Bamboula Workshop Offered At The VI Children's Museum

ST. THOMAS, USVI — The Caribbean Ritual Dancers and the Virgin Islands Children's Museum are teaming up to offer a 4-week Bamboula Workshop for boys and girls 7-15 years of age. The workshop will start on Saturday, October 2nd. Classes take place in Buccaneer Mall at the VICM.

"Thanks to a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, via the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, we are able to host 'de Talking Dance & Drum Bamboula Workshop which will give participants a basic knowledge of Bamboula drums, head wrapping and the Bamboula dance," said Diana P. Brown, Creative Director for the Caribbean Ritual Dancers. "As our command of our culture and heritage begins to fade, we want to take every opportunity to share what we know with children who are literally the future of the Virgin Islands."

Four workshops will take place over the course of a month and registrants are encouraged to attend each week's session as a different element of the Bamboula will be taught by instructors. The workshops will run 4-6 p.m. In keeping with COVID-19 protocols, masks will be required at all times while inside the museum.

The last session of the workshop will be a chance to showcase what the students have learned. They will also get the chance to play in the museum as a reward for their dedication and hard work.

"As a community resource the VI Children's Museum aims to provide a cultural foundation for Virgin Islands youth to accompany the nontraditional methods of learning woven into our interactive educational exhibits," said museum director Chantel Hoheb.

To register or ask questions about the workshop, email deebrown00803@aol.com.

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