Over the course of a semester, the Sonoma State University Dance Program collaborated with Urban Bush Women, a Brooklyn based dance company, as conduits for conversations about making connections, building trust, equity and change. As a result, SSU Dance faculty and students will explore diversity and social justice issues in two new dance pieces at Spring Dance 2018.
Choreographed by professors of dance Kristen Daley and Christine Cali, and in collaboration with fifteen SSU dance students, “Anchored” employs text, music and movement to examine ideas around resistance, language and power. Led by an all-female cast, with original music by composer Jesse Olsen Bay, the work “takes the audience on a kinesthetic and imagistic ride filled with each dancer’s individual expressions and declarations,” said Daley.
Through storytelling and movement, UBW celebrates the culture of the African Diaspora and seeks to bring the untold and under-told histories and stories of disenfranchised people to light through dance. The resulting performance piece, a mixture of dance, theatre, song and original music, is the manifestation of the dancer’s and choreographer’s collective experience working with UBW. “Anchored” reflects both Daley and Cali’s desire to cultivate space for shared leadership and a more equitable learning environment.
Come witness the culmination of the Dance Program's semester long efforts at Spring Dance 2018 April 25 to May 5. Admission prices range from $5 to $17, and SSU students receive two free tickets with a valid student ID. Tickets are $10 for non-SSU students and seniors, $15 for Sonoma State University faculty and staff and $17 for standard admission. On special "Friends & Family Nights,” all tickets are $5 with free admission for SSU faculty, staff and alumni. Purchase tickets online or at the event. Parking in SSU lots is $5.
Full schedule:
All performances will be held at Evert B. Person Theatre
Wednesday, April 25 – 10 a.m.
Thursday, April 26(Free K-12 matinees) – 10 a.m.
Friday, April 27 ($5 Friends and Family Night) – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 28 – 2 p.m.
Thursday, May 3 – 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 4 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 5 – 7:30 p.m.