Drop-In Dance Class from Charlotte Ballet: African Drumming

Charlotte Ballet is running an African drumming class at the West Charlotte Recreation Center on Thursday, October 8, from 1 to 2 PM. It's a free drop-in session, so you can just show up without signing up in advance.

The class is a hands-on introduction to the musical traditions of West Africa, with the djembe drum at the center of it. It's open to all skill levels, so you don't need any prior experience to get involved. The instructor walks the group through proper hand technique, traditional rhythmic patterns, and ensemble playing, with room for both individual creativity and collaborative learning. If you've never touched a drum before, this is a low-stakes way to start.

This is part of a larger series of sessions. The African drumming program runs on Thursdays from October 1 to November 19, 2026, from 1 to 2 PM, so if you can't make this particular Thursday, there are plenty more to choose from throughout the fall. The program is sponsored by Culture Blocks, a community partnership funded by Mecklenburg County.

The class is held at the West Charlotte Recreation Center, 2401 Kendall Drive, Charlotte, NC 28216. It's free and runs as a drop-in, meaning no advance registration is required—just show up on Thursday, October 8, between 1 and 2 PM.