ROOTS, RHYTHM and RAPTURE
A Celebration of Caribbean Music and Dance

Click on images for larger view.

NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Roots, Rhythm, and Rapture consists of traditional Caribbean music and dance from Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Haiti. The history of the musical instrument is taught in short, theatrical skits enabling students to travel alongside the performers to various places within the Caribbean.

The audience learns how traditional Caribbean music and dance was created from a blending of styles, languages, and traditions from diverse places and peoples throughout Europe and the African continent.

Audiences are taught a Call and Response song from Puerto Rico called “Bomba” and also learn to play parts of traditional rhythms by clapping their hands and tapping their feet in time with the drums. During the final performance number, the performers invite volunteers from the audience to come on stage, and with shakers and streamers in hand, they join the dance. Aspects of the program are taught in English, Spanish, and French Creole.

Our preparatory material includes classroom handouts, which focus on geography, Spanish language games, social studies and language arts activities.

“Students experienced cultural literacy at its’ best. Your reputation preceded you, and I was thrilled with the performance."

~Art Teacher, Rebecca Johnson School, Springfield, MA

“It was beyond my expectations. Students learned about diversity in music; a sense of history and the culture of the area; they learned to try new things.”

~Teacher, Stoneleigh-Burnham School, Greenfield, MA

“The performance was a huge success! Everyone left feeling uplifted and enlightened. Students learned and were exposed to dance of different cultures and how they relate to hip hop today.”

~Professor of Education, Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, MA

"The high level of artistry and professionalism in the music and dance, as well as the energy of the performance were exceptional."

~Administrator, Beachment School, East Boston, MA


"Roots, Rhythm and Rapture went beyond entertaining a group of children, staff and parents. Through their artistic talents, they brought us to a place where we celebrated, each in our own way, but together, the integral part that expression plays in our ability to receive and express joy. There was no longer a division between audience and players, staff and children, there was simply a profound group celebration that left a smile on all of our faces and a little extra rhythm in our steps."

~Program Director, Springfield Day Nursery, Springfield, MA

This production is not available in the 2006-2007 school year/season.