WINTER 2025
BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE LOWER EASTSIDE GIRLS CLUB
January 29 to April 12 2025 Hours
Wednesday 12:00 PM–7:00 PM Thursday 12:00 PM–8:00 PM Saturday 10:30 AM–3:30 PM
FREE AND FOR EVERYONE • WHERE SELF CARE BECOMES COMMUNITY CARE
Wellbeing Lounge Open Hours
Wednesday 3:00–6:00 PM Thursday 2:00–5:00 PM Saturday 11:00 aM –2:00 PM
Free Classes For All Classes taught by experienced staff and partner organizations.
Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, free WiFi, our community library, and the company of our members in the Wellbeing Lounge!
A Space for Everyone
Programming for Lower East Side community members of all generations and genders.
A Space To Connect
Access to free, in-person classes and events at our Center on Avenue D.
Vitality in Motion
Adults • Open Level
Wednesdays • 12:30–1:30 PM
Instructors: Jaimé Yawa Dzandu
Vitality in Motion invites you to activate and move with your whole body!
We will focus on increasing mobility, improving balance and coordination, and strengthening the core — all through the lively art of dance. Class begins with a warm-up from head to toe, progressing across the floor, and moving together as a community, to embrace our uniqueness in our unity.
We conclude with a cool-down through somatic exercises to promote flexibility and relaxation. Class is accompanied by affirmative, upbeat, and restorative music. We affirm the wisdom of our bodies, foster resource-sharing, and build social connections. We invite you to move your body as you are able, breathe deeply, lean into your joy, and connect with the stories that our bodies have to share.
No dance or fitness experience is necessary. All movements can be seated or standing. Feel free to bring water and wear comfortable clothes you can move in.
Tai Chi
Adults • Open Level
Wednesdays • 2:00–3:00 PM
Instructor: Roberto Sharpe
Tai Chi is an art of balance and flow which promotes healthy bone-density and blood circulation through low-impact conditioning. This class follows the Yangstyle Tai Chi tradition, known for its ease of learning and ease of practice. Using consistent and gentle rotations of the body, this class can bring relief for elders and those recovering from injuries.
Chair Yoga
Adults • Beginner Level
Thursdays • 12:30–1:30 PM
Instructor: Diana Diaz
Yoga is an ancient practice that can allow us to harness the healing power of our own bodies throughout all stages of life. In Chair Yoga, we practice stretching and gentle body movements to free the joints, increase bone density, strengthen muscles; and improve balance, flexibility, and blood flow. Through the addition of meditation and breathwork, we can improve sleep, sharpen concentration, and manage our stress.
Baila con Loisaida: Salsa and Hustle
All Ages • Open Level
Thursdays • 6:30–8:00 PM
Instructor: Anthony Galindez
Set to rhythmic salsa & smooth disco beats, Baila con Loisaida is a weekly space to drop in, partner up, and spin around the dance floor. The first part of the class will cover salsa step basics for beginners, and then transition into mixing open dance time with instruction in salsa and hustle—a uniquely Nuyorican combination of mambo, salsa, and swing dance.
Rest and Restore Yoga
Adults • Open Level
Saturdays • 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Instructor: Alexandra Royals
Rest and Restore Yoga is a slow, meditative, and passive style of yoga, incorporating both Yin and Restorative poses and principles, to improve the flow of energy in the body. The poses performed in this class are held for 3–5 minutes with the use of props and target deep connective tissues in the body, such as the fascia. By holding poses for an extended period of time while focusing on deep breathing, we can increase circulation in the body, reduce anxiety, and improve joint mobility and flexibility. This is an introductory class open to all levels looking for a quiet space to rest and restore.
Get Your Fit Together
All Ages • Open Level
Saturdays • 12:15–1:15 PM
Instructor: Tara Crichlow
Get Your Fit Together is an engaging community movement class designed to energize your body, sharpen your mind, and lift your spirits through dance! This class supports your overall fitness and well-being by building flexibility, mobility, strength, and resilience. We will start with a guided warm-up to increase range of motion, loosen up tight muscles, and prepare your body for safe and effective movement. Whether you’re new to fitness or a seasoned athlete, this is a supportive environment to practice practical exercises that will enhance your balance, coordination, and everyday strength.
The Artist in You
Adults • Open Level
Wednesdays • 6:00–7:00 PM
Instructor: Joalis Silva
In this class, everyone’s an artist, no matter your experience or skill set. We’ll explore how to work with mixed media including: paint, crepe paper, stencils, air dry clay, and more. Each week we will create a different project and together, we will find your favorite medium and help you discover the artist in you!
Batik & Beyond: Crafting Stories in Fabric
Ages 10+
Wednesdays • 1:45–3:45 PM
Instructor: Azzah Sultan
Join us as we learn about the beautiful art of Batik (Wax Resistance). In this class, you will learn about the techniques of how to do batik, and how to dye fabric using cold wash dye and natural dye.
Community Knitting Group
Ages 8+
Thursdays • 5:30–7:30 PM
Instructor: Maureen Cooke
Learning to knit can provide you with peaceful coping skills and relaxation. The rhythmic nature can also prevent and help manage your stress, pain, and depression, which in-turn strengthens the body’s immune system. In our Community Knitting Group; Maureen, the Knitting Mama, provides a safe space for all people to connect through a shared love for knitting. All levels of knitters and crocheters are welcome!
