connect your people
through rhythm
drum circle & rhythm playshop
Why do a drum circle together?
At Creative Together we use drum circle as part of our work with groups throughout Ireland as a creative, fun activity that is fantastic for teamwork and bringing a powerful sense of togetherness. The tradition of drumming and singing together goes back to the past and our ancestors.
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In the busy times of screens, social media, migration and scattered communities, the need for belonging to a group or a tribe calls us again. A Drum Circle fulfills that need instantly and any group will feel the power of community in action from the very first drum call. Drumming is fun, it reduces stress levels, brings people together, creates great memories and is a perfect tool to boost your positive mental health. It's a perfect team building activity that will never be forgotten.
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Community Drum Circle and the Rhythm Playshop
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This drum circle workshop will suit every group, team, or class and will be the highlight of any company event, festival or gathering.
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With these games and rhythm starters, participants learn about the instruments and the rhythm., having a chance to express themselves freely as part of a drum orchestra. No previous experience is needed and all the drums and percussion instruments are provided. Sometimes we also use our bodies and voices to create music together. We can provide drums for 30 participants and another 30 percussion instruments, but sessions for a bigger group can be arranged. We've worked with thousands of children, young people and adults who had lots of fun.
 Drumming classes for kids MayoDrum circle Ballina |  Drumming classes for secondary schools Mayo |  Creative Schools DrummingDrumming for Creative Schools Programme in Roscommon |
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 Special Needs Drum CircleSpecial needs group drumming playshop in Tuam |  Drumming at GIC 2104Drumming with children at the Global Inspiration Conference, Delphi, Co. Mayo |  Drumming at GIC 2104Children leading the drumming circle, Global Inspiration Conference, Delphi, Co. Mayo |
 Drumming at GIC 2104Children leading the drumming circle, Global Inspiration Conference, Delphi, Co. Mayo |  Drumming at GIC 2104Children leading the drumming circle, Global Inspiration Conference, Delphi, Co. Mayo |  Drumming at GIC 2104Global Inspiration Conference, Delphi, Co. Mayo |
 Drumming before the FirewalkWestport, Co. Mayo |  Teaching Drumming and Rhythm Gamesat the Children Therapy Centre, Play Therapy Course |  Drumming at the Firewalking CeremonyGort, Co. Galway |
 Drumming at National SchoolOughterard, Co. Mayo |  Singing, dancing, drummingDrumming circle with the Spanish visitors, Gort, Co. Galway |  Drumming at National SchoolOughterard, Co. Mayo |
 Corporate Drum CircleDrumming workshop with the team |  Grounding after drummingDrumming with the Spanish visitors, Gort, Co. Galway |  Drumming with ScoutsDrum circle with scouts in Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo |
 Drumming with the Youth ClubDrumming with Teenagers, Co. Galway |  Drumming with ForoigeBallinrobe, Co. Mayo |  Drumming at National SchoolDrum Circle Show at Cornamona Secondary School, Co. Mayo |
communitydrum
Pow Wow Jamming - Community Drum
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Inspired by the Native American culture, we were inspired to get a big community drum. Our Drum takes 12 players at the same time and many more singers. With respect for the indigenous culture, we'll learn modern Pow Wow songs and chants, while looking to express our own voices and our unique spirit. It's a lot of fun to play one heartbeat and connect to create a tribe for the duration of the session and beyond.
 Big Community DrumDrumming unites people |
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 Big Community DrumDrumming together as one |
 Big Community Drummingat the Mens' Gathering in Cork |
 Drumming the Big Drumat the Firewalking in Cavan |
 Big Community Drummingat the Mens' Gathering in Cork |
 Our Big Drum |
Samoan Sasa waking up the community
What is Sasa dance?
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Surely you've heard of Haka. But did you hear about Sasa? Sasa is a traditional slap dance from Polynesian Islands. Its purpose is to make everyone awake from the dream.
Sasa dance is performed sitting cross-legged on the floor with the participants performing a series of rhythmic and visual patterns to the accompaniment of a log drum. When we slap our bodies using various actions we are saying to our body WAKE UP! The Sasa is an amazing experience of community in unity with all participants, sitting in rows synchronising their movements to perform a stunning show.
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Sasa dance tells a story of life, interests and surroundings. The show begins with a Manaia, a trickster coming and exciting the audience. Performers are on their feet moving around when Manaia calls and they respond accordingly. When the Manaia calls 'Sauni' everyone sits down in rows and make themselves ready for the dance.
Sasa with your community
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At Creative Together we often use Sasa dance in our work with groups in Ireland. When we come to do the Sasa with your group, we'll teach all the basic calls and moves and in about an hour it is possible to get everyone to do the basic Sasa performance. Within 2 hours we can manage to practice the moves a bit more and the group will be able to create their own awesome moves. With regular practice any group can create a stunning show, whether it's a school or a family event, youth group, corporate team event or a festival. The bigger the group the better, the process of learning Sasa is a lot of fun, a fantastic team bonding exercise and a very creative experience.
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Acknowledgement of the tradition
I have learned Sasa from Chrys Blanchard in the UK, who has learned it from Mesepa, who's mother is a Samoan Matai (High Chief).
 Corporate Team Building events with Samoan Sasa Dance |  Corporate Team Building events with Samoan Sasa Dance |  Sasa danceSasa dance at NUIG during annual SOPHIA network meeting |
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 Sasa training for philosophersSasa dance at NUIG during annual SOPHIA network meeting |  Sasa Dance for ChildrenActivities for children in Mayo, Galway, Roscomon |  Sasa at Summer CampPracticing Sasa dance with children in Mayo |
 Samoan Sasa dance at Summer CampPracticing Sasa dance with children in Mayo |  Sasa at Green-Schools Awards 2016Samoan Dance Sasa |  Sasa Dance with childrenCo. Mayo |
 Sasa Dance with childrenCo. Mayo |