From an early age, UC Davis Professor Bobbie Bolden has enjoyed dancing. "As a child I made up shows all the time," says Bolden.
During the pre-civil rights era, dance training for African Americans did not exist in Bolden’s hometown of Tallahassee, Fla. So her interest remained a simple pastime. Then, while majoring in romantic languages at a small college in Alabama, Bolden rekindled her childhood love of dance by signing up for a modern dance class.
"I was one of the only students who truly enjoyed doing the choreographic studies," recalls Bolden.
Her formal training continued after she moved to California in the late ’60s. Then, in 1979, Bolden founded her own dance company, San Jose’s Bobbie Wynn and Company. She ran the company until 1985 and then joined the UC Davis faculty as a modern and jazz dance teacher in the physical education department.
Bolden taught at San Jose State University and several community colleges and community centers before finding a teaching home at UC Davis.
"I have to do a lot of different things as an artist to survive," she says.
Since 1995, Bolden has worked as a professor in the theater and dance department, as well as the African studies department. She currently teaches a modern choreography and African Caribbean Culture class.
Although Bolden teaches dance classes, in 1994 an arthritic condition left her with the inability to perform. Over the years struggling with any type of movement has been a difficult transition for Bolden.
She misses dancing a lot, but takes pleasure in watching Melissa – eldest of her three grown children and a professional dancer with the Bebe Miller Dance Company – carry on the tradition of performing. Tiza is a Pilates teacher, and also dances occasionally, while Chris is a software engineer.
Bolden says she is also quite happy watching the creativity of her students.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
In my choreography class, I love to watch students get in touch with themselves and their creativity, and how they put it into a dance. They discover who they are and let their individuality show through.
In my culture class, it’s something I researched on my own, building the courses. I love sharing that information and what it means to the culture and the people.
What’s your biggest achievement?
Working and making a living in a field I love, and having a family. My job isn’t just something I do, it’s a chosen path.
What was it about dancing that you loved?
The sensations that I felt in my own body as I danced. These sensations were like poetry with numerous shadings – poetry without words.
When you were no longer able to perform, what did you miss?
I enjoyed communicating to an audience through movement. I was sharing my most innermost self with others and, in that sharing I often believed that I touched the core being of many people in the audience. To me, this type of communication broke through all facades and barriers created by words.
Do you have a favorite performance you’ve seen?
The Alvin Ailey American Theater performs Revelations in the '70s. They used black spiritual music that I listened to as a child. It gave me the possibility that this is something people could actually do. It was something I had never seen before, and I was just totally moved.
Favorite performance at UC Davis?
I’m prejudiced toward the dance ones, of course. Stitch by Lea Anderson because I enjoyed the process of watching the students practice it and put it on. Also, the Faculty Dance Concert: Reunion I co-choreographed with Ray Tadio, an international choreographer and former teacher at the Alvin Ailey American Center. Melissa also performed in it.
What’s your favorite place on campus?
Putah Creek, because of the beautiful trees and the relaxing environment.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Play with my granddaughter, Nyala, or go to the mountains. I love being out in nature because it’s so peaceful.
If you could have dinner with anyone, whom would you pick?
Maya Angelou because she’s a strong, positive woman who stands by her convictions. Hopefully some of that would rub off on me. And the Dali Lama, simply to be in the presence of a spiritual being. •