Batala Washington, performing earlier this year in the Cherry Blossom Parade

You’ve probably seen them around, either practicing, performing at a community event, on local television, or marching down the street in a parade. They are hard to miss, after all. An infectious percussion ensemble comprised of a couple dozen or so colorfully dressed women isn’t something one sees everyday. Of course, we’re talking about Batala Washington, the all-women’s drum corps that has brought smiles and the spirit of rhythm to the District since its formation in 2007.

Batala Washington has its roots in Paris, where expat Brazilian composer Giba Gonçalves started the first Batala group in 1997 as the European wing of CortejoAfro, an arts education project benefiting disadvantaged young people. The local chapter is the newest and only North American affiliate, and there are also groups in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Spain, Angola, and Brazil, the original home of Batala’s samba-reggae rhythms. This international presence is mirrored in the over 50 Batalettes, as Batala Washington’s members refer to themselves.

“All women older than 21 years of age are welcome to join the band, regardless of income, nationality, or musical experience,” said April Thompson, Batala Washington’s media liason. “The result is a diverse community of women hailing from countries in South America, Europe, Asia and North America.”