Segunda Quimbamba Children's Classes Afro Puerto Rican Traditions in Bomba

January 2026 marks a milestone for the organization with the 20th Anniversary of the Segunda Quimbamba School established in the spring of 2006 in a partnership with the Jersey City Museum. We are excited for a new season to celebrate and uplift each other! Together learning about la música, cultura y comunidad. We can't wait to welcome you and share our love and passion for Puerto Rico!

Afro-Puerto Rican percussion and dance, beats and moves with Segunda Quimbamba! We've been teaching the rich cultural folkloric music known as la Bomba and la Plena for over 35 years in Jersey City, and throughout New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania.

Segunda Quimbamba's foundational learning and teaching of Bomba is rooted in the traditions of la Familia Cepeda de Santurce. In discussion and demonstration, the students will gain an understanding of the various regional differences of the dances and percussion rhythms from Loiza and Mayaguez, but know there are many more variations from other regions. The rhythms that we practiced are: sica, cuembe, calinda, yuba, holande, sies corrido, rule, balance and oyo mula.

This 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. A grant from Supported Public Funds from the Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund. A Resident Partnership at the Nimbus Arts Center which helps extend community outreach and impact.

Program Access contact Nanette Hernández will coordinate your requests for assistance and accommodations and answer your program questions. Please email Nanette at [email protected] or call/text 201-463-4814.

Nimbus Dance studio and theater building is an ADA compliant and accessible venue. Please visit their website https://www.nimbusdance.org/ for complete venue accessibility information and for a current status on COVID Safety policy and protocols.

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April 12 - May 31 Sunday Afternoons from 1 - 2 PM

Student Recitals with Segunda Quimbamba are on Saturday May 30 and Sunday May 31.

There is a student attendance requirement to participate in the recital.

All classes are held at the Nimbus Arts Center in Downtown Jersey City.

On-site registration will be available at Nimbus.

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The spring classes will introduce and advance the learning from the Sica, Gracima building community along the way. Great exercise, healing and positive energy! Fun and supportive community.

First DAY April 12: Playing live music the team welcomes everyone! Together we will review the student welcome packet containing a syllabus detailing what you will learn by the end of the term and other important information. Students and Instructors do introductions. Getting to know each other and share experiences that brought us here to learn and grow in community. We exchange knowledge and a brief oral history of the percussion and dance traditions of our African heritage and ancestry.

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Every dance class begin with a warm up then dives into the learning of the Bomba rhythms, dance steps and choreography. This term students focus on spatial awareness movement, time, and learn to identify how the rhythms sound.

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Dance classes begin with a warm-up, followed by learning the basic foundation of Bomba Sica/Gracima rhythms, steps, and short choreography. Maximum 18 students per class.

Students learn about singing, chorus, and call-and-response methods in the Spanish language. Attend monthly Zoom meetings for additional practice, discussions of cultural history, the instruments, the rhythms, the diaspora, and community building together in a continuing shared learning space.

SPRING BOMBA CLASSES Total 9 sessions: 4/12 - 5/31

Five (5) classes plus two (2) prep rehearsals, and two (2 ) recitals on May 30 and May 31.

Students must advise the education team if they will participate in the student recitals.

BOMBA DANCE CLASSES

● Dance Beginner (Ages 6 - 12)

Time: 1:00 - 1:30 PM

BOMBA PERCUSSION CLASSES

● Percussion Beginner (Ages: 7 - 13)

Time: 1:30 - 2:00 PM

Learning both dance and drum art forms enhances the knowledge of the rhythms and their interconnected intricacies.

Program Fees:

New students: $150

Returning Student Discount: $130

COMBO Dance & Percussion Classes Special Offer:

$250 gets you all the classes!

Students must be at least 7 years old to register for the combo dance and drum classes.

This vibrant program is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a division of the Department of State, 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, a Resident Partnership with the Nimbus Arts Center and Private Donors.

SEE YOU IN THE STUDIO!

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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 and personal hand sanitizer; masks are optional.

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. The venue is at 329 Warren Street. Or take the 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 is available in the Downtown Jersey City area.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Segunda Quimbamba's contact is Nanette Hernández, email [email protected] or call or text 201-463-4814.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

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

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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