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.
Zumba Gold/Funky Line Dancing
Instructor: Hector Ramirez
This class combines the lively moves of Zumba with the fun rhythm of funky line dancing. It 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 funk 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.
Gentle Yoga and Meditation
Instructor: Avry Budka
Start your week with the ancient practice of yoga, breath work and mindfulness. This class is a hybrid of yoga and meditation because, well, they have been integrally connected and successfully practiced for 5,000 years! We will spend the hour in both movement and stillness, focusing on the calming and healing effects of the mind/body/breath connection developed millennia ago and being scientifically proven repeatedly. So, come join our early morning sangha and discover your inner wisdom, calm and comfort (or, at least, the pleasant edge of discomfort!) in a fun, supportive community of like-minded people. Bring your smile, curiosity and open mind (and bolster, if you have one!). See you there!
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, Introductory
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!=
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 2 – Competitive Bidding in Bridge
Instructor: Melanie Moran
Learn the basics of this age-old game, played by young and old. Join the likes of Warren Buffett and his bridge partner Bill Gates. Be prepared to knock-em dead at the Center’s Bridge Club. In this class, you will learn basics of bidding, defense, and play-of-the-hand, the 3 major parts of the game. You will be playing a few hands of bridge in your very first class! Bridge can be the party plan for a fun Saturday afternoon or a lifelong endeavor. Sharpen memory and focus skills while learning this game. Come and enjoy an exciting time, meet new friends, acquire a new skill that will increase your enjoyment of life and expand your social circle.
Crafting Your Life's Stories
Instructor: Carrie Hawthrone
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
You will rediscover the magic of American poetry with icons like Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, and Nobel Prize winner Louise Gluck. Let poet Sally Abood guide you to a deeper appreciation and love for timeless masterpieces that will touch your heart and soul!
French I
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 IB
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 II
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 III
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 IV
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 V
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.
Introduction to Oil Painting
Instructor: Gilda Fathi
Ignite your artistic passion. Discover the timeless art of oil painting in this immersive course designed for beginners and intermediate artists alike. Learn essential techniques, including color mixing, brushwork, layering, and composition, while exploring the rich, vibrant qualities of oil paints. Through hands-on projects and guided instruction, you’ll create your own artworks, from still life to landscapes. Develop your unique style, gain confidence in your skills, and unlock your creative potential in a supportive, inspiring environment. No prior experience required, all levels are welcome. Just bring your passion for painting!
"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 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 and 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 they 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 artists who have watercolor skills but want to be challenged. We will explore new techniques and strengthen our compositions. Teaching is done by demonstrations, Videos, and individual instruction. You will be inspired by the other artists in the class as we share what we have created. You will have opportunities to exhibit your work in our annual art show. Come join the fun in a friendly, supportive atmosphere.
Watercolor, Beginning
Instructor: Barbara Medford
This class is designed for those who have never painted watercolors or who have little experience with watercolors. We will be focusing on the basics of painting with watercolors. You will learn how to handle your brushes, the paint, and apply glazes. You will be surrounded by other beginning artists in a friendly supportive atmosphere.
Watercolor, Advanced, via Zoom
Instructor: Barbara Medford
This zoom class is Designed for you to paint as the instructor paints. Each week offers a new subject with time to critique and share with the other artists. Each class will be recorded and sent to you to view at your leisure. Come ready to paint as we explore new techniques and compositions. This class is not for beginners.
World of Shakespeare
Instructor: Scott Myers
Whether you've always loved The Bard and see as many of his plays as you can, or whether you just wish you'd paid more attention in English class, this class will have some fun with the world's greatest literature. We'll celebrate the timeless relevance of four great plays, Macbeth, Hamlet, King Lear, and Richard III, combining reading, discussion, video, and dramatic interpretation. We'll also enjoy a production of Richard III at a local theater (optional).
Technology
Getting to know your iPad and iPhone
Instructor: Peter Matus
Whether you are new to your iPad or 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. Bring your own device or borrow one from PSC.
iPad Digital Painting
Instructor: Kara Argue
In this course, we'll explore the different tools and brushes in the iPad art program Procreate, and how they can be used to create digital paintings. Beginners and more experienced artists are both welcome. An iPad with Procreate already installed will be provided, or you can bring your own.