Rootead

Youth Summer Camp - Session III
2025-07-21 - 2025-07-25 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007
Rootead Summer Camp is for youth ages 5 – 12. (Must have completed Kindergarten) Youth will learn the fundamentals of West African Drum & Dance, make African inspired crafts, & learn mancala! At the end of each session, the youth will share what they learned at a family showcase!

There will be three sessions this year, and the dates are:

Session 1: Monday, June 23 – Friday, June 27, 9:00am – 4:00pm (SESSION IS FULL)
Session 2: Monday, July 7 – Friday, July 11, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Session 3: Monday, July 21 – Friday, July 25, 9:00am – 4:00pm

Snacks are provided, but youth will need to bring a cold, packed lunch.
The cost of the summer camp is $200/week per child. Scholarships are available.
Registration closes June 20th.

REGISTER HERE

RYDDE Auditions
2025-09-25 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-09-26 17:00 - 18:30, 2025-09-27 14:00 - 15:30 UTC | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007
Audition for RYDDE (Rootead Youth Drum & Dance Ensemble)
RYDDE is a non-competitive, pre-professional youth & dance company for middle and high school aged youth. They perform in the wider Kalamazoo area, training in the arts of the Black diaspora. RYDEE is open to ages 13-18.
RYDDE seasons align with the KPS school calendar, and the youth meet Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30-5:30 PM at Rootead’s Studio. Transportation is available for youth who live within the Greater Kalamazoo area.
Registration for auditions is required.

RYDDE Auditions will be September 25th-27th at Rootead’s Studio with a breakdown of the audition dates/times below:

Dancer Auditions: Thursday, September 25th, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Drummer & Dancer Auditions: Friday, September 26th, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Dancer Auditions: Saturday, September 27th, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

REGISTER HERE

Where: 505 East Kalamazoo Ave., Suite 3, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
When: Thursday, September 25th-Saturday, September 27th

Learn more about RYDDE here.

Rootead in Rhythm: RYDDE Showcase
2026-03-01 14:30 - 18:00
Join us for Rootead in Rhythm: RYDDE Showcase on Sunday, March 1st, 2026
Rootead Enrichment Center announces the upcoming Youth Showcase and invites the community to save the date for an evening centered on youth performance, culture, and creative expression.
The Youth Showcase will feature performances by the Rootead Youth Drum & Dance Ensemble (RYDDE), highlighting African diasporic drum and dance traditions that youth have been training in throughout the year. The event serves as a celebratory platform for youth to share their growth, discipline, and artistry.
This showcase is an important moment for our youth to be seen and supported by the community, we look forward to gathering together to celebrate their dedication and creativity.

Showcase Details

When: Sunday, March 1, 2026. Doors open @ 2:30PM, performance is at 3PM.
Where: Fetzer Center, 2251 Business Ct., Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Tickets: $15

PURCHASE TICKETS TODAY

Youth Summer Camp - Session I
2026-06-29 - 2026-07-03 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007
Rootead Youth Summer Camp offers three exciting sessions to choose from, running Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at the Rootead Studio.
Designed for youth ages 5–12 (must have completed Kindergarten), campers will learn the fundamentals of West African Drum & Dance, create African-inspired crafts, and explore the strategy game Mancala.
Each session concludes with a family showcase where campers share what they’ve learned!
☀️ What to Know ☀️
• Campers must bring their own lunch daily. Lunch will not be provided.
• Snacks will be available throughout the day.
• Please pack an extra pair of clothes in your camper’s bag in case of clothing emergencies or scheduled water days (families will be notified ahead of time for any water activities).

There will be three sessions this year, and the dates are:

Session 1: Monday, June 29 – Friday, July 3, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Session 2: Monday, July 6 – Friday, July 10, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Session 3: Monday, July 13 – Friday, July 17, 9:00am – 4:00pm

The cost of the summer camp is $200/week per child. Scholarships are available.

REGISTER HERE

Youth Summer Camp - Session II
2026-07-06 - 2026-07-10 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007

Youth Summer Camp - Session III
2026-07-13 - 2026-07-17 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007
