Class Descriptions
Dance
Ballroom Dancing - 1 & 2
Instructor: Tony Plasil
Students will learn the basic patterns and character of the most popular ballroom dances, as well as how to recognize the music. They will learn the basics of leading and following and develop timing and rhythm. At the end of this series of classes, students should feel comfortable dancing through an entire song at parties and weddings.
Ballroom Line Dancing
Instructor: Tony Plasil
Seniors love Ballroom Line Dancing because it is fun, easy to learn and they can dance to all the beautiful ballroom music without a partner. “Ballroom line dancing” is line dancing with a twist. Students will learn the basic steps of many ballroom dances (e.g., Foxtrot, Cha Cha, etc.) in a line dance format. Students will also learn the most popular line dances such as “New York New York,” “Mambo 5,” “Electric Slide,” and others. Students will learn the basic patterns and character of each dance, as well as how to recognize the music. At the end of each class, students should feel comfortable dancing through an entire song at dance parties and weddings.
Funky Line Dancing
Instructor: Hector Ramirez
A fun, energetic dance class designed for older adults who love to move, groove, and stay active! This class blends easy-to-follow line dance steps with funky rhythms, great music, and lots of positive energy. It’s called funky because it adds style, flavor, and modern beats to traditional line dancing—making fitness feel like a party!
Zumba
Instructor: Hector Ramirez
This class is designed to get your heart pumping, your body moving, and your spirit lifted all at your own pace. Whether you love Latin beats or catchy tunes, you ‘ll enjoy easy to follow dances that make exercise feel like a party. Join us for a joyful way to stay active, have fun, and connect with others through music and movement!
Exercise & Fitness
Chair Aerobics
Instructor: Hector Ramirez
This course offers a combination of low-impact and chair aerobics and the use of weights. Participants will tone their muscles and increase flexibility.
Chair Pilates
Instructor: Hector Ramirez
Join us for this full body Pilates workout. All exercise is performed in a seated position and are perfect for seniors and beginners. This class focuses on improving posture, core strengthening and stretching.
Intentional Mat Pilates
Instructor: Cara Torricelli
Experience a holistic journey merging intentional presence and Pilates for enhanced core strength, flexibility, and vitality. Dynamic exercises lead to a deeply integrative Savasana, solidifying physical and mental benefits. Whether new or seasoned, this transformative class leaves you centered, rejuvenated, and connected to your inner and outer self. Please bring your mat and your full presence as we strengthen together.
Intentional Mat Pilates Strength
Instructor: Cara Torricelli
Experience a more strength focused holistic journey merging intentional presence and Pilates for enhanced core strength, flexibility, and vitality. Dynamic exercises lead to a deeply integrative Savasana, solidifying physical and mental benefits. Whether new or seasoned, this transformative class leaves you centered, rejuvenated, and connected to your inner and outer self. This class will be more strength oriented as opposed to the normal Intentional Mat Pilates counterpart class. Please bring your mat and your full presence as we strengthen together.
Meditation
Instructor: Avry Budka
Meditation = Concentration = Equanimity. This ancient equation is the basis of our practice in meditation class. We will gain skills in many different meditation techniques from various lineages as together we train our minds for better focus in order to meet each moment of life in greater awareness, peace and presence. Open to all levels of meditators, from first timers to practiced sitters, because we can all use more tools to learn to rebalance our minds, hearts and lives! Bring an open mind, your natural curiosity and a smile!
Pep Up Your Life
Instructor: Donald Milares
Designed to improve strength, balance and flexibility, this introductory level class will improve the way you feel about your health and body, while increasing muscle mass and bone density. Participants work at their own pace and within their own comfort range.
Qigong and Tai Chi
Instructor: Chris Tucker
This class combines the basic concept and theory of chi and chi movement to enhance your physical and spiritual well-being and increase your youthful vitality and longevity. You will learn the eight-section brocade and 25 step short form. In addition to this, you will be introduced to the 105 step long form. This class helps improve blood flow, reduces stress and hypertension, and lowers the heart rate and blood pressure. Strength and balance are improved and increased through the slow, fluid movements, which are often referred to as meditation in motion.
Step To the Beat Aerobics
Instructor: Michaela Niesen
This class will help improve your cardiovascular system by challenging your heart and lungs. Participants will use their own body weight and improve agility, mobility, and balance. We will warm-up, exercise and cool down. Participants will enjoy walking or stepping to the beat. This class is fun, interactive, and great for individuals with all levels of fitness!
Strength Training in the Fitness Center
Instructor: Michaela Niesen
This class encompasses chair aerobics and uses dumbbells to develop overall strength. Students will also have the option of using the fitness center and learning how to use workout machines. This class consists of full body exercises to improve bone density and muscle mass.
