Artists & Projects Directory
Los Muñequitos de Matanzas
"The chance to study along side these master
drummers and dancers is an opportunity to drink from a pure stream." (East Bay Monthly)
Offstage, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas brings the energy and
exuberance contained in their performances to a host of residency activities
ranging from dance and percussion workshops to lecture-demonstrations and
performances for families. These
activities provide an even greater opportunity to experience the richness of
Cuban culture and are designed for people of all ages and levels of
experience.
The participatory workshops offered by Los Muñequitos include:
Cuban Dance
Traditions: Rumba
In this intense experience with master singers, drummers and
dancers, participants are introduced to three forms of Cuba's most famous dance tradition, the
Rumba: yambú, guaguancó and columbia. Participants are familiarized with songs,
rhythmic patterns of the claves and the drums, and the specialized movement
sequences that characterize Rumba forms.
Cuban Dance
Traditions: Yoruba
An introduction to the dances and chants for the African
Orishas found in Cuba. Singers, drummers and dancers from Los
Muñequitos train participants in the coded gestures of the cosmic deities from
the ciclo Yoruba tradition.
Cuban Drumming Styles
For intermediate and advanced percussionists in specific
musical forms and in the Cuban style of performing. Master stylists and improvisers from Los
Muñequitos conduct workshops on yambú, guaguancó and columbia of Rumba forms and comparsa/conga and Yoruba material from the bata drumming tradition.
General Workshop
An opportunity to experience the dynamic Afro-Cuban style of
Matanzas. Members of Los Muñequitos introduce various
songs and dance forms from several traditions of Cuban music. Community members, beginning, intermediate
and advanced drummers, dancers and singers are welcome.