Beat Generation

Had a thing for conga drums ever since the first time you saw Ricky Ricardo banging and babaluing in “I Love Lucy”?

Here’s your shot.

Pamela Frankel and Geanna Gonzales teach a monthly Beginning Drum and Dance Workshop at the Hub, a community involvement center in Costa Mesa.

The class begins with the group holding hands and chanting “to unite our breath,” Frankel says. “It really is soothing.” Next is stretching, singing and lessons in folkloric dance and drums.

“I’m passionate about drums and dancing, and I wanted to bring this to Orange County,” said Frankel, who has traveled to Cuba three times to study traditional dance.

Batiks hang on the wall of the tiny studio, and candles are lit “to create an atmosphere of ceremony and tradition,” Frankel said. “And to bring good spirits.”

One is Eleggua, a sort of clown spirit. Eleggua inspired the dance postures and steps at the July workshop. “His movements are buffoonish,” Frankel said. “We have a lot of fun mimicking him.”

Lynne Stroh of Corona del Mar attended a class to learn conga rhythms and dance movements. “I find dance invigorating,” she said.

The next workshop is Saturday. The cost is $15 per class. Call Frankel at (949) 548-5624 or the Hub at (949) 646-1128.