In honor of Black History Month, the Rootead Youth Drum and Dance Ensemble (RYDDE) hosted its annual fundraiser showcase, celebrating a decade of Rootead’s impact on the community.
RYDDE, the pre-professional youth drum and dance company of Rootead, performed two shows on Sunday at the Comstock Community Auditorium. This event marked both the third annual youth showcase and the tenth anniversary milestone of Rootead.
Proceeds from the showcase will help support RYDDE dancers and drummers, covering travel expenses, costumes, after-school snacks, and other youth development activities, according to organizers.
The theme of this year’s showcase, Embodying the Elements, explored the elements of earth, fire, water, and air through African diaspora drum and dance, explained Heather Mitchell, Rootead’s Youth Enrichment Director.
“We hope attendees left feeling inspired by the youth’s passion, with a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness of African diaspora drum and dance, and a sense of connection to Rootead’s mission and community,” said Mitchell.
The performances featured seven drummers and 12 dancers from RYDDE, highlighting Black Diasporic drum and dance with elements of traditional West African, Afro Fusion, and Afro Beats, according to event organizers.
Carmen James, Rootead’s Operations and Development Director, emphasized the importance of the program in youth development.
“We spend time building up youth to understand their ancestors, their ancestral heritage, and giving them ownership of where they come from. We also provide them with necessary tools for social-emotional learning and nervous system regulation, all through the expression of art,” James said.
Rootead is a community service organization dedicated to “reclaiming the village” by creating spaces for birthing justice, youth enrichment, and healing arts.
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