Segunda Quimbamba Classes2026: Learn 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 30 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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March 1 - May 31 Sunday Afternoons from 2 - 5 PM except Easter Sunday, April 5.

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. Last enrollment day is March 11 online.

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

March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. April 12, 19 , 26. (no classes 4/5 Easter)

May 3, 10. Run of Show: May 17 and 24. Student Recitals: May 30 and 31.

First DAY March 1: 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.

SPRING SEMESTER OFFERS

Two Beginner Dance Classes offered. The Education team will assign students to appropriate class for new students and returning beginner students.

One Beginner Percussion Class offered that will work with new students and aim to challenge returning beginners.

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Dance 1 Beginner Level for ages 12 and up

Rhythms Holande and Sica/Gracima basic fundamental steps are introduced and technique exercises grounding the dancer in the rhythm. Body, posture, movement in space and spatial awareness emphasized. With an opportunity to deepen your understanding in the space with the dance and percussion dynamic of the lead drum and dancer. This conversational exchange is done through observing, listening, and engaging with intention in the whole of the community present. Singing coro in the call-and-response method in the Spanish language. Discussion of batey and bombazos in the community.

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PERCUSSION 1 Beginner Level for ages 14 and up

Students are introduced to the Bomba drum and all major and minor percussion elements. Students will focus on Holande and Sica/Gracima barril hand technique. Metronome work for 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 in the space.

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

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

Dance 1 Beginner Level Class Times: 3:00 - 4:00 PM and 4:00 - 5:00 PM

Education team will assign students time slot for the class. Ages 12 and up

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Percussion 1 Beginner Level Class Time: 2:00 - 3:00 PM

Ages 14 and up

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Spring Semester Program Fees for the PERCUSSION and DANCE Classes~

New students: $275

Returning Students Disc: $265

DEEP SAVE - COMBO Percussion and Dance Class Special Offer: $475

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Nimbus Arts Center: What can I bring into the studio?

For dance, dress comfortably NO footwear in the studio or theater. A limited number of dance skirts and percussion instruments 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:

What is 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 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

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

If you easily can, yes.

Can I update my registration information? Yes.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

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

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