2Q Classes Bomba and Plena: Learn Puerto Rican Drum and Dance Traditions

¡Hola Familia!

We can't wait to welcome you and share our love and passion for Puerto Rico! A new season to celebrate and uplift each other! Together learning about la música, cultura en comunidad.

Dance and Drum Afro-Puerto Rican beats and moves with Segunda Quimbamba! Teaching the rich cultural folkloric music known as la Bomba and la Plena for over 30 years in Jersey City, and throughout New Jersey, New York and Eastern Pennsylvania.

Segunda Quimbamba's foundational learning and teaching of Bomba is rooted in the traditions of the la Familia Cepeda de Santurce. In discussion and demonstration the students gain an understanding of the elements of various regional differences in the dances and drum rhythms from Loiza and Mayaguez. The rhythms that are practiced are: sica, cuembe, calinda, yuba, holandes, seis corrido, and rule. Our Plena learning began with Los Pleneros de la 21.

Each term (fall/spring) we will focus on specific rhythms to learn in dance and percussion. This fall 2024 we are going to learn: Plena, Rule, Cuembe, and Calinda. Great exercise, healing and positive energy! Fun and supportive community. SIGN UP NOW!

For Program Access please contact Nanette Hernandez, Coordinator for your requests for assistance and accommodations and to answer your program questions. Please email Nanette at [email protected] or call/text 201-463-4814. The Nimbus Dance studio and theater building is an ADA compliant and an accessible venue. Please visit their website https://www.nimbusdance.org/ for complete venue accessibility information and for a current status on COVID Safety policy.

September 29 - December 15 from 2 - 5 PM on Sunday Afternoons

Program culminates with the longtime standing tradition of Neighborhood Parrandas con Segunda Quimbamba on December 15.

All classes are held at the Nimbus Arts Center in Downtown Jersey City. Open enrollment for students to register, final day is October 20. On-site at Nimbus registration will be available.

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First DAY September 29, 2024

Playing live music the team welcomes everyone! You receive a welcome packet that we review together containing a syllabus detailing what you will learn by the end of the term and other important information.

FALL CLASSES ARE ON 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, 12/1, 12/8, 12/15 Neighborhood Holiday Parrandas! Class Times: 2 - 5 PM

Day 1: Students and Instructors do introductions and sing together. We will engage in getting to know each other and share experiences that brought us here to learn and grow in community. We exchange knowledge and brief oral history of the drum and dance traditions of our African heritage and ancestry. Intro to Plena music and dance. Dance classes begin with a warm up then the learning of Plena rhythms, steps and choreography done also in pairs. Maximum 15 students per class. This fall session students will be immersed in Plena . In this term we will focus on spatial awareness of movement, time, and sound in the rhythms.

PLENA PROGRAM: (9/29, 10/6, 11/24, 12/1, 12/8 coros, Parranda 12/15)

DANCE 1: Plena

Plena students learn basic steps, partnered dancing and choreography. Students learn songs through singing chorus in the call-and-response method in the Spanish language. Much in preparation for our Annual 2Q Neighborhood Parrandas - the beloved Puerto Rican tradition. (This is a mobile holiday party similar to caroling, serenading house to house and gathering folks along the way). You can do it with your family and friends too!

BOMBA PROGRAM: (10/13 - 11/17)

In the Bomba classes this term students will experience the Batey in a supportive and learning space with the goal for students' understanding and comfort. A 30 minute batey will be incorporated. It will be required attendance for all students. Classes will be 50 minutes.

2:00 - 2:50 PM (Buleo Plus; Step Up to 2)

2:50 - 3:40 PM (Drum 1)

3:40 - 4:10 PM (Batey)

4:10 - 5:00 PM (Dance 1)

DANCE 1: Bomba

Rule and Cuembe basic steps introduced: fundamentals and technique exercises. Grounding the dancer in the rhythm. Exposure to deepen the understanding of the dance and drum dynamic and conversational exchange through listening, observing and engaging in the whole process with intention and clarity. Singing Coro in the call-and-response method in the Spanish language.

DANCE Bomba Step up to 2

ADVANCE Transitional Class (By invitation only) * for ages 14+ and up

This class will help the student develop confidence to trust themselves and their foundational learning. To be firmly grounded in the basic rhythms to build on from Class 1. The student here will prepare to transition for the Advanced Class 2 level. Students will be challenged in their plena and bomba journey. They will deepen understanding and comfort level. This term we will focus on spatial awareness in the rhythms. Minimal piquete movements introduced (upper and lower body expressions) internalizing understanding of drum responses intently creating beats in your dance with the drum. Mandatory requirements apply. See below.