Yoga
Instructor: Margie Rosenblum
Yoga is valuable for everyone: the young, the old, beginners, and advanced practitioners. Each student proceeds at his or her own pace. Yoga’s emphasis is on the precise alignment of the body in the asanas (poses) and the careful sequencing and timing of the asanas.
Yoga and Presence Practice
Instructor: Avry Budka
Join us for a practical yet fun blend of yoga and meditation—movement and awareness. These ancient practices designed to bring balance, strength; flexibility and mindfulness are still appropriate and available to us all today. Create unity of mind, body and spirit! Learn to breathe properly and work at your own level.
Hobbies & Special Interests
Acting with Pasadena Playhouse, Introduction
Instructor: Will Pellegrinni
Dream of being an actor or missing your days on the stage? There is no moment like the present! Discover the joy of performance in this welcoming introduction to acting class designed specifically for older adults. Through fun exercises, improvisation, and short scene work, participants will build confidence, creativity, and stage presence. No prior experience is needed, just a willingness to play, connect, and express yourself!
Affordable Gourmet Cooking Class
Instructor: Wendy Blasdel
We will show you how to shop, create, present and enjoy delicious and nutritious meals without breaking the bank. Who says delicious cooking has to be expensive? Discover how to shop smarter, cook healthier, and create delicious meals that are easy on your budget. In this interactive class, you'll learn simple chef-inspired techniques, budget-friendly recipes, meal-planning strategies, and creative presentation ideas that make everyday meals feel special. Come hungry for ideas and leave with recipes, practical money-saving tips, and the confidence to prepare beautiful, nutritious meals that you'll be proud to serve without overspending. You will also leave with the wonderful food we create to enjoy later or at home. Class costs cover the use of equipment and food.
The Art & Joy of Sewing
Instructor: Cate Shaffer-Shelby
Learn to sew or enhance your existing sewing skills! Both beginning and advanced students are welcome. As we navigate the current safety and distancing requirements, instructor Cate Shaffer-Shelby will teach all levels of sewing in this class. You will learn the basic techniques of sewing, ranging from taking proper measurements, understanding fabrics, working with patterns, cutting the garment/project, threading & operating a sewing machine and basic garment construction techniques. For those without sewing machines, we have several machines and other sewing tools available for use when in the class. Students are responsible for supplying their own fabrics & sewing notions/supplies. This class is limited to 22.
Bridge 3 – Play of Hand
Instructor: Melanie Moran
This class is vital to beginning and advancing players to develop good skills and habits of card play. The class will use examples to- Interpret Leads, Identify the Dangerous Opponent, Develop Extra Winners, When and How to Finesse, and find the best solutions for difficult hands including End Play. All levels of bridge experience will benefit from a supervised approach to play.
Crafting Your Life Stories
Instructor: Hawthorne
Are you craving self-reflection, self-discovery, and improved self-esteem? Do you have memories and family history that you would like to preserve? This memoir class will provide you with the fundamentals to write your life story. We will discuss your unique point of view, how to engage your senses in writing, and the importance of specificity and details. Designed for beginners as well as seasoned writers, this class will engage your brain, your heart, and your soul. Dive into your memories and experience the therapeutic value of getting it all down on paper. Fun exercises will help you remember the adventures you have had and the lessons you learned. At the completion of this class, you will have many valuable stories to pass down to your loved ones.
For the Love of Poetry
Instructor: Sally Abood
Join us on a poetic journey! “For the Love of Poetry” will help you rediscover the magic of American poetry with icons like Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, and Nobel Prize winner Louise Gluck. Let us guide you to a deeper appreciation and love for timeless masterpieces that will touch your heart and soul!
French 1
Instructor: Teresa Cortey
An introduction to French for those who are completely new to the language or who have forgotten their previous study of it. Touristic expressions, a general presentation of grammatical structure, and the present tense will be covered. Naturally, as language and culture are inseparable, the class will have wider than a linguistic focus. Hopefully, this class will provide a non-stressful but meaningful new dimension for everyone—a gateway to another culture and a new means of self-expression.
French 1B
Instructor: Teresa Cortey
A continuation of elementary French -further study of the present tense, vocabulary acquisition, conversation practice for students who do not need to start at the very beginning: as in every French class, culture and language being inseparable, equal emphasis will be placed on both.
French 2
Instructor: Teresa Cortey
Continued grammar and vocabulary building and, specifically, introduction to the subjunctive as well as more in-depth study of more elementary grammar. Naturally, as language and culture are inseparable, the class will have wider than a linguistic focus. Individual presentations, suggested, but not required, will be encouraged, and some introduction to literature provided. Songs will be studied for their linguistic value as well as their potential for musical appreciation.
