Considerable investments of time, money and artistic activity are spent to produce these annual events, which serve to revitalize and enliven Malian society. The Bush Jenie is a transformative character, played in abstraction with great energy. The dance is derived from specific characterizations found in stories, legends, and epics. The Antelope s graceful movements and natural beauty are much admired in Bambara society. As the antelope dance, the women of the village sing sweet songs of lamentation for the feelings of loss that it s death evokes in humanity.
Antelope are symbols of cooperation and solidarity within the village.
This Spring Dance concert serves as testament of Brown s rich and colorful cultural heritage. We are blessed with a diversity of interest and expertise in world music, theater, and dance. The choreographers and dancers have been matched in their innovations with student and faculty costume and lighting designers. The process of performance works in the broader sense as an education in collaboration, respect, negotiation and compromise. Throughout the semester I have been witness to the degree of dedication that our students, faculty, and guest artists have displayed.