Ida Reynolds Watson is a native Detroiter who in 2005 moved to South Bend after having lived in Minneapolis. She found that bigger cities typically offer a variety of culturally diverse entertainment options, an area that South Bend was lacking in, until Kelly Burget, a professional dancer focused on Afro-centric performance had an idea to begin a performance troupe called UZIM! in 2012. The concept went beyond just a professional dance troupe but one that was community-based and would encompass professionally trained dancers as well as novices. UZIMA! is a Swahili word for wholeness, health and love of life. Ida has had the opportunity to see UZIMA! emerge and grow into the wonderful community-based performance dance troupe that welcomes novices of all age levels.

“So it was an easy decision for me to want to support UZIMA! as it transitions into a non-profit entity in order to ensure its longevity within South Bend and beyond.”