enter their doors is to understand that the work they do is not just about providing an intellectual or physical education, but also about creating an enriching and healing experience for all who enter their doors. Us included.

UBW at Colegio del Cuerpo

But I digress. John is busily trying to get my light plot hung whilst explaining my ideas to the crew. He even found extra equipment for me, so I am excited. This was going to be a very ‘bare bones’ production but now it looks like I will be able to create a richer look than originally expected. We'll see tonight!

Off to focus!

Hamburguesa en la noche

-Susan Hamburger, UBW Technical & Lighting Director

EVIDENCE visits Nike Okundaye at the NIKE ART GALLERY in Nigeria

Nike Art Gallery

On Sunday, March 7, 2010, we went to the gallery of the artist Nike Okundaye. Nike greeted us with a very warm and inviting welcome. The gallery was huge, white walls and several floors filled with very colorful and amazing art works of many artists. There were tons of paintings but there was also furniture, jewelry, fabrics, clothing, sculptures, beaded art work and the list goes on! As a visual artist, it was truly inspiring to be there and see the many ways each of the artists expressed themselves. The textures, vibrant colors, sand, beading, metal, so many elements included in each of the works! The way the fabrics were dyed and just the intricate detailing of how everything came together showed the deep passion and heart of every piece of work in the gallery. I was happy that those artists have a home to house their work for all to see and an advocate like Nike who can aid in their growth and development.

Inside the Nike Art Gallery

Oil painting on canvas

After viewing the gallery we sat down to talk with Nike and her husband. She had a spread of teas, coke, water, wine, and coffee for us to enjoy ourselves. She wanted us to feel like we were home. She also wanted to give each of us Nigerian names, which i was also very excited about!! Before she gave us our names, some other guests were entering the gallery and she stepped away for a minute to speak with them. At this time, her husband wanted to tell us more about Nike and the gallery. It was a blessing to hear him speak about the work of his wife and the testimony of her life. It was just confirmation for me that everything we do and go through, whether good or bad, with time will be a blessing to all!! God works out all things in the end, for our good!!

Learning the craft of dyeing

When Nike came back she gave us our names, each name fit us well and made us all smile!! After that, we all remembered some things in the gallery that really spoke to us that we wanted to buy. We were very excited and happy about our purchases and most importantly visiting the gallery of this amazing artist, Nike!! It was a great blessing!

EVIDENCE with Nike Okundaye and US Consulate

-Francine Ott

EVIDENCE first master class in Nigeria

March 6, 2010

Outside the Terra Kulture Center

Our first master class in Nigeria was at an arts center named "Terra Kulture". It was a class for about fifty children from ages four to eleven. For such a large group of kids, I think we were all expecting it to be a bit loud and rowdy as we entered the room. But they seemed surprisingly disciplined, the inside voices were on! We divided them into three groups according to age. I assisted Arcell with the four to six year olds. It reminded me of the creative movement classes I used to assist with in New York. Kids at that age are just so open and eager to learn. It makes teaching feel just that much more rewarding. And gives you a greater responsibility as they are also more impressionable. Even if they don't remember what we physically did in class, the experience will stick with them in its own way shape or form. They all did very well picking up what we showed them and seemed to enjoy themselves the entire time. After we gave the class we flipped the script and asked them to teach us. Most of them were a bit shy, but a few of the older children showed us some movements from different traditional Nigerian dances. It was a nice exchange and a great start to our stay in Nigeria.

Clarice learning a traditional Nigerian dance from the students

-Lilli Tai

EVIDENCE exchange with Flat Foot Dance Company Durban South Africa

Our first day in Durban, South Africa, began with a workshop at Kuzulu Natal University with the “FLAT FOOT DANCE COMPANY”. When we arrived, the company was very excited as they greeted us with big smiles and t-shirts. The day began with Ron teaching a 2 hour workshop. After a 10 minute break, One of the dancers taught us a few traditional Zulu dances and songs that lead to us forming a circle and taking turns improvising with the material we learned in a traditional setting. It was FUN!!! …the exchange did not end there. Another dancer who was also the veteran of the company taught a contemporary style of dance called Isipansula/Kwaite. Apparently it is the new dance craze sweeping across South Africa. We all had a great time learning the phrase, especially at the end where we all turned to the back and commenced in isolated butt contractions! We couldn’t help but break into laughter every time we did it.

