We gathered at St. Stephens Church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2006 for our first session of YWDEP 2006. We had more and better drums than in 2005, plus a better space, lovely snack and beverage donations from our snack mistress Laura Lee, beautiful hand cards by the talented Ms. Alexandra Silverthorne, and new and improved team challenges from Dre Sterner, who referred to herself as being a fourth grader deep down.All of our inner childs came out to play for blind-folded soccer and space monster, followed by a frank discussion on the importance of honesty and trust. 2005 YWDEP She Poets Miya Nashonne, Nancy Umanzor and Naudy Martinez joined us and lended a feeling of comfort, ease and welcoming to three rockin' newbies - Claire, Shakeira and Elena - all of whom fit right in without fitting any sort of mold, which carries us forward from last year as we have another opportunity to ackowledge and celebrate the beauty and individuality of each girl who joins.
Ms. Kristen then invoked the spirit of the drum by showing the notes of the djembe along with one of YWDEP's signature rhythms - "KuKu" - and a little jamming too. Everyone caught on so quick - we are off to a fabulous start. Next week we become enraptured with poetry in a workshop featuring Ms. Laila Shereen Sakr. More newbies are welcome - just show up!!! The schedule is fully available online at www.youngwomendrum.org, along with the application for those who can download it. Fill it out and bring it to the session, or just fill one out when you arrive. We want you - DC girls ROCK!
Peace and Rhythm,
Kristen Arant
YWDEP Founding Director
kristen@youngwomendrum.org
