Candomblé Classes
Song and Dance
Most Sundays at 3:30pm
Study traditional Orixa dance movement with live drum accompaniment, exploring the connections between rhythm, song, and movement.
Jorge Alabê was raised in the Candomblé house of Sociedade Nossa Senhora das Candeias in Rio de Janeiro, and presents Orixa dance movement as practiced in the Candomblé de Ketu tradition. These classes provide a special opportunity to study Candomblé dance with someone with exceptional knowledge and a deep understanding of the entire tradition.
Classes are open to all levels of experience and offered as a 4-class series. Remote participation is also available.
For dates, times, and registration, email Aníbal Mejía.
Rhythm
Series on Wednesdays
Learn traditional Orixa drum rhythms and songs from the Ketu, Angola, and Jeje traditions of Candomblé.
Jorge Alabê, master Ogan in the Afro-Brazilian religion of Candomblé, teaches Orixa and other traditional Brazilian drum rhythms and songs. Classes cover rhythms as played on atabaques or conga drums, with Orixa songs included to explore the connection with rituals.
Open to all levels. Participants should bring their own conga drum and sticks (limited extras available). Video recordings provided after each class. Classes offered in 4-class series, in-person or via Zoom.
Ogan Charanga, student of Jorge Alabê and initiated drummer in Ilê Axé Omorodê in Rio de Janeiro, also offers introductory rhythm and song classes.
For dates, times, and registration, email Aníbal Mejía.
Other Offerings
Samba
BateriaMixed-level Rio-style samba bateria classes focusing on drum technique and ensemble playing.
Mestre Jorge Alabê, director of Grupo Samba Rio, leads these classes open to all experience levels. Learn or tune-up your samba skills.
Plan to bring your own instruments – surdo, caixa, repinique, tamborim, agogo, chocalho. If you don't have your own, let us know in advance and we may be able to provide extras.
For dates, times, and registration, email Deborah Cogan.
Pagode
Learn technique and style on pandeiro, tantan, surdo, and other pagode instruments. In-person or online.
Jorge Alabê presents technique and style on all typical pagode instruments including pandeiro, tantan, surdo, repique de mão, reco-reco, tamborim, agogo, and caixa. 1-2 songs introduced each week.
Available in person in Oakland or online via Zoom. Recordings provided for participants. Some instruments available to borrow. Classes offered in series (no drop-ins), advance sign-up required.
For dates, times, and registration, email Deborah Cogan.
Upcoming Classes