Ron Brown talking to the dancers about performing

Ron Brown rehearsing with Flat Foot Dance Company

Soon it was time for lunch that was held in the performing arts library. We were served many Indian style finger foods due to the fact that the Indian population is so big. South Africa is home to the second largest Indian population outside of India. This was our time to communicate and share with the other dancers our experiences in Africa thus far. We also discussed the different views of arts and politics in South Africa. One thing was for certain, “funding” is a HUGE challenge for the arts and dance companies worldwide.

Kuzulu Natal University

The culmination of the day was an informal performance in a black box theater. FlatFoot Dance Company opened with a short piece in their repertory, followed by a joint performance of “Premonition”, EVIDENCE performing “Upside Down”, and at the end all of us performing the phrases that we had learned from earlier in the day. The result was “evidence” of a multicultural exchange between the two different yet enthusiastic companies both eager to share and learn.

EVIDENCE and Flat Foot Dance Company

Upon our departure from the performance, it was finally time to eat. We had an amazing seafood dinner overlooking the ocean. I had a local fish called Dorado over sweet potatoes. DELIGHTFUL!

-Annique Roberts

EVIDENCE visits a BIG 5 Game Reserve in South Africa

Today was our second day off of the tour, so we decided to treat ourselves on a Safari "BIG 5" Game Reserve Tour. We left the hotel in the afternoon and were driven to the Sibuya Game Reserve.

Sibuya Game Reserve is a 2300 hectare Big Five reserve conveniently situated near Kenton on Sea in the Eastern Cape along South Africa's Sunshine Coast, just 130 kms from Port Elizabeth and 150 kms from East London.

Uniquely, we journeyed by boat up the stunningly beautiful Kariega River Estuary, to a tented camp/dining area situated at the water's edge to experience an eastern cape meal that was DELICIOUS and perfectly matched with a lush outdoor ambiance. After we ate, we rode in a 10 seater open jeep onto the lush subtropical Eastern Cape Valley Bushveld and Coastal Forest which played host to one of the highest densities of wildlife on the continent. We were on our way to witness what was known to be one of the best game viewing experiences in Africa.

The scenery was breathtaking! We witnessed only yards away from us the African elephant, rhinoceros, giraffe, lion, cheetah, zebra, monkey and more. It was amazing to see the beauty of them all living and coexisting peacefully in their natural habitat. It was by far more fascinating than any visit to the zoo or circus that I had made as an adolescent. Initially we were honestly a little scared of how they would react when they saw us, but their relaxed nature let us know that they did not feel any danger from a jeep full of tourists snapping photos in awe. Once the sun was starting to head down, we enjoyed a pleasant boat ride viewed against an Indian Ocean backdrop which completed another truly memorable experience that we will ALWAYS remember.

Clarice, Dalila, and Annique

-Arcell Cabuag

EVIDENCE arrives in Durban, South Africa: "WORLD CUP FEVER!"

March 2, 2010

We arrived in Durban, South Africa. WOW!!!

The moment we arrived and entered the airport it was apparent that "WORLD CUP FEVER" was in the air.

Durban was one of the cities picked to host the games. They built a stadium in its honor and we could see construction and beautification of landscaping taking place in preparation for the many out-of-towners that would be here to witness. It was a happy time for the people of Durban because this would be an opportunity for the city to not only flourish with money from all of the tourists, but be an opportunity for "football" (soccer) fans to share in the joy of this historically popular sport.

Durban, South Africa, showing their pride in hosting the 2010 World Cup 

Although I am not an avid soccer fan, I couldn't help but feel the spirit from all of the propaganda. It honestly was very exciting to be in one of the cities where one of the biggest sporting events of the year was going to take place.

