WorldBeat Cultural Center
Drumming, Dance, & Culture

Located on Park Blvd, the WorldBeat Cultural Center is a building that you can't miss. The cylindrical shape and colorful murals is the first indication that this place is something different! Indeed, this non-profit multi-cultural organization is dedicated to promoting, presenting, and preserving the Indigenous Cultures of the world through music, art, dance, technology, and culture. Wow - does that not say it all?

The Center has many programs & services that nurture & teach cultural arts. These include but not limited to:

Ethnobotanical Garden Program: over 6000 students are taught aspects of agriculture, nutrition, and the importance of plants to indigenous cultures. Disabled Program: includes over 60 students who come together every Monday for one hour of music. Students can drum, dance, be MC, socialize, and listen to guest performers. Children's Program: includes a 5th Grade Integration Program, Toddlers' & Children's drumming classes, and an after school program. Media Arts Program: technology oriented program that teaches students aspects of: Communication & PR; Graphic Arts & Web Design; TV & Radio Broadcast / Live Webcast; Events Production; and DJ School. Community Health & Education Program: includes   - alternative healing (acupuncture, massage chiropractic medicine, energy healing, Qi Gong and yoga);   - Woman in Recovery program: a six-month program to help women on parole make better choices for a healthier lifestyle; - Children's Summer Yoga Camp: wholesome, fun for kids.

• African Studies Department
  • Afrikan / Kemetic Language
  • African Studies

• Drum Department
  • African Drumming
  • Japanese Taiko Drum
  • Children's Drumming
  • Afro-Cuban Percussion
  • Brazilian Samba
  • Dumbek Drumming
  • African Djembe Drumming
  • Native American singing, drumming, and dancing

• Dance Department
  • African Dance
    
  • Brazilian Samba
    
  • Tribal-Style Dancing
    
  • Community Outreach / Capoeira

• Health & Wellness Department
  • Qi-Gong Energy Healing
    
  • Special Needs
    
  • Yoga & Meditation
    
  • Health Consultation
    
  • Ethnobotany

The center is so active, that there is an event, a class, an activity, or a gathering almost everyday of the month.

Most classes are drop-in but some require preregistration (Taiko Course). Some classes are free (Qi Gong Practice) while others range from $5 to $12 per class (Drumming classes).

Location, Hours of Operation

WorldBeat Cultural Center
(map location 31)
2100 Park Blvd. in Balboa Park.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-230-1190

Open:
Mon - Fri:   11 am - 6:30 pm
Sat & Sun:  12 pm - 6 pm

On most Sunday afternoons, outside the WorldBeat Center, you can see & hear drummers drumming for hours.

Park at the:
- former Naval Hospital lot
- Starlight Bowl lot (map).

• read about other stuff in Balboa Park
• find another attraction in San Diego
• go to Site Map