Programs — El Batey Puerto Rican Cultural Center

Bomba and Plena are the heartbeat of Puerto Rico — rhythms born from the African and Taíno ancestors who shaped our island's soul. At El Batey, we honor that lineage by teaching it to the next generation, with a class for every age — from babies in a parent's arms to teens leading the drum circle.

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Family Program

Baby Bomba (Mami & Me)

A parent-and-child introduction to rhythm and movement. Babies and toddlers explore the drum, the dance, and the joy of Bomba side-by-side with a parent or caregiver — no experience necessary for either of you.

Through song, movement, and simple rhythm play, families build an early, joyful connection to Puerto Rican culture together.

Ages 2–4 Parent & Child Tuition Assistance Available

Baby Bomba class — parents and toddlers in a drum circle at El Batey / Clase de Baby Bomba — familias y niños pequeños en círculo de tambores

Schedule & Tuition / Horario y Matrícula

Fall/Winter 2026 (Sept–Nov): Saturdays 12:30–1:30pm or Wednesdays 6:30–7:30pm

Winter/Spring 2027 (Jan–Apr): Wednesdays 6:30–7:30pm or Saturdays 12:30–1:30pm

Starting at $75

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Cultural Arts Program

Chiqui Bomba

Our youngest learners discover Bomba through play, storytelling, and movement. Introduction to drum rhythms, call-and-response, and cultural history in a joyful, age-appropriate environment.

Students build the foundational skills — and the confidence — they'll carry into our teen programs, Bembé Buleo and Bembé Baile.

Ages 5–10 Drum & Dance Tuition Assistance Available

Schedule & Tuition / Horario y Matrícula

Fall/Winter 2026 (Sept–Nov): Saturdays 12:30–1:30pm or Wednesdays 6:30–7:30pm

Winter/Spring 2027 (Jan–Apr): Wednesdays 6:30–7:30pm or Saturdays 12:30–1:30pm

Starting at $225

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Cultural Arts Program

Bembé Buleo

Intermediate-level drumming for teens. Students deepen their understanding of Bomba's African roots, learn traditional rhythms and repertoire, and develop performance skill and cultural identity.

Students grow within the tradition, mentor younger Chiqui Bomba students, and prepare for community performances and showcases.

Ages 11–17 Drum Tuition Assistance Available

Bembé Buleo class — teens drumming together in a rehearsal circle / Clase de Bembé Buleo — adolescentes tocando tambores juntos en círculo de ensayo

Schedule & Tuition / Horario y Matrícula

Fall/Winter 2026 (Sept–Nov): Saturdays 12:30–1:30pm or Wednesdays 6:30–7:30pm

Winter/Spring 2027 (Jan–Apr): Wednesdays 6:30–7:30pm or Saturdays 12:30–1:30pm

Starting at $225

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Cultural Arts Program

Bembé Baile

Bomba dance for teens and young adults. Traditional movement, stage presence, and the powerful call-and-response dialogue between dancer and drummer.

Open to all skill levels. Connect with tradition, community, and yourself through the power of ancestral rhythm.

Ages 11–18+ Dance Tuition Assistance Available

Schedule & Tuition / Horario y Matrícula

Fall/Winter 2026 (Sept–Nov): Saturdays 12:30–1:30pm or Wednesdays 6:30–7:30pm

Winter/Spring 2027 (Jan–Apr): Wednesdays 6:30–7:30pm or Saturdays 12:30–1:30pm

Starting at $225

Program Outcomes / Resultados del Programa

✓Cultural identity & pride

✓Historical knowledge of African & Taíno roots

✓Performance & stage confidence

✓Community responsibility & belonging

Ready to Join? / ¿Listo para unirte?

(716) 348-0156 · elbateyprcenter@gmail.com