100th day to the World Cup countdown

While we were in Durban, we stayed at the luxury Sunset Coast Towers Hotel and Casino. Upon our arrival, they were celebrating the "World Cup 100 day countdown". Colorful soccer balloons filled the lobby joined with a staff all wearing jerseys representing their pride for South Africa. It was definitely a treat to be in such a nice hotel for just a few days after coming from a bed and breakfast in Grahamastown. We woke up to a delicious breakfast buffet, a fully equipped gym, and a GORGEOUS view of the ocean outside of our windows.

While in Durban we also had the opportunity to visit the African Art Center where we purchased South African books, jewelry, art, baskets, cards, and even finely beaded eating utensils.

Annique Roberts with the South African World Cup mascot

Another highlight was visiting the newly built stadium where we were able to buy souvenirs and gifts. It was a little difficult for us to leave. I felt like a little kid visiting the Disneyland gift shop for the first time, just wanting anything with the logo on it. I HAD A... "BALL"!!! (no pun intended...lol)

-Arcell Cabuag

EVIDENCE school performance in Grahamstown, South Africa

March 1, 2010

Today we had our 2nd performance here in Africa on our DanceMotion USA tour. This performance was different than Senegal. We performed to a full seat theater full of children from many different neighboring schools in Grahamstown. The reception was no different than the last show. The children were very excited within only the first 2 minutes. It was great!

Tiffany, Lilli, and Clarice

We performed "Order My Steps" and "Grace". Dancing for the children was exhilarating. They threw so much energy at us, we couldn't help but just give it back. It was honestly one of our best performances to date. Normally performing school shows you hear the loudest roar of screams when the lights turn off at the beginning of the show. This was not the case in this instance. They were loud and very vocal throughout.

Meeting the children and answering their questions

After completing the show, the children stood up and cheered. Many screamed out that they wanted to see more. Instead, we changed our clothes and had a Q and A so we could answer their questions and meet them face to face with the lights on. They were very well behaved and had many "smart" questions. One child spoke about how she liked how different we all were and how different we all danced but still belonging to the same family. Many asked if we could come back and wanted to be in the company when they grew up. The exchange we made at this show was short, but we know we must come back to continue to share and teach these children the legacy of this work.

-Arcell Cabuag

EVIDENCE workshop Amaphiko at Joza, Grahamstown, South Africa

February 27, 2010

Our first workshop in South Africa was in a Township called Joza. We were joyously greeted by a small but strong group of children with song and warmth as soon as we pulled up in the van. My eyes actually welled up with tears as we walked through the group of singers and they parted for us to enter the building. It was an extremely humbling experience to have someone greet me with simple yet moving songs. That was a first for me and it was greatly accepted and appreciated.

Children singing to us as we arrive to teach a masterclass... AMAZING!

Once inside, the children enthusiastically showed us their famous Gumboot Dance. This is a dance that uses the whole body, especially the feet and hands, to create polyrhythms. I have seen the African-American fraternities and sororities use it as a base for their form of 'stepping'. It was one of those Oprah 'full circle' moments because i got to see firsthand where something that's so popular in the States in my culture originated.

Demonstration of South African Gumboot Dance

After they showed us their dance, Ron then taught a class with all of us helping him. The age range was from about 5-15 years and it included about 40 children. It was one of the most energizing experiences that I had in South Africa. The people were bursting at the seems to learn from us and share their culture. Later we also got to spend time hanging out and talking with some of the artists and teachers from the town. We learned that even though we may live miles and countries apart, we are very much the same—people trying to make a difference in our communities.

EVIDENCE and Makana Arts

-Clarice Young

EVIDENCE arrives in South Africa

February 26, 2010

Port Elizabeth Airport

We made it!!! After 2 days of traveling we arrived in Port Elizabeth and took a 2 hour drive to our destination: Grahamstown, South Africa.

Lilli excited to see that we were greeted by our drivers of Perlemoen Escapes

The moment we arrived we knew the culture and energy was very much different. The Bed and Breakfast where we were staying at was located in the heart of college town Rhodes University. Much to our surprise, it felt like many of the other college towns we have visited in the U.S.A. It was very reminiscent of Connecticut. Right away, we could see that this part of our journey would be much different than our experience in Dakar.

