The Esplanade Association presents Froca led by professional dancer and choreographer Sylver Rochelin at the Hatch Shell. ‘Froca will take participants around the world, exposing them to new rhythms while they break a sweat! ‘Froca is a celebration of songs and dances from across Africa and the Caribbean. Set to popular African and Caribbean music, ‘Froca draws on movements and dances rooted in deep tradition as well as steps that have gained popularity in recent years. ‘Froca was created by Sylver Rochelin Randrianantenaina, a professional dancer and choreographer from Madagascar.

In class, Sylver guides his students through an hour of nonstop dance and choreography, allowing everyone to internalize the steps, feel the rhythms, and work up a sweat - celebrating each other's cultures. ‘Froca classes include steps and rhythms from Madagascar, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Congo, Ethiopia, Mali, Guinea, Ghana, Togo, Senegal, Trinidad, Jamaica, and more.

We encourage participants to registered before every class and to bring their own water bottle. Pre-registration is highly recommended in order to receive timely updates. Please cancel if you can no longer attend. 'Froca will take place every Thursday starting on May 8 and ending on May 29 on the following dates:

May 8
May 15
May 22
May 29

Event Cancellation

In the event of extreme weather or other hazardous conditions, the Esplanade Association will email all participants and post a cancellation notice. Please follow our social media accounts Facebook page (@EsplanadeBoston) / Instagram (@EsplanadeInBoston) to keep up to date about potential class cancellations.

Location Information & Directions

NOTE: There is NO PARKING on the Esplanade. Please plan to arrive via one of the options below:

WALKING
If entering by foot, you can take one of many footbridges to enter the park. They are all noted on this map. The Hatch Memorial Shell is closest to the Arthur Fiedler Footbridge which is located between Beacon Street and Beaver Place, adjacent to David G Mugar Way. Once in the Esplanade, begin walking right to shortly find the Hatch Shell!

MBTA
The Hatch Shell is a ten-minute walk from the Arlington MBTA Station (Green Line) and a ten minute walk from the Charles / MGH MBTA Station (Red Line). Find all of the nearby stations on this map.

BLUE BIKES
Pick up a Bluebike at any station around Boston, Brookline, Cambridge and Somerville and return to a station located conveniently near the Hatch Shell. Find locations on the System Map or mobile app. The closest Blue Bikes station is located where Beacon Street meets David Mugar Way, in front of Beacon Street access to the Arthur Fiedler Footbridge.

PARKING (outside of park)
Recommended parking locations include Newbury Street lots or the Boston Common Garage.

RIDE SHARE
Please direct rideshare vehicles to drop you off on Beacon Street near Arlington Street. Cheers is a good reference spot. Once you’ve been dropped off, enter the park on foot via the Arthur Fiedler Footbridge, located between Beacon Street and Beaver Place, adjacent to David G Mugar Way.

About Sylver Rochelin Randrianantenaina

Sylver Rochelin Randrianantenaina is a professional dancer from Madagascar. He has spent the last 15 years specializing in traditional dances from across Africa and the Caribbean, as well as Malagasy (from Madagascar) popular dances, Afropop, Hip Hop, Jazz and Contemporary techniques. Sylver founded 'Froca Fitness in 2018, bringing together these techniques in an accessible way so that students learn from the cultures they represent. Learn more about 'Froca and Sylver at frocafitness.com.

About the Esplanade Association

The Esplanade Association (Esplanade.org) is a nonprofit organization that works to revitalize and enhance the Charles River Esplanade, sustain its natural green space, and build community in the park by providing educational, cultural, and recreational programs for everyone.

Stay up to date with the Esplanade by following us: Facebook (@EsplanadeBoston),Instagram (@EsplanadeInBoston).Visit Esplanade.org/Events to learn about upcoming events and programs on the Esplanade.

Contact the host of River Fit: FROCA at the Hatch Shell