"Beat the Heat" Afro-Cuban Rhythm Meditation Summer Series
A mindful and refreshing rhythmic immersion into the heart of Afro-Cuban hand drumming
Join us as we dive into the world of Afro-Cuban rhythms and experience the soothing, uplifting and rejuvenating power of mindful hand drumming! Introducing our exclusive 6-session Beat the Heat Afro-Cuban Rhythm Meditation On-Demand video series, featuring two renowned experts in the field: master drummer Israel "Toto" Berriel from Matanzas, Cuba and rhythm facilitator and yogini Alexandra Jai of Rhythm Bliss.
Israel "Toto" Berriel, a globally acclaimed percussionist who has toured with the legendary rumba band Los Munequitos de Matanzas, will be sharing his immense knowledge and expertise. Joining him is the talented Rhythm Yogi Alexandra Jai, who brings her unique perspective as a teacher of mindful hand drumming & movement over the last 30 years. Together with the Rhythm Bliss Family Band, they will guide you through a 6 session series designed to refresh your mind, body, and soul, and which is yours to keep (so you can do this at your own pace and on your own schedule).
Immerse yourself in the captivating rhythms and melodies of Afro-Cuban music, and let the beat transport you to a state of blissful relaxation. This is not just a drum course; it's a transformative experience that will rejuvenate and uplift you. Here's what you can expect from the Beat the Heat Afro-Cuban Rhythm Meditation On-Demand Video Series:
1. Six captivating on-demand classes, dripped over 6 weerks, where you'll learn and embody Afro-Cuban hand drumming techniques and delve into popular rhythms like Cha Cha Cha, Son Montuno, and Bembe. Notation will be provided.
2. All sessions are available to you forever - you'll have lifetime access to the course content.
3. Learn the art of mindful hand drumming and discover how it can serve as a powerful meditation practice. By synchronizing breath, body and beat, you'll unlock a state of deep relaxation, focus, and inner peace.
Registration for this soul-filling summer series at a $30 discount ends on Sunday November 26th, 2023, at midnight Pacific time. Secure your spot today by clicking the button below!
Here's the course outline:
🪘Session 1: (Alexandra Jai)
- Learn basic Afro-Cuban tones and the heel/tip technique
- Learn variations of the Marcha rhythm with Alexandra Jai and the Rhythm Bliss family band
🪘Session 2: (Alexandra Jai & Toto)
- Practice Afro-Cuban tones and rudiments
- Learn Cha Cha Cha with Toto Berriel, Alexandra, and the Rhythm Bliss Family Band
🪘Session 3: (Alexandra Jai & Toto)
- Practice tones and Afro-Cuban hand drumming technique
- Learn Son Montuno with Toto and Alexandra
🪘 Session 4: (Alexandra Jai)
- Practice basic 6/8 drumming techniques
- Learn the 12/8 Afro-Cuban Bell Pattern
- Learn the Bembe rhythm with Alexandra and the Rhythm Bliss Family Band
🪘Session 5: (Alexandra Jai & Toto)
- Practice basic 6/8 rudiments with musical accompaniment by Toto
- Practice the Bembe rhythm with Toto, Alexandra, and the Rhythm Bliss Family Band
🪘 Session 6: (Alexandra Jai & Toto)
- Quick warm-up
- Review of Cha Cha Cha, Bembe and Son Montuno in a fun-filled family jam!
🪘 BONUS SESSION: (Alexandra Jai & Toto)
- Quick warm-up
- Review of Cha Cha Cha, Bembe and Son Montuno in a fun-filled family jam!
We can't wait to share in rhythm with you!
Guest Teacher and accompanist Israel “Toto” Berriel is a traditional Afro-Cuban percussionist, vocalist, and educator. For twelve years, he played with the world’s best-known Rumba group, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, where he mastered the Afro-Cuban repertoire. Toto is an exceptional performer and a naturally gifted vocalist with a distinctive sound. Originally from Matanzas, Cuba, Toto has toured worldwide and made Canada his home since 2001.
Your Instructor
Hailing from Santiago, Chile, Alexandra Jai is a hand drumming and yoga teacher, rhythm facilitator, accompanist and performer with over 30 years of experience. Following a transformative and deeply healing drumming immersion with Yoruba Master Drummer Olatunji Babatunde from Nigeria in her late teens, she plunged heart-first into the study of hand drumming. A lifelong student of rhythm and movement, Alexandra Jai studied traditional West African, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and Middle Eastern Hand Drumming from master drummers across the globe. She is the founder, along with partner Michael, of Rhythm Bliss Studio, a centre for Rhythm and Movement Meditation serving Vancouver, BC since 2003. Alexandra and Michael created the Rhythm Bliss Online Mindful Hand Drumming and Movement program to spread joy, serenity and healing by blending the ancient art of hand drumming with yoga philosophy in a way that is easily accessible and relevant to our hectic, modern lives.