A journey of rooting within through cultural and ancestral connections that build sisterhood, voice, and solidarity  

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is a project including workshops, performances, and gatherings of young women of color sharing their stories about transitioning into womanhood through the music genre and dance of Bomba.

As women we are often forced early on to ignore or hide the more vulnerable parts of our stories in order to endure a world that dispossesses us of our essence through patriarchal and racist violence.

Through ENRAIZAR, young women of color challenge this by telling stories that show how they go within and embrace their vulnerabilities to become stronger and more confident versions of themselves.

Through the connection with past and present female ancestors, this project allows young women to write their stories as future ancestors in their own terms through Bomba dance, choreography, song, percussion, poetry, and improvisation.

or Rooting Within

Workshops

Participants engage in various workshops throughout this journey including rooting in self through photography, poetry, songwriting, Bomba (dance, percussion and singing), and creative musical expressions. They learn about key historical figures that inspire them to not only see themselves within the history they are learning about, but also to find their voice and creativity as they connect within. Creative workshop sessions include choreography and music assembly where Bomba music is fundament and root. These workshops also guide and inspire participants to build self-love and confidence as they connect with and learn about each other as a way to truly see themselves within themselves. 

Spring 2026 Performance

As the recipient of the 2024 Gerbode Foundation Dance and Movement Awards Grantee, Shefali Shah and Aguacero are excited to collaborate with CubaCaribe to produce an evening length performance in the spring of 2026 that highlights the transitional experience and journey of young women facing womanhood through Puerto Rican Bomba music and dance. The young women along with the Aguacero ensemble will dance, sing, and speak their stories on their own terms as they root within, attaining confidence from cultural and ancestral voices and tradition. 

The performance is sponsored by CubaCaribe and the Gerbode Foundation.

Educational Trip to Puerto Rico

In February 2026, ENRAIZAR participants will travel to Puerto Rico to continue their educational and self-rooting journey. They will meet and learn from master Bomba teachers and artists, connect with the landscape, and learn from key female cultural leaders and practitioners. 

DULARI

This process has forced me to come out of my shell. I am excited about our performance and about our trip to Puerto Rico!

ISELAH

I have learned that I enjoy writing my feelings when it’s hard to talk about them and I have gained a love for journaling. I am excited to see how we grow together as dancers  and as people. This project has reminded me of my love for Bomba. It has reminded me of my roots and where I come from.

LIRIS

Taking time to connect with other girls/women, and taking the time to reflect, sing and dance together while connecting with our creativity, roots, ancestors and our power has been so healing, grounding and empowering. I didn’t realize this would be as important and impactful in my life as it has been.

NAYA

I am learning that I want to practice Bomba more and that I need a lot more of my sisterhood to help me and guide me. I have also learned that hearing people’s stories and thoughts, opens up a new perspective.

NAYELI

I am excited to dance more Bomba so that I can connect with my Puertorican roots. I am excited to get to know my peers better and create deep emotional connections with them. I am learning that when I am in a respectful and loving community, I can be a leader and an example to others.

SERAFINA

This project has helped me grow in the way I relate to people and about my personal strengths in different environments.

XIMENA

I have learned that I can be comfortable in social settings. Having this group of people makes me more comfortable and I am able to express myself more freely. This has helped me grow out of my shell and I love talking to everyone and laughing and having fun. I’m excited about discovering more about show life and the behind the scenes of a big production.

Participants’ photos by Mónika Aldarondo Lugo

Enraizando! Listen to their experiences

“This project has been an incredible opportunity for my daughter to reconnect with her Boricua roots. She deeply values the opportunity to explore her cultural heritage while connecting with a group of young Latinas. Talking, dancing, singing, writing, creating together has been inspiring and meaningful for her and is helping her access cultural pride and self-expression as a young woman. Thank you, Shefali!”

— Susannah Mackintosh

“My daughter Nayeli had not taken Bomba classes when she was little, but she was always watching, listening and observing. The seeds were planted. Now, through this project, she has made a deeper connection with Bomba, her Puerto Rican culture and ancestors on her own. It has been an amazing transformation and I’m so grateful for this opportunity and experience for my daughter. “

— Jo-Annie Seda

“My daughter Iselah has an opportunity to deepen her study of Bomba music and dance by getting to write and choreograph original pieces alongside other young women. She is putting her creative talents into a project that will bring joy and wonder to the broader community and that will have an impact into the future. She has especially enjoyed the relaxing meditative time that gives her the luxury of calming her senses and coming back to her center after a long and intense week of school and dance. We are eternally grateful for this incredible project and each session is a gift!”

— Dr. Frankie Free Ramos

Shefali Shah

Lead Artist & Artistic Director

Guest Artists, Workshop Educators & Collaborators

Maritxell Carrero

Jade Power Sotomayor

Yairamaren Maldonado

Héctor Lugo

Ayla Davila

Mónika Aldarondo Lugo

La Doña

Marina Romani