Intensive Afro-Brazilian Drumming and Dance Workshops
A weekend of Afro-Brazilian drumming and dance workshops taught by master teachers from throughout Northern California.
Leader
Victor Vasquez
Location
2420 N street Sacramento, CA 95816
About the project
We are a collection of Sacramento-based artists who specialize in Afro-Brazilian drumming and dance. We regularly perform at festivals and other events throughout the region. With this project, we plan to organize two days of intensive drumming and dance workshops taught by Sacramento-based artists as well as teachers coming from out of town for the event. Workshops will be open to both beginners and experienced drummers or dancers who want to take their skills to the next level and gain exposure to new styles. In addition to participating in drumming and dance workshops, participants will have the opportunity to make their own drum and performance costume that they will get to keep. The experience will culminate in a public performance at the Brazilian Center located in Midtown.
Workshops topics include drumming and dancing to the rhythms of ijexa, afoxe, forro, frevo, puxada de rede, samba de roda, samba, and maculele. All workshops will take place at the Brazilian Center at 2420 N Street in Midtown. A schedule is forthcoming.
The Steps
Advertise and fundraise -- October 7, 2022 and ongoing
Secure rental of studio space -- December 12, 2022
Purchase materials for making drums and costumes -- December 15, 2022
Finalize schedule and curriculum -- January 2, 2023
Hold workshops and performance -- January 12-15, 2023
Compensate teachers -- January 20, 2023
Why we‘re doing it
We love Afro-Brazilian drumming and dancing and so does Sacramento! When we perform at events in the region (such as the California International Marathon, the Banana Festival, the Vegan Food Festival, and much more), it brings infectious joy and movement to the crowds. We are organizing this event in order to bring in master teachers from throughout Northern California who will teach workshops on several different styles of Afro-Brazilian drumming and dance. This will be an opportunity to gain exposure to styles that are not regularly taught in Sacramento and are generally difficult to find outside of Brazil! Don't miss this opportunity!
This event will strengthen the existing Afro-Brazilian drumming and dance talent in Sacramento as it will be an opportunity for people already involved in these art forms to learn advanced skills and to create connections with other artists in the field. In addition, we expect the event to broaden the drumming and dance talent in Sacramento by allowing beginners to gain proficiency in basic skills through these workshops. Whether or not participants ultimately choose to perform with us or elsewhere in the future, we are excited for this opportunity to promote this cultural artform. Moreover, we see this as an opportunity to cultivate community through sharing art, food, and fun!