Canadian choreographer Aszure Barton is one of the most sought-after of her time. By simultaneously respecting and dismantling classical and contemporary forms, she presents a dynamic, intricate, and layered movement vocabulary that expresses the vulnerability, power, and complexity of the human body. Her coveted choreography, BUSK, was created in 2009 as a full-length work with her own company, Aszure Barton & Artists. The English verb "to busk" means to perform on the street or in other public areas in the form of music, song, juggling, or magic to collect money from passersby. The title also refers to the word's Spanish root, "buscar," which means "to seek." Based on this form of performance, the choreography traces the relationship between performers and audience, presenting the full range of movement of the dancers' bodies.

Created by Aszure Barton & Artists in 2009, BUSK was conceived at The Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara during a residency hosted by Dianne Vapnek’s DANCEworks. The work was then further developed in residency at The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity (Alberta, Canada). BUSK, in its original form, is an evening-length work.

Leadership support for BUSK was provided by Melinda & Paul Pressler and Pamela D. Zilly & John H. Schaefer.

BUSK was originally made possible by generous support from DANCEworks, The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, and the Ringling International Arts Festival, with John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in association with the Baryshnikov Arts Center.

Additional support also provided by White Oak Conservation Center, the Howard Gilman Foundation, and The Canada Council for the Arts.