Sule in front of the Lantern Hill Guest House

We look forward to the rest of the week and the new adventures and connections ahead.

-Arcell Cabuag

Departing Dakar, Senegal, on our way to South Africa

February 25, 2010

After a WONDERFUL 10 days in Dakar, Senegal, it is now time for us to venture to South Africa... next stop Johannesburg for a day, Grahmstown for 4 days, and then Durban for 3 days.

Floating over clouds on our way to South Africa

Our tour could not have started in a better place. As I sit in the airplane floating over the clouds, I reflect on all of the beautiful memories and wonderful people we met along the way. Much gratitude goes out to our Cultural Affairs Officers and Assistants (Kristin, Anita, and Aminata). Our interpreter Serigne Diagne, the administrative staff and participants of all of the Cultural Centers we visited at Blaise Senghor Cultural Center, Douta Seck Cultural Center, Pikine Cultural Center. Youssou N'Dour for his generous invitation to visit his private rehearsal, the US Ambassador Madame Marcia Bernicat, Germaine Acogny and the staff at Ecole des Sables, the dancers of Jant-bi, the wonderful crew at the Sorano, the staff at Hotel Le Djoloff and Magic Land, Tracy (our friend who escorted us to Goree Island), Joe Melillo for making this all possible, and Moussa our driver who transported us to our destinations safely.

Welcome to Dakar, Senegal orientation

Thank you Thank you Thank you for making our experience in Dakar, Senegal, so beautiful. We will always remember how gracious everyone was in making sure we had everything we could possibly need... WE WILL BE BACK!

Senegalese flag

-Arcell Cabuag

EVIDENCE visits Goree Island

February 21, 2010

View of Goree Island from the boat

While I was on the ferry ride to Goree Island, I kept wondering what this small island could have that would make country after country try to conquer and keep it. On this trip, I quickly found that answer out. This position of this island made it great for the slaveholders because it was close to the mainland yet far enough away so that the slaves couldn't swim back home. It was perfect for them to get what they needed and sail off quickly.

I went to the island having some knowledge about it but luckily we had a great tour guide, Ali, that gave us great insight into the history of Goree Island.

What surprised me was that there are people still living on the island and calling it home. The island is very colorful, vibrant and alive despite its unthinkable history. Some of the things that were done to slaves was hard for me to comprehend. It's wild to know that humans treated other humans a certain way because of their skin color.

Handcuffs

The 'door of no return' was the part of the tour that really got to me. It was this bleak looking door that lead the slaves to a waiting ship that would take them away from home. Once they passed this point there was no going back.....ever. So many emotions ran through me at that point that I didn't want to feel. It was just an overwhelming sense of helplessness and gloom. You are surrounded by this beautiful view of the ocean with this antique-like doorway. Yet, there's this creepy feeling going through your bones knowing what this view truly held for my ancestors.

Clarice looking out the "door of no return"

I'm glad that I had a chance to see the history of Goree Island, my history, for myself and through my own eyes. No book or television could have ever given me this experience. Although it is an island with a heavy history, the spirit and charm of the people lift it beyond what it was into what it is now...a beautiful island.

-Clarice Young

UBW: Caracas ended with a bang

March 8, 2010

Hey everyone! I know it's been a couple of days, but I have to tell you about our last days in Caracas. This is Bennalldra, and I'm one of the dancers of Urban Bush Women. Our times here, as you have already heard, have been quite amazing. We have met so many people and learned so much. In fact, the day of our show presented us with yet another day of learning and true exchange.

The day started off with our teaching a dance class at one of the universities, but this class proved to be no ordinary class. It started out with our leading the students in what can be considered a traditional dance class, but then it became this wonderful exchange of culture and dance. We learned about their patron saint, St. Benedict, as well as learned a dance that pays homage to him. I found it to be so fascinating because it married the use of the voice with nice rhythms of the feet. It had a kind of celebratory feel to it, that provided a sense of release for those performing it. This provided a parallel to a tradition that we have called the ring shout.

