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WOMEN AS THE DRUMMERS During ancient times, women were community leaders who used the drum for celebration and ritual. Coming together now, as women who drum, we realised how limited the opportunities were for women to discover, explore and connect with the drum.
Drumming is today very much a male dominated domain, even though, for example, in West Africa up to eighty percent of all traditional rhythms were thought to be originally created by women, who honoured the drum as a life affirming guardian, a powerful and sacred teacher. By drumming together, women can connect, find a deep sense of belonging and make each others' gifts shine, even when we do not believe we have anything to offer. Drumroots support women's talent, creativity and confidence by welcoming all women who want to drum - regardless of previous musical experience. We also promote the drum as a tool for healing, transformation and empowerment. All workshops are co-facilitated by Joanna Huddart (Drumroots Co-Founder, Director and Member of Tanante) and Tess Clarke (Member of Drumroots & Tanante), who are experienced teachers, performers and healers. Joanna and Tess aim to bring a sense of freedom and confidence to the drumcircle, grounded by respect for the discipline of West African drumming and the divine feminine in all women. As female facilitators, we offer support for women only events and groups, including:
Based at The Pankhurst Centre (the original home of the Suffragette Movement), activities are held within a women' circle. Each session includes warm up games, a chance to learn and play as a group (traditional West African rhythms) and opportunities for improvised solo playing.Guided meditations bring a each day's drumming to a peaceful close. All drums are provided, but places are limited to 14. Previous participants commented that the women's drumcircle was..."exciting and empowering...lovely, caring, friendly and supportive. Peaceful, grounding, inspiring, challenging, exciting, supportive, great fun...fabulous! Motivational and welcoming. A very beautiful enlightening experience. Fantastic venue, really well organised, even paced workshops...great facilitators for drumming and healing. Your passion, and energy have created a wonderful environment for growth. Sincere thanks to Jo & Tess for being inspiring, gentle, and just so lovely!" We usually host 2 weekends each season - one for Beginners/Refresher (no experience of djembe) and one for Intermediate players. We are soon holding our next weekend, contact Joanna for details...
Please call Joanna on 07762 098393 or email jo@drumroots.org.uk to find out more about out women's weekends. SUPPORT FOR WOMEN'S ORGANISATIONS "Patients and staff that attended and they were all really pleased with the session. People said they felt energised by the session and so much happier. The patients were surprised that they could get involved and that it did not matter if you thought you were "no good at it" - they could still contribute. There have been requests for you to return as everyone commented on how well you got everyone involved in the session." Partnerships in Care (women's secure mental health unit, Nottingham) "The drumming workshop was very good, everyone that took part enjoyed it. The instructions were very clear as well as encouraging. I thought that the workshop was one of the best activity we had on for the day." Energise and Willow Tree Healthy Living Centres, International Women's Day 2009 "During the recent evaluation session I carried out with the Women's Group the drumming session emerged as one of the top 3 most enjoyable sessions of the term (the activities were evaluated by asking each woman to choose their favourite activities of the term)." Women's Project Co-ordinator, British Red Cross If you're interested in how your organisation can benefit from drumming activities, please call Joanna on WOMEN'S 8 WEEK COURSE, 2010 Participants of previous courses have commented... "You created a magic space and got the drumming back into the women's hands! Relaxing, inspiring, great fun...enjoyable, uplifting and fulfilling...moving, beautiful, heart thumping...thanks so much for a very special experience. Amazing, enlightening and transforming." ARTICLES Body & Soul Magazine, July/August 2008, "Spirit Drum, Healing Circle", written by Joanna Huddart Following a ten year journey exploring the mysteries of the drum, I realised there are now virtually no opportunities for women to connect with the drum, but its gifts are still ours to claim. It was for this reason that I co-founded the Drumroots Women's Drum Circle in May 2006. We offered an eight week course to women with no experience of drumming and were overwhelmed by the response. In providing a chance to learn the traditional West African techniques of hand drumming in a safe space, women developed confidence in creativity, skill in playing and the ability to connect as a community through rhythm. Inclusive and inspiring, the drum circle binds us together in a celebratory act. We find emotional release that allows space for the new and enables us to embrace healing. Aided by relaxation and meditation techniques at the start and end of each session, our drum circle deeply rooted us to each other and the earth. "When people drum together, the world is a better place." (Babatunde Olatunji). Now in its third year, Drumroots Women's Drumcircle continues to offer women a unique life affirming experience. I encourage all women to reclaim the drum, for in daring to take your place in the circle, the drum can open a gateway to universal wisdom. Surrender to the journey the drum is waiting to take you on. We look forward to welcoming you. "I hear a drum in my soul's ear coming from the depths of the stars!" (Rumi). |
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