(2021) Average Saturday as a Bembe Intern

By: Ne’Rhia Watson (Bembe Drum & Dance) 

Average Saturday as a Bembe Intern

Ne’Rhia Watson

I truly love and appreciate my role as an intern at Bembe. The students and staff are all so open and welcoming. Plus, it seems like a new adventure in Afro-Latin culture every day. I help teach and participate in drumming and dance classes throughout the week. As a teaching assistant, I know I'm not supposed to favor a class, but I love to participate in the youth dance classes on Saturday. Don't get me wrong, I love all the classes that I participate in, but this has some of the best components for a great time. 

My day starts with me waking up at around 8 in the morning. I usually eat a small breakfast, shhower and get ready for my day at work. On Saturdays, I have to go in at 11:15 for the youth dance class. It’s one of my favorite classes because of the space it’s held in a beautiful garden space. I make my way over to Casa Romero Center where the classes are held. When I arrive, I meet my supervisor, Ms. Imani, and my fellow intern, Alanys, at the gated entrance to the back garden. All of us are set to arrive 15 minutes early to set up and prepare for the class. We prepare the garden area, speakers, and attendance sheets. Students begin to pile in at around 11:25 to 11:35. Either Alanys or I take attendance, and give out sanitizer.

 

Once most of the class is present, we begin with our warmups and rebounds. We’re focusing on samba with this group of all girls (which is another reason why I favor the Saturday class). They are all very energetic and lively. I can truly tell that they love to dance. Ms. Imani allows the girls small water breaks through the class. And while the girls are taking their break, Ms. Imani usually tells Alanlys and I the next segment of the class and what we need to do. On this particular day we had to take photos for the Bembe’s social media.

 Towards the end of the class, we do a cool down exercise with the class. Either Alanys or I give the girls one last squirt of sanitizer and escort them to their parents. After the entire class is gone, Ms.Imani, Alanys, and I check the garden area for any trash, then lock up. I sometimes have to wait a bit for my ride, so after class I try to catch the taco truck on the same block as Casa Romero so I can buy myself a horchata. But it always leaves while I’m in class. 

One thing that I especially love about my role and this class in particular is that I learn so much. From Ms. Imani, the students, and from the fellow intern, Alanys. I have little girls teaching me words in Spanish, and the correct pronunciation of words. I’m learning of the African influence in Latin culture. And learning more about the people I work with. Taking in new information is an everyday thing in my role as an intern at Bembe.