Discover the Mix: DJ 101 Experience
Ages 16+ • Beginner Level
Saturdays • 11:00AM–12:30 PM
Instructor: Building Beats
This series is your chance to Discover the Mix, and experience the magic, fundamental skills, and artistry of DJing. No matter your music tastes or skill level, this hands-on DJ 101 experience will include open studio time, as well as guided instruction. You will learn the basics of using professional DJ equipment, and decode the alchemy of creating seamless mixes.
Discover the Mix:
DJ 201 Experience
Ages 16+ • Intermediate Level
Saturdays • 1:30PM–3:00 PM
Instructor: Building Beats
Open only to students who have previously attended Beginner Level classes.
Page to Stage: Slam Jam
Ages 16+
Select Saturdays:
February 1 • March 1 • April 5
1:00– 3:00 PM
Instructor: Lacresha Berry
Slam Poetry is all about studying, writing, and performing powerful performance poetry. In this class, through poetry and theater exercises, participants will seek their own poetic voices and the most powerful ways to express them to an audience. They will watch performances by the poetry greats and create their own amazing performances, respecting, but also challenging the traditional boundaries of poetry. NYC will come to class in the form of guest performers, and students will get out of the classroom, discovering what the NYC poetry scene has to offer. This class will culminate with an end-of-semester poetry showcase and slam, in which all students participate. No experience necessary, just enthusiasm and an authentic voice!
Best Face Forward (BFF)
Ages 14+
Select Saturdays: February 22 • March 22 • April 12 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Instructor: Brianna Sumpter
Taking care of yourself shouldn’t break the bank or include toxic chemicals that harm your body. There are so many everyday ingredients in your very own kitchen that can be beneficial for your hair, body, and skin. Brianna will teach you how to use these ingredients to create your own products such as lip balms, lotions, sugar scrubs, and hair masks so you can discover your BFF through natural combinations that work for you!
Earth-Friendly Essentials: Pickle, Preserve, and Compost
Ages 18+
Thursdays • 2:00–3:30 PM
Instructor: Albert Nguyen
Get ready to learn some amazing skills to help you live more sustainably! In this class, we’ll explore how to pickle, ferment, and preserve food, so you can enjoy delicious and nutritious foods that last a long time. We’ll also discover ways to reduce waste, compost, and make the most of what we have. Through fun, hands-on projects, and exploring our garden you’ll learn how to turn plants and everyday items into essentials that support a healthier you and a healthier planet.
Nutritious Cultural Kitchen
Ages 18+
Wednesdays • 4:00–5:30 PM
Instructor: Marta Garcia
We each have different nutritional needs, but we can all agree: we need to listen to our bodies to maintain a vibrant and healthy life. Nutritious Cultural Kitchen will empower you with knowledge and skills to make informed choices about the food you consume — unlocking improved health, energy, and mental wellness. This hands-on class celebrates the universal language of food with a focus on nutrition, making easy and healthy swaps, low-cost alternatives, ways to control food cravings, and ideas for quick, easy, and tasty recipes. Come with an appetite for discovery!
Vibe with Herbs
Ages 18+
Thursdays • 12:30–1:45 PM
Instructor: Italy Bianca
Discover the wonders of nature’s healing power with Vibe with Herbs. This class explores nature’s remedies: a captivating experience tailored for adults interested in the world of herbal medicine. Join us to unlock the incredible potential of plants, and their ability to enhance our well-being and bring balance into our lives. Through a unique blend of academic knowledge and hands-on experiences, we’ll explore the world of herbalism and discover its practical applications. Get ready to create your own tea, lemonade, and/or salve, and develop a profound understanding of the power of plants.
Key topics covered in the class include:
y Introduction to Herbalism
y Herbal Remedies and Applications
y Herbal Preparations
y Herbalism and Everyday Life
Let’s go on a journey of exploration and discover the wonders of herbalism, unraveling the natural remedies that Mother Nature has gifted us.
It’s important to note that while herbal remedies can be beneficial, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating them into your routine, especially if you are taking any medication or have existing health conditions.
Mamahood Meetup
Mothers & Babies (Ages 0–3)
Select Saturdays • 1:30–3:00 PM
February 1, March 1, April 5
Instructor: Lorain Alba
Like the shift from childhood to adulthood, the transition to parenthood can bring great joys and big challenges. Mamahood Meetup is a nurturing environment for moms to explore this transition together through shared conversation, resources, and support for each other and for their children. Moms will have the opportunity to learn from one another and engage in fun sensory-based activities and play with their babies to promote early childhood motor, cognitive, and social/ emotional development. Whether you are a new mom for the first, or even second, third, or fourth, Mamahood Meetup is a safe, non-judgmental space for you.
Grown-Up & Me Cooking Parents & Children (Ages
0–5)
Select Saturdays • 2:00–3:30 PM
February 8 • March 22
Instructor: For the Family NYC
Let your child take the lead and learn to prepare a nutritious meal! Through exploration and preparation of food, caregivers provide hands-on support to their child as they practice STEAM skills, improve cognitive, social, emotional, and gross/fine motor skills. This workshop will invite children to develop interdependence and engage in circle time, creating a meal to share, sensory play, and kitchen safety with same-age peers in a supportive and loving environment.
Parent Peer Circle Adults
Thursdays • 5:00–7:00 PM
Instructor: Rise
Parent Peer Circle provides communityled support to facilitate families’ wellbeing! Circle keeping is a restorative justice practice used to address community conflict, rooted in African, Indigenous, and Native American cultures. In circle keeping, everyone shares the same amount of power; therefore, everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Unlike most interactions we have, restorative justice circles encourage us to share our stories and to listen deeply to others as they share theirs. Our circle will help us to recognize that we are all connected as community members, regardless of our individual journeys.