Group set to lead parade
Samba del Sol is looking for as many Nelsonians as possible to join this year’s Masked Parade.
Nelson’s Samba de Sol is a community-based percussion group which will be leading this year’s parade.
The group was formed in July 2010 to bring the vibrant rhythms of Brazilian Samba to the streets, festivals and community of Nelson.
Samba del Sol’s Tanya Nock said the Masked Parade theme for this year, Flights of Fancy, was created by one of the group’s members Jean Langbridge.
Nock said people can either join to dance with Samba del Sol at the parade or to drum.
Thirteen-week courses for both start at Founders Park on August 3.
’’Being part of a community group is a great way to meet people and learn at the same time,’’ Nock said. ‘‘We have a huge number of volunteers within the group which make it so successful.’’
Nock said it was important to her to create affordable access to musical and dance experience.
‘‘Individuals in communities need cultural experiences to thrive and develop a sense of belonging.’’
She said the smiles from the audience when they’re performing ’’says it all’’ and so does having a ‘‘huge conga line from people in the street dancing to our music’’.