When driving down Shattuck Avenue from Oakland to Berkeley there is one building that stands out in bold colors: La Peña Cultural Center. The mural at the front of the building pops out in three dimensions and explodes with color like sculpted fireworks. Even simply walking by La Peña is a treat: one can expect to hear music, poetry, or the sound of feet dancing rhythms, faintly spilling from the doorway. Lively events where locals teach and practice culturally inspired art forms are La Peña’s calling.
Recently I visited the Adult Afro-Peruvian dance and Cajon class which takes place on Saturdays at La Peña. The class is taught by Gabriela Shiroma and she teaches the graceful yet fiery art of Peruvian dance traditions. The people attending the class were of a wide range of ages, from young adults to older, more experienced dancers. As I walked in to observe the class nobody gave me any second looks or hesitated in their moves – the class was proud and welcoming.
A handful of the women dancing wore vibrant traditional dresses. The dresses flowed wildly when the dancing intensified. The women would hold the ends of their dresses and whip them along with the rhythms of the drums. The instructor directed mostly in Spanish, and had them practice different group routines. The pacing was quick and sharp – the dancers worked diligently at making progress in choreography and synchronicity. When the rhythms of their bodies matched up it created a connected, vibrant body.
The atmosphere of La Peña is always casual and warm. After the Afro-Peruvian dance class, I stayed to check out the Cajon class. I watched the children’s Cajon class set up their wood blocks in a circle in the center of the theatre. Children are always involved with the arts at La Peña, and can often be seen dancing or playing music alongside their parents. The children sat on their drums and talked and joked until the instructor sat down and began to sing.
The instructor, Peta Robles, is a master Cajon percussionist and a widely respected holder of Afro-Peruvian traditions. Peta began the class by singing in a gorgeous, strong voice, immersing the children in the sound of the Afro-Peruvian spirit. They became silent and attentive, and Peta let her proud voice ring out a line of Peruvian lyrics. The sound and strength of the singing made chills run down my spine. It was so different than anything I experience regularly and had an ancient sound that filled me with intrigue.
The children had to repeat the singing one by one on their own, a warm up for their voices and rhythm. The ages of the kids had a wide range and it was utterly adorable to hear the tiny voices of the youngest ones. They were all pretty good at singing and could drum great. To see such talent and encouragement in diversity and music was beautiful. I recommend Peta’s Cajon to any children seeking the roots of song and music.
If you ever find yourself driving to Berkeley, stop by La Peña at 3105 Shattuck Ave and just peek your head in the door. I guarantee something colorful and wonderful is occurring inside. Check out their website for a full calendar of events, or simply stop by and look at the posters on the building. Their doors are always open during events and classes and they are more than happy to let you walk in and check them out.
If you can’t make it during the day for a class, then stop by in the evening and check out their café or a live performance. La Peña is one of the most active and diverse community centers in the entire Bay Area; it is a pinnacle of Latino community arts in Berkeley. The magic of La Peña will touch anyone who sets foot in its door. I left feeling blessed.
About the author:
Michael Gallagher is an undergraduate at California College of the Arts with a major in Writing and Literature. His concentration is in poetry and performance. Michael first got involved with La Peña during his Writing Practicum course taught by Faith Adiele. The course connects writers with local communities around the Bay Area and offers students experience in working with practical writing.