Examples of workshops

A typical day at your school will begin shortly after registration.  We can take two classes before lunch and two in the afternoon, giving each group an experience of samba drumming and Brazilian dance and song during a one hour session.  For a more concentrated session, two classes can be workshop-ed over the duration of the day, ending with a short performance of what the children have achieved for the whole school to enjoy. 

Children will learn basic rhythmical patterns which will be applied onto authentic samba instruments such as surdos (bass drums), caixa (snare drums), tambourims, bells and shakers to create a collective piece such as samba reggae or the more traditional rhythm of Ijexa.  Just for a short time, the class will be transformed into a samba band of it's very own.  This has caused such a stir in some schools that samba equipment has been purchased in many schools that we have visited, resulting in an ongoing after school samba club. 

The dance aspect of the session will involve a short, fun warm up with an explanation of the style of dance being instructed.  Children will learn authentic Brazilian movements which will create an exciting piece of choreography danced to live samba percussion.  All dances are selected with each particular age group in mind, making the experience achievable for everyone.  A song will also be learnt within this time and by the end of the class, every child will be singing and dancing in true Brazilian style.

You will be amazed at how much can be achieved in just one day!

Classes will be designated as 'drummers', 'dancers' or 'costume makers' (these are usually years 4, 5 and 6) and for the week a timetabled programme of tuition will be delivered in each discipline.  Each day will start with a whole school assembly, where songs for the show will be learnt and examples of what has been made and achieved will  be shared and congratulated!  Workshop sessions in all aspects of carnival will be taking place simultaneously during the school day, creating an exciting and energising atmosphere throughout the school.  Children and staff from the younger classes will be put to task by being given templates and ideas for costumes and props for their own participation during the week. 

By the end of the week, a carnival show with costume, lighting, music, choreography and narration will have been devised, rehearsed and finally performed, giving children and staff an experience to remember.

These residencies can be celebrated in real style with anything from a school hall performance for family and friends to a carnival street procession around the locality for the whole community to enjoy.

For a more affordable method of getting our workshops into your schools why not share the cost of the day with other schools in your area, we can provide the same experience for one of your classes for a fraction of the price.  For example; with four schools in agreement to the same day and within a reasonable distance to each other, a one hour session of your chosen workshop can be delivered to each school in turn and by sharing the cost of the day each school would pay a quarter of the fee.  This can be as little as £50.  The options for this can stretch from a one off session to a series of  workshops during a term which could lead to a single or joint school performance. 

For example, many projects where the children have received one hour of tuition per week for a six to eight weeks have resulted in performances at The Millennium Centre, St Davids Hall and outdoor summer festivals making newsworthy photos in the local papers! 

Choose from one hour of samba drumming, one hour of Brazilian dance and song or half an hour of each!  Alternatively, see our education page for more options.