In the Venezuelan dance, the drum plays a big role in keeping the rhythm, but in the ring shout, the feet produce the rhythm. It was nice to see the differences in the two and feel how different they made our bodies move. Both of these traditions made us sing and rejoice together. This moment made the significance of art and this exchange so important, because it's about us coming together and sharing our experiences, seeing how they are the same, and appreciating their differences. Although this was amazing, it was still just a precursor to what was to come!

Later that day we had our performance. The first of the tour! Yes—the pre-show jitters were present, but what made it all better was that we had this amazing local opening act. The students for the university performed first, and they were great. The way they blended story telling, dramatic beats and rhythms of the feet and body were breath taking. I have to say they were a tough act to follow. We performed three works, and the (standing room-only!) crowd was amazing from beginning to end. So many people came out to share and give us energy that it was overwhelming. We performed on stage, but our audience performed with us at the glorious reception. This was the real performance!!! You would have never thought they had come to see a show, because there they were performing!! When our feet got tired, and the last cookie was eaten, we finally went back to the hotel. The night was over, but will never be forgotten.

The next night the Embassy treated us to the great pleasure of seeing the musical Jesus Christ Superstar in Spanish. This was very exciting for me because I had never seen it, and I don't speak Spanish. I was wondering how much I was going to understand, but believe it or not, I was able to follow the story quite nicely. We had a great time and even got a chance to meet the cast. This part was made even better because, Sally, our gracious Embassy host, got so excited that she just couldn't wipe a smile off her face! Meeting them made her night and that in turn made mine!

Before I close, I have to say that the generosity that we have received since we have been here has been wonderful. There are not enough words to explain how at home I have felt. Sally, Elena, and the people of Venezuela -- I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this!

Sally and Elena with Urban Bush Women

Now the journey continues - on to Colombia!!!

Until next time,
Benny

EVIDENCE visits Toubab Dialaw Ecole des Sables Jant-Bi, February 22-24, 2010

Annique

The company's time in Toubab Dialaw, Senegal, was a worthwhile experience.We were at the home of the professional company Jant-Bi, Ecole des Sables, in which one of the main dance studios is sand. At the time of our visit, there was a seven week program taking place in which different dancers across the globe come to study the developed technique of Germain Acogny. The technique uses motifs of Senegalese lifestyles, dances of Senegalese culture, as well as a sampling of western European dance.

 Germain Acogny and Ronald K. Brown

Evidence's brief introduction to the form was most eventful as we were basically thrown in the sand, which had fluctuating marley and cement characteristics, and just had to follow what the company members were showing us. At times it was confusing, but for the most part it was an exchange of a lifetime! The energy of not only the visiting students, but the company, gave us a continued source of life and joy that helped us camouflage many of our mistakes. The two classes were merely the setup for our last night at the Sabar in the nearby village.

Group photo with members of the Jant-Bi Company

On our last night, we walked to the village where a number of the Jant-Bi members grew up to be welcomed by a plethora of kids that were running about playing tag, doing a little tease of some sabar steps, and delighting in their curiosity by asking us questions and wanting to engage in conversation. Sule, one of our company members created a game called "La Lumiere," which with my no knowledge of the French language, is "light." The kids tried feverishly to catch the light coming from our flashlight; as the kids became excited, WE became more excited and wanted to play more games like "red light, green light." We played games until the drums became more unified and began to beckon everyone to the circle.

One by one, children and adults began to dance sabar to the drums. As the specific rhythms changed, the onlookers/participants belted at the sound—cheered for friends and family as each person exuded their style and flavor. It was AMAZING to say the absolute least! Each woman and man possessed such charisma and personality as they executed the steps with pristine precision. They eventually pulled us to the center to join in the celebration; we were not as graceful, but we did revel in knowing one of the new rhythms known as the Obama—we danced it so HARD. It was a truly a blessing to be there and share in such an awesome event. Toubab Dialaw was just one of the many many highlights of our tour in Senegal. There is a feeling of home in the city and country that made us not want to leave. Without going on with more adjectives to describe our time at the school, I will leave a blank with an "etc." to know that my list goes on and on. _________________etc.

-Otis Donovan Herring