The Advanced class is for students who have been playing traditional West African djembe for a long time and have a solid repertoire under their belts. Classes will move quickly through the basics and get right to the learning of advanced material, including solo material and more. Each teacher has a unique approach and we recommend trying a class with each of them! See “Class Levels” for more information. Classes are not sequential - you can jump into any session.
Balafon
The Balafon from Africa is the original xylophone. Modern balafones are tuned to a diatonic Western scale and produce enjoyable melodies and harmonies in a funky, almost electronic sound.
Beginning Djembe/Dundun
The beginner class is for complete novices or folks who want to build technique and rhythmic sensibility - understanding how to subdivide a beat or play a ‘tone’. Students will learn traditional rhythms, the history and social context of the rhythm, and more. Each teacher has a unique approach and we recommend trying a class with each of them! See “Class Levels” for more information.
Brazilian Drumming
Explore the energy, groove, and rich rhythmic traditions of Brazilian percussion with Everton Isidoro. Students will learn fundamental techniques and ensemble patterns while discovering how the different instrumental parts interlock to create a powerful, unified rhythm. Instruments will be provided, and all levels are welcome. What a party! Come try some new instruments and rotate through the sounds of carnival!
Brazilian Dance
Classes with Quenia Ribeiro feature the various forms of Samba from Rio De Janeiro and Bahia - Samba No Pe, Miudinho, Samba Reggae, Samba Afro etc. In addition, Quenia introduces Afro-Brazilian dances and movements originating from Angola, Congo, Benin and Nigeria. Classes are always accompanied by live drums and are open to dancers of every level, age and experience.
Congolese Dance
Join Andoche Loubaki for an energetic journey through the dances of the Congo. With his dynamic and joyful teaching style, Andoche brings each movement to life through rhythm, expression, and connection to the music. Come ready to move, learn, and experience the vibrant spirit of Congolese dance!
Congolese Drum
Also led by Andoche Loubaki, this class dives into the layered rhythms and infectious grooves of Congolese drumming. Participants will build an ensemble piece through interlocking patterns while developing technique, listening skills, and rhythmic communication. Grab a drum, find your part in the groove, and have some fun!
Drum & Dance All Together / Closing Ceremony
This special gathering is what it’s all about. We invite everybody to the same big room to participate in a big class/experience sharing drum and dance between all the cultures. We’ll all come together at the end to experience Community - the driving force behind the Retreat.
Dundun Dance
This popular class explores the West African art of drumming while dancing. You must bring your own dundun, or have rented a dundun in advance on the Retreat website to be able to have a drum in this class (sometimes we have extras! Or you can always participate with air drumming!).
Fula Flute
Discover the distinctive sound and expressive voice of the Fula flute, a traditional instrument of the Fulani people of West Africa. Students will explore fundamental playing techniques, melodic phrasing, ornamentation, and the flute’s connection to rhythm, song, and storytelling. Flutes will be provided, and all levels are welcome.
Guinea Dance
Explore the power, grace, and athleticism of the dances of Guinea. Learn the social context and cultural background of the dances and enjoy moving across the floor to an ensemble of drummers. Beginning classes are designed for beginners; all other classes are open-level.
Gyil
The gyil is an ancient marimba from West Africa. The left hand lines form the core of American R&B, jazz, and rock. The instrument is most prominent in Ghana, where Valerie Naranjo has traveled regularly and even won the Ghanaian Kobine Festival gyil competition! Explore the beginner classes, and then sign up (at the Info Desk - limited space!) for the Intermediate classes to go deeper.
Intermediate Djembe/Dundun
This class is for students who have a good amount of experience with the djembe. Classes will move at a steady pace, breaking down a traditional rhythm, and may include accompaniment patterns, solo phrases, breaks, and the history and social context of the rhythm. See “Class Levels” for more information.
Mali Dance
Learn the subtleties of the Mali style with Souleymane Solo Sana. You’ll learn how to control your body movements, the history of the dance, and how to express yourself in a beautiful way. Beginning classes are designed for beginners. All other classes are open-level.
Massage
Kristina Marrufo is a massage therapist who combines somatic touch, Thai stretching, deep tissue, myofascial work, and other holistic techniques to ease the nervous system and support healthier movement. Book your massage here!
Pagode
In Brazil a Pagode is an informal jam session often played sitting down at a long table. Musicians, singers and composers share songs old and new, using percussion, guitar, and cavaquiñho. Come sing and dance with Quenia and musicians in the Dining Hall.
Puerto Rican Bomba
Feel the groove of the barriles, cuá, maraca, and song while exploring how the lead drummer responds to the dancer’s movements in real time. Rooted in Puerto Rico’s Afro-descendant history, Bomba is a powerful tradition of community, resistance, and celebration.
Shekere
This beaded gourd is played in a variety of African and Afro-Diasporic traditions. A great way to find your rhythmic center or learn a funky new instrument. While singing and playing, expect some valuable wisdom and deep thoughts from Apache.
The Show
Every year we have a performance on Saturday night. This year the Saturday Night show is only the Faculty Performance. Come see astounding performances by all your new favorite teachers!
Yoga / Stretching / Meditation
Enter the Wula Wellness area for a restorative experience in stretching, meditation, and mindfulness - the perfect way to center yourself and prepare for drum and dance. While Yoga or Meditation classes are not in session, the Wellness center is open for peace and quiet time.
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