French 3
Instructor: Teresa Cortey
Continued vocabulary building, practice in communication, and, specifically, the subjunctive mood will be emphasized and an introduction to the literary tenses made. The focus of the class will naturally be cultural as well as linguistic. Some poems and one short story, and study of songs for their linguistic value will be included. Individual presentations will be encouraged, though not required.
French 4
Instructor: Teresa Cortey
Continued practice in communication, vocabulary building, study of the literary tenses, more short stories or poems, songs considered for their linguistic value and voluntary student presentations will be included. The focus of the class will naturally be cultural, and literary as well as linguistic.
French 5
Instructor: Teresa Cortey
Intensive review of major grammatical concepts, increased practice in communication, more exploration of literature. Individual presentations encouraged but not required; songs introduced for their linguistic value. As always, the focus of the class will be cultural and literary as well as linguistic.
"Let Us Play" Improv
Instructors: Mark and Ilona Jennings
Join us for a playful, participatory class of theater and improv games designed to unlock creativity, free the imagination, ignite spontaneity, increase mental focus, build confidence, and nurture group connection. Tap into the wells of creativity and spontaneity that reside within us all in a safe, supportive, and warm-hearted atmosphere as we embrace the joy of playing together.
Spanish, Level 1
Instructor: Hector Ramirez
Welcome to Spanish! This class will be a fun introduction to greetings, vocabulary, and grammar in a foreign language. Class will be a fun learning experience with a qualified Spanish teacher in which we will share in class discussion and conversation.
Spanish, Level 2
Instructor: Hector Ramirez
Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world. In this intermediate level course, you'll be able to strengthen your grammatical skills to be able to speak, write and read in this second language. Class will touch upon vocabulary with an emphasis on conversation. This class will help you interact with others who have a grasp of the language already.
Spanish, Level 3
Instructor: Hector Ramirez
Advanced Intermediate Spanish furthers the study of grammar, vocabulary, and cultures of Spanish speaking countries. Students will improve their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. At the end of this class students will have more precise and fluent skills to carry out advanced intermediate conversations.
Spanish, Level 4
Instructor: Hector Ramirez
This class is designed for students who already know Spanish well and are ready to practice, strengthen, and challenge their speaking skills. Through engaging conversations, debates, and real-life topics, you’ll build confidence, improve fluency, and communicate more naturally in Spanish.
Spanish Reading for Beginners
Instructor: Sabrina Peck
This low-stress, fun class is conducted in English and is for anyone who enjoys the puzzle of another language. Do you know no Spanish at all? Or maybe you’ve forgotten what you once learned? Through this class, students will understand written Spanish more as the weeks go by. We start out with vocabulary card games for the most common Spanish words. We also discuss words that are similar but not identical in the two languages. Working together, we will read short passages and understand the main points. A lending library is available in class, and if students feel ready, they may select their own reading material, including children’s books. Students are encouraged, but not required, to work in teams. The instructor will explain useful grammar points as needed, as well as ideal learning strategies for adults. Along with improving students’ comprehension of written Spanish, the class may help build students’ listening and speaking skills. Another benefit is that students will be part of a welcoming community of language enthusiasts.
Watercolor, Advanced
Instructor: Barbara Medford
This class is designed for those experienced in painting watercolors. This class is for artists interested in learning new techniques, strengthening your composition and challenging your creativity. Teaching is done by demonstration, video and one-on-one advice. You will be surrounded by other artists in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.
Technology
Computer Basics
Instructor: F.D.
We will cover common computer abilities, including how to: use email, stay safe online, and use Google effectively. By the end of the class, you’ll have more confidence when using the computer. This is a hands-on learning experience, so you’ll follow along with the instructor. All students will use a Windows Surface Pro tablet (provided for in-class use only).
Getting to know your iPad and iPhone, Beginners
Instructor: Peter Matus
Whether you are new to your iPhone or want to learn the different features that your device can offer, then this class is for you. From updating and changing your settings to taking pictures and editing videos, this class is for the everyday user.
Getting to know your iPad and iPhone, Advanced
Instructor: Peter Matus
Ready to take your iPhone skills to the next level? If you're already comfortable with the basics, this advanced class will explore more technical features, hidden tools, and advanced settings to help you get the most out of your device. Learn tips, tricks, and customization options that can make your iPhone even more powerful and easier to use.
New to the iPhone? If you're just getting started, we recommend registering for our “Getting to Know Your iPhone” class before enrolling in this advanced course.