Step Up to 2: Invitation only. You must have completed 2 terms of classes with SQFQ or demonstrate to the education team that you are sufficiently prepared with the skill set and knowledge required to meet the class challenges and goals. Ages 14 + The SQFC Team will guide students for proper class placement assuring the best learning experience.

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Students are introduced to the Bomba and Plena drums and all major and minor percussion elements.

PERCUSSION 1 Beginner Level for ages 12 and up

Students will focus on Plena clave and cowbell. Rule and Cuembe Barril Hand Technique and Plena Pandero Hand Technique. Metronome Work for Pandero and Barril. Focus on Maraca Technique. Engaging with dance students to build up learning in sustaining the rhythm, listening, observing and following cues and messaging that are going on in the energy of the people and in the space.

PERCUSSION 2 Buleo Plus Drum (By invitation only) * for ages 15 and up

This class prepares students to transition from bomba buleadores in performance contexts to buleadores in Batey contexts. Instructors will focus on speed, stamina, and advanced rhythms.

Fall semester Drum 2 students will learn faster and heavier variations of Drum 1 rhthyms including Rule and Cuembe. In the Spring semester students will learn more advanced bomba rhythms including Cuembe, Calinda, and Gracima.

Drum 2 Buleo Plus level minimum experience/classes with at least 2 semesters with Segunda Quimbamba or the equivalent for prereq admission into this drum class. Ages 15+ The SQFC Team will guide students for proper class placement assuring the best learning experience.

Prerequisites / Requirements: All decisions are made by the education team.

DEEPEN your learning: Consider signing up for both dance and drum classes as a combo with deep savings! Learning both disciplines together will deepen and enhance your experiences that are intertwined and part of a full embodied experience of the drums and dances of our ancestors.

TOUCH POINTS: Attend biweekly Zoom meetings: Hablando con los Maestros for classroom support, discussions / demonstrations of techniques in dance or drum, cultural history, the instruments, the rhythms, the diaspora as we build community.

SQFC offers beginners and advanced learning to all students. Private classes are available. Families and returning student discounts available. Classes are for Adults and Children.

CLASS SCHEDULE AND FEES

Sept 29 - December 15 Parrandas! Classes are 2 - 5 PM Sunday afternoons

New students: $265

Returning Students Disc: $245

DEEP COMBO SAVINGS Register for both Percussion & Dance Classes for only $425 and get all 24+ classes! Encouraging you to learn both!

Dance Step up to 2 (By invitation only) * Time: 2:00 - 3:00 PM

Ages: 14 and up

Dance 1 Beginner Level Time: 4:00 - 5:00 PM

Ages 12 and up

Prerequisites / Requirements: All decisions are made by the education team.

*Advance level minimum experience/classes at least 2 semesters with Segunda Quimbamba or the equivalent for prereq admission into this dance class. Ages 14 + The SQFC Team will guide students for proper class placement assuring the best learning experience.

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Drum 2 Buleo Plus (By invitation only) * Time: 2:00 - 3:00 PM

Ages 15 and up

Percussion 1 Beginner Level Time: 3:00 - 4:00 PM

Ages 14 and up

Prerequisites / Requirements: All decisions are made by the education team.

*Drum 2 Buleo Plus classes require the student to have completed at least 2 semesters with Segunda Quimbamba or the equivalent for prereq admission into this class. Ages 15+ The SQFC Team will guide students ensuring their best placement and learning experience.

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This vibrant program is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, division of the Department of State, and administered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs/Tourism Development, Craig Guy, Hudson County Executive & the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners and Supported Public Funds from the Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund and a Resident Partnership with the Nimbus Arts Center.

SEE YOU AT THE STUDIO!

What can I bring into the studio?

For dance, dress comfortably NO footwear in the studio. A limited number of dance skirts and drums are available in class. If you own a dance skirt or drum please bring it with you to classes. Bring your own water, personal hand sanitizer and mask.

Transportation: Getting to classes-

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

Nimbus Arts Center •329 Warren St. • Jersey City, NJ 07302 www.nimbusdanceworks.org • Phone/fax (201) 377-0718

Trains: Take PATH to Grove Street STOP, then a short walk east towards the water on Columbus turning left onto Warren Street, venue at 329 Warren Street. Or Exchange Place STOP walk west on Columbus away from the water to Warren Street turn right for the venue.

Car: Limited Street or paid parking available in the area of Downtown Jersey City.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions? Segunda Quimbamba contact is Nanette Hernandez, [email protected] or call or text 201-463-4814

Can I update my registration information? Yes.

Please be aware of your own exposure: If you are not feeling well we kindly ask that you consider staying home. Thank you.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Nimbus Arts Center, 329 Warren Street, Jersey City, United States