
Urban Bush Women in RI: Art Activating Community
URBAN BUSH WOMEN IN RI: ART ACTIVATING COMMUNITY
See residency event schedule
For three decades Urban Bush Women’s powerful moves have shaken theaters and inspired communities celebrating the culture of the African diaspora. As part of their five-month project with FirstWorks this season, Urban Bush Women return to Providence in February 2016 for two jam-packed weeks of workshops, performances and talks.

Talking the Walk: Black Dance and Social Justice
TALKING THE WALK: BLACK DANCE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
Feb. 27, 4:00-5:30PM – FREE
Jawole Willa Jo Zollar and Thomas F. DeFrantz discuss Walking with ‘Trane, Black Dance in its varied contemporary manifestations, Black Lives Matter, and the long histories of dance in African American social justice advocacy. At RISD Auditorium – FREE

SALON: JAZZ IN RI HISTORY AND CULTURE
SALON: JAZZ IN RI HISTORY AND CULTURE
Feb. 12, 5:00-7:00PM – FREE
On 2/27, FirstWorks will present Urban Bush Women performing Walking With ‘Trane, a work emblematic of UBW’s practice of weaving contemporary dance, music, and text with the history, culture, and spiritual traditions of African Americans and the African Diaspora. Join us for a discussion of the history and role of jazz in RI. FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

SALON: Black Social Dance: Rhythm, Race, Community
SALON: BLACK SOCIAL DANCE – RHYTHM, RACE, COMMUNITY
Oct. 23, 2015, 5-7:00PM – FREE
Co-presented by FirstWorks and The Providence Athenaeum with Brandeis University Assistant Professor of African and Afro- American Studies and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Jasmine Johnson.

Rhythm of Change Festival
RHYTHM OF CHANGE FESTIVAL
Feb. 25-28, Brown U. – TICKETS REQ.
The festival partners with FirstWorks, Rites and Reason Theatre, Urban Bush Women, Troupe Yeredon, Dr. Thomas DeFrantz and artists from Mali, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and NYC to engage with students and the larger community in ceremony, performances, discussions, and workshops. TICKETS REQUIRED

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: DANCE FOR EVERY BODY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT K-12 TEACHERS: DANCE FOR EVERY BODY
Oct. 27, 2015, 7-9:00PM
Dedicated time with the artists provided for K-12 teachers at this jam dance workshop with Urban Bush Women celebrating “every body” and the diversity that attributes to a unique and powerful community. No prior experience required! At Brown University Ashamu Dance Studio. REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Jazz Brunch with Urban Bush Women
JAZZ BRUNCH WITH URBAN BUSH WOMEN
Feb. 28 at The Dorrance – TICKETS REQ.
Join us and members of Urban Bush Women as we wrap up their FirstWorks residency with a specialty brunch menu created by the culinary team at the Dorrance. Enjoy a mouth-watering buffet, relaxed conversation & soul-nourishing live jazz performed by Rhode Island’s own Travis Colby Band. ADVANCE TICKETS REQUIRED.

COMMUNITY WORKSHOP: DANCE FOR EVERY BODY
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP: DANCE FOR EVERY BODY
Oct. 27, 2015, 7-9:00PM – FREE
A jam dance workshop with Urban Bush Women celebrating “every body” and the diversity that attributes to a unique and powerful community. No prior experience required! At Brown University Ashamu Dance Studio. REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

COMMUNITY WORKSHOP: DANCE FOR EVERY BODY
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP: DANCE FOR EVERY BODY
Feb. 25, 2:30-4:00PM – FREE
A jam dance workshop with Urban Bush Women celebrating “every body” and the diversity that attributes to a unique and powerful community. No prior experience required! At Brown University Ashamu Dance Studio. REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Community Renewal Event – Urban Bush Women in RI
COMMUNITY RENEWAL EVENT WITH URBAN BUSH WOMEN – featuring dark swan
Feb. 24, 6:00-9:00PM – TICKETS REQ.
A social evening of food, conversation and local performance capped by a studio performance by Urban Bush Woman in Nora Chipaumire’s dark swan- TICKETS REQUIRED