Info
What is Loco Bloco?
Loco Bloco was founded 16 years ago in the Mission district of San Francisco. Bloco is a teendriven organization comprised of 10-19 year olds who learn the art of drumming and dancing in the Brazilian style.
Bloco's are organizations in the Brazilian Carnaval tradition that is dedicated to enlivening the life of the community through music, dance, and education.
The objectives
of the Bloco Programs are to provide youth the opportunity to
raise academic standards, reduce teen pregnancy and high school
drop out rates and discourage gang participation. This is accomplished
through building positive self-esteem, embracing personal discipline,
developing commitment to the community and building musical
skills. Bloco's also instills a sense of cultural pride
within the program. This program is open to
all youth: both boys and girls of all ethnic backgrounds and
economic status are welcome.
What is the Windsor Bloco Drum & Dance Program?
The program provides lessons twice a week in both drumming and dancing for middle and high school teens. Teens meet after school for two hours of instruction and practice. The music embraces both cultural expression and exercise. Additionally healthy snacks are served to encourage teens to adopt healthy eating habits. Once the youth have developed their drum or dance skills, they perform at various local, state and national events and share their talents with others.
Every May, the Windsor troupe joins the parent group of Loco Bloco for an annual performance in San Francisco’s Carnaval.
In the six years since it’s inception, Windsor Bloco Drum and Dance has grown from a core of 10 members to an ensemble of over 60 members.
What
is Bloco About?
The Windsor Bloco after school program is a creative, energetic, and positive youth based program designed to build self- esteem, develop leadership skills, and inspire the community through music and dance.
Program includes:
- Project-based learning: experiential education activities and leadership development for youth
- Adult and youth volunteer leadership: strengthening the capacities of individuals to work with others in their communities
- Programs: summer camps, after-school programs, rope-adventure courses, and other delivery modes
- Community partnerships: developing interagency cooperation in programs, training, funding, and evaluation
- University resources: linking research, curricula and expertise to agencies, communities and people
Special thanks to Sara Holt for design mentorship of our website.