Center plans celebration of Sistahs!

Seattle-area professional actors Pat Wright, Jacqueline Moscou and Angie Bolton in “Keeper’s of the Dream”. Photo by Chris Bennion.

Martha Nishitani opened her dance studio in the University District 45 years ago—and still continues to teach and dance even in her late 70s.

On March 21 she will be among the dozens of women celebrated in the UW Women’s Center A Celebration of Significant Sistahs! in honor of Women’s History Month.

“When Martha Nishitani opened her studio there were very few minorities in the arts, since then there’s been remarkable change and we’re trying to reflect that change,” said Nikki Louis, coordinator of the event.

“It’s all about empowering women and reminding women that we have come a long way,” she added.

As part of the celebration, women are being asked to recognize a significant woman in their life with a slide photo and a few words about why they’ve been such an influence. Louis expects about 40 to 50 women, from on and off campus and of all ages and backgrounds, to be honored.

The celebration of women also features instructors and students of the Women’s Center and excerpts from the acclaimed National Endowment for the Arts show, Keepers of the Dream.

Keepers of the Dream is a look at African American women’s history through words and music—from slave songs to blues gospel—that also celebrates the accomplishments of all women worldwide.

A Celebration of Significant Sistahs! will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., Room 147 Architecture. Tickets are $15 with all proceeds benefiting special programs at the UW Women’s Center. Purchase tickets at the door or by calling (206) 685-1090.

To be a part of the celebration: Send a slide with the photo of a woman of significance to you. Include a brief description of the woman and her importance to you. Include your name and phone number. Send all information to the Women’s Center c/o Nikki Louis, Box 351380. ¶