Start Your New Year With Classes

Well, it’s January, and that’s the time for resolutions and setting goals. You may be someone who has made the decision to learn something new in 2017, so here are some ideas for you this month.

Brickhouse Ceramic Art Center

If you’ve been curious to learn about pottery and ceramics making, head to Brickhouse Ceramic Art Center for a variety of classes on handbuidling, wheel throwing and glaze. Beginning and advanced classes are available, as are private lessons—-they even have a “try it out” class for 50 bucks. Head to their schedule page for more details on what’s available.

Brickhouse Ceramic Art Center, 10-34 44th Drive, Long Island City

Circus Warehouse

Circus Warehouse considers itself to be “the only training facility in the New York area where the circus stars come to train and teach,” and this is the place where the non-professional, “athletically inclined public” can learn circus performer techniques themselves. 2017 is Year of the Flyer.

Take a class on the trapeze (flying and static), lyra (hoop), silks, trampoline, straps, the Cyr wheel, Chinese pole and more; private lessons are also available. Information about their workout policies can be found here, and a class schedule, here, color coded for your ability.

Circus Warehouse, 53-21 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City

The Noguchi Museum

The Noguchi Museum presents a series of workshops called Hands-On at Noguchi, which allow the participants to learn introductory skills in sculpture. January’s workshop, Carving Stone with Artist Charlie Kaplan, allows you to get to know a bit better Noguchi’s materials and processes for his art, and then you’ll get to learn introductory hand carving techniques to create your own stone sculpture in the studio, taught by sculptor Charlie Kaplan.

Previous experience is not necessary. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Ages 18 and older. $10 members, $20 non-members.

Hands-On at Noguchi: Carving Stone with Artist Charlie Kaplan
Saturday, January 28, 2017, 1-5pm
The Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Road, Astoria

Q.E.D.

There’s always something interesting to learn at this “after-school space for grown-ups.” Along with the standup, improv, and art shows, Q.E.D. is a place to learn things. Here are some of the offerings this month.

Swing Dancing
Mondays, January 9, 16, 23, 30, social on February 6, all at 7:20pm

If you want to learn the basics of swing dancing, join this 5-week course at Q.E.D. No experience—or partner—is necessary. In particular, this series will focus on the Charleston, a dance that is part of Lindy Hop culture. This will set you up for a good foundation as you explore further into swing dancing traditions. This is a great workshop for those who are looking to meet new friends, since partners rotate regularly. Classes are taught by Akemi Kinukawa and Lewi Gilamichael, instructors at Swing Dance Astoria.

An advanced beginner class is also in the works, the details of which can be found here.

Salsa for Beginners
Saturdays, January 7, 14, 21 noon

If you’ve been curious to learn how to salsa dance, now’s your chance. As it says, this class is for beginners (or those who want to improve their basics). Partner work and turn patters will be emphasized. Wear comfy clothing and good dancing shoes!

Soapmaking Workshop
Saturday, January 24, 2pm

You’ll get to learn how to make soap from scratch using a “cold process” technique, yielding a small batch (2 bars) of vegan soap. Along with the hands-on aspect, you will learn about the herbs and oils you can add to your batch for healing and nourishing benefits. This is an adults-only class.

Doughnuts & Fritters Cooking Class
Sunday, January 29, noon-1:30pm

“Join us for two hours of indulgence as we mix, fry, fill, and dunk doughnuts of all kinds. Chef and comedian Vicki Ferentinos teaches making doughs, cutting, filling, frying and finishing. We will make a variety of doughnuts, fritters and learn frying techniques. Class includes all materials and each student will leave with a variety of treats to savor and share.”

Q.E.D., 27-16 23rd Ave, Astoria

Are there classes you know about and would like your fellow Astorians to know about? Leave us a comment!