Youth Enrichment
Our programs are based on traditional and holistic practices, as body and self-awareness are necessary for actual change and radical cultural transformation.
We use healing arts, focusing on African roots and culture through drum and dance, mindfulness, social-emotional learning, indigenous history, and community support. We also facilitate programming for families and intergenerational spaces.
Upcoming Youth Enrichment Events
Rootead in Youth
AGES 2-8
Rootead in Youth is a holistic cultural arts program for ages 2-8 that features communal affirmations, West African dance, Djembe drumming, call and response songs from the African diaspora, an obstacle course highlighting fundamental movement skills, and nervous system regulation techniques.
Limited scholarships are available on a first-come first-served basis during registration. Scholarships can be applied for when registering with the registration link for programming.
Register for Upcoming RIY Sessions
Books & Boogie
AGE 3
Rootead Books & Boogie is a movement and literacy program in collaboration with Kalamazoo Head Start. Rootead teaching artists service all 3yr old classrooms by providing movement, interactive book readings, letter and sound recognition, and mindfulness activities.
Rootead Youth Drum & Dance Ensemble (RYDDE)
AGES 13-18
Rootead Youth Drum and Dance Ensemble is a pre-professional drum and dance company for youth ages 13-18 years old. We focus on Black Diasporic drum and dance: Traditional West African, Afro Fusion, and Afro Beats. Our core values are respect, generative communication, teamwork, responsibility, self-accountability, personal growth and dedication.
Limited scholarships are available on a first-come first-served basis during registration. Scholarships can be applied for when registering with the registration link for programming.
RYDDE seasons align with the KPS school calendar, and the youth meet Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 3:30PM – 5:30PM at Rootead’s Studio. Transportation is available for youth who live within the Greater Kalamazoo area.
Interested In Auditioning for the Next Season of RYDDE?
Our next RYDDE Auditions are Thursday, October 3 from 4PM-6:30PM at Rootead’s Studio:
- Drummer’s auditions will be 4PM – 5PM
- Dancer’s auditions will be 5PM – 6:30PM
No need to register, just show up! More info below:
Performances
3rd Annual RYDDE Drum & Dance
Showcase & Fundraiser
DECEMBER 16 FROM 1PM-4PM AT COMSTOCK COMMUNITY AUDITORIUM
Our third annual RYDDE Drum & Dance Showcase & Fundraiser will be Saturday, December 16, 1PM – 4PM at Comstock Community Auditorium: 2107 N 26th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49048.
The performance will be 1PM – 2PM, and appetizers and dancing will be 2PM – 4PM.
The showcase will be featuring Ayodele. Ayodele is our sister dance company and they are based in Chicago. In May, our youth travel to Ayodele’s conference in Chicago to learn from African drum and dance masters.
The event will be catered by Gleaves Catering, a local, Black-owned caterer. Music will be provided by DJ Boogie, and Dr. Kandace Lavender will emcee. There will be general seating, and everyone will be welcome to join the party and have appetizers afterward. We will have a silent auction and grab bags for sale, as well as information booths for each of the Rootead branches.
Tickets for the showcase are:
- $50 Platinum
- $25 Gold
- $15 Silver
- $5 Bronze
Folks can register below:
Rootead Youth Ambassadors (RYA)
GRADES 8 - 11
NEW! Rootead Youth Ambassadors (RYA) is a two-year program for 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th graders in the greater Kalamazoo area. The purpose of this program is to empower youth to become thoughtful leaders and impact change in our community through one of Rootead’s three branches; Birth Justice, Community Healing, and Youth Enrichment.
As part of the RYA cohort, youth will create and implement a community service project of their choosing that is in alignment with Rootead values and mission. They will gain and practice valuable skills through peer-to-peer learning, collaboration, and co-creation as well as getting experience that can be used on college applications and resumes. Through this process each ambassador will get a chance to make a difference for themselves and others in Kalamazoo, MI while working closely with Rootead board-certified educators and leadership.
