Dance like a star, learn self defense at Community Ed
With more than 180 classes from cupcakes and Cajun cooking to finances and photography, the Community Education program has something for everyone. And with about 1,500 people attending the classes each semester, participants are sure to make some new friends.
The classes are offered through St. Charles Parish Public Schools and cater to all kinds of parishioners – athletes and artists, toddlers and seniors. From old classics to new courses, this fall’s catalog looks better than ever.
Cooking
A bread-making class will be taught for the first time this fall, giving locals an opportunity to learn a new skill and connect to their heritage.
“It’s a process that, in many cases, our grandparents did without even thinking,” said Celeste Uzee, the instructor. “The class is not just cooking, it will also teach the social and cultural history along with the food.”
Uzee said that participants can expect a wide range of information and that this will not be a demonstration class.
“The class will be hands-on as opposed to some other culinary classes – you will actually get your hands dirty,” Uzee said.
Participants will learn to kneed, shape and bake bread as well as about bread chemistry, the history of the food and how important it is in Western culture.
“The class is a good idea for anyone who enjoys eating bread and would like to make it at home,” she said. “Bread isn’t hard – it just requires a little practice. If you make your own bread you can also control exactly what goes into it.
“It gives you complete creative control.”
Self Defense
This year there are many classes where parishioners can learn to protect themselves – even if they are only four years old.
Kid-Jitsu, a class for kids ages 4-12 years old, teaches the principals and techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a fun and fast-paced environment.
“We teach kids self confidence and self defense,” said Darren DeSalvo, instructor of the course. “The kids can actually apply these techniques in true self-defense situations.”
DeSalvo said that he believes all parents should get their kids involved in some type of martial arts practice that gives the child a sense of confidence, not a false sense of confidence.
He said that the class usually has a good mix of boys and girls.
Ballroom Dancing
While the kids are using their energy for martial arts, parents can head to Ballroom Dancing Couples’ Boot Camp or Line Dancing with “The Dance King” David Sepulveda.
Sepulveda just returned from Miami where he learned the latest ballroom and line dances from shows like “Dancing with the Stars” and he is eager to share with St. Charles.
He also said that dancing is a great workout for those looking to lose a few pounds this fall.
“The classes bring in elements of exercise and getting in shape as well as learning how to dance and having fun,” he said.
Participants will be doing the Tango, Wobble, Cha-Cha, Salsa, Merengue and more before they know it.
Tai Chi
For some adults, a more slow-paced exercise could be the key to reducing stress.
Mark Orfansos has been teaching Tai Chi with the Community Education program for three years and he said the course is a great alternative to high-energy aerobics classes.
“The class is great for people who have lived in the gym or work under heavy weights and are looking for a different way to exercise and stay healthy in a safer environment,” Orfansos said.
In fact, Orfansos himself became interested in Tai Chi because he wanted to get out of the gym and exercise in a safer environment.
“When you lift weights, there’s always a chance for injury,” he said. “Tai Chi is practiced in a very slow, graceful manner so you can develop internal power.”
Orfansos said that benefits of the practice include better balance, a more peaceful attitude, and a slow rhythmic manner that helps the body adjust itself. He said there is also a meditative and mental well-being aspect to the art.
Acting
For those who want to hone non-physical crafts, acting and diverse art classes are new additions to this year’s lineup.
Carl Palmer has acted in more than 50 major theatre productions and on national television shows such as Law and Order, The Sopranos, All My Children and more. Now the Norco native wants to share his knowledge of the blossoming film industry right here in Louisiana.
“Louisiana is No. 3 in the country for production behind Los Angeles and New York,” Palmer said. “A lot of people are curious about acting with all the movies being shot down here.”
“Introduction to Acting” will teach participants about working as an extra, improvisation, speeches and scene work for those who might have auditions.
“The class is great for anyone who’s curious about acting, and if people have done some acting before it will be a good place to sharpen up,” Palmer said.
Art
While acting has piqued the curiosity of many parish residents, painting and art are always top classes with the community program.
This year, would-be artists can try something new with Judy Erwin’s watercolor, pen and ink class. Participants will have the chance to work with the three different mediums to depict the St. Louis Cathedral, a New Orleans icon.
“It’s a different technique…we’re going to be doing a combination which is my favorite thing to do,” Erwin said.
While Erwin said the new class is a little more challenging than other beginning art classes, she said help will be available to those who have never drawn before.
“Knowledge of drawing is not necessary, but it is welcome,” she said.
Local artist Daniel Hare also teaches popular watercolor classes to the community each year. This fall, fans can look forward to four art courses from him with Louisiana subjects from alligators and sunsets to streetcars and Mardi Gras masks.
“I’ve had several students come back and take a class with me again so I must be doing something right,” Hare said.
He said that many of his students in the past have not had experience painting, but that the class is geared towards those who want to learn.
“This would be an absolutely perfect way to find out if you are interested in painting or not – there’s no pressure,” he said. “Most of the people in my class…have never painted before and they leave happy.”
The deadline to register for fall community education classes is Wednesday, Aug.31. Senior citizens and St. Charles Parish Public School employees qualify for a 10 percent discount on classes. To register or for more information, visit www.stcharles.k12.la.us.
Under Quick Links choose Community, then the Community Education link for the most current class information and registration form.
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