Spring Open U 2016 J by YMCA at VT

YMCA AT VIRGINIA TECH

Open U Classes | 1

Spring 2016 Community Class Schedule YMCA AT VIRGINIA TECH

LEARN GROW THRIVE Spring 2016 Community Class Schedule YMCA AT VIRGINIA TECH

YMCA AT VIRGINIA TECH

REGISTRATION INFORMATION Some classes are offered by the instructor and you will register with and pay them directly. Please read the description for details. Make sure we have your current email address and phone number on file in case we need to contact you about directions, cancellations, etc. You can register three ways:

Online

Set up a new account or log into your existing account to view classes and register at www.vtymca.org. Not sure if you have an account? Call 540–961–9622, email us at ymca@vtymca.org.

By phone

Call 540–961–9622 with a Visa or Master Card.

In person

Visit The Y Center at 1000 N. Main St. Blacksburg Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cash, check, Visa, or Master Card.

REGISTRATION DEADLINES

Please register at least 3 business days before class begins. If you would like to join class on the day it begins and it is still open, please call to register.

CLASS CANCELLATIONS

Occasionally, we must cancel classes due to insufficient enrollment, weather, etc. When a class is cancelled you will have the option of receiving a full refund or a credit.

CLASS WITHDRAWALS

Refund requests must be made at least 3 business days prior to the first class meeting to ensure a full refund or credit. Withdrawals after that time will receive credit or a refund minus a $5 fee. Withdrawals after a class begins are non–refundable.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

For cancellation information, call us at 540–961–9622 or check www.vtymca.org for an update by 3 p.m. the day of class.

A WORD TO STUDENTS

The Y is committed to offering a wide variety of affordable courses open to all members of the community. Instructors agree to a policy that prohibits them from advertising or selling products and services while teaching these classes. The views expressed in class do not necessarily reflect those of the YMCA at Virginia Tech. Register at www.vtymca.org or call 540–961–9622

Open U Classes | 1

NEW! DANCE & MOVEMENT CLASS PASS This semester, Open University is mixing things up with regards to dance and movement classes. Instead of signing up for one specific dance class, you will now have the opportunity to apply your pass towards a class or a series of classes of your choosing that also fits your schedule. The pass comes in two flavors – a 6 stamp pass ($60) and a 12 stamp pass ($110). Purchase a pass and pick it up from the YMCA Admin Offices. Once you have your pass, just bring it to any dance class. The instructor will initial your pass, then you’re good to go. Enjoy the premium flexibility and variety of the new Open U Dance Class Pass!

CHOOSING A CLASS If you’re having a difficult time choosing a class to sign up for this summer the icons below are here to help. Look for the icons, as well as the class category marked in orange text, throughout the schedule for the type of class you’re interested in taking. You’ll also want to look for the class category when signing up for a class online.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

WRITING & LANGUAGE

POTTERY

GARDNEING

pg. 3

pg. 5

DANCE AND FITNESS pg. 9

HEALTHY LIVING pg. 9

pg. 6

pg. 8

TECHNOLOGY pg. 7

MUSIC pg. 7

ALTERNATIVE CLASSSES pg. 8

Open U Classes | 2

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT® FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Improving the nation’s helth & well-being

ARTS AND CRAFTS Drawing in Pen and Ink Beginner Instructor: Shaun Whiteside Course Description: Ink drawings can be striking and beautiful. This high-contrast medium can be used to define forms in a dramatic or whimsical way. This class will allow you to explore the unique abilities of this medium, with an emphasis on the observation of light and shadow. You’ll learn the basic techniques needed to create striking high-contrast images - techniques such as stippling, hatching, cross-hatching, and more. From there, you’ll work on repoducing a photograph or magazine image using the techniques you’ve learned. Dates: 5 weeks starting 2/8/16 Day and Time: Mondays, 12:00-2:00PM Location: Art Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: $70 ($14/class)

Drawing in Pen and Ink Advanced Instructor: Shaun Whiteside Course Description: For students who have taken tthe introductory class (or by permission of the instructor), we will further explore the creation of naturalistic reproductions of light and shadow. We will also explore more advanced techniques like ink washes while we work to reproduce a photograph or magazine image of the student’s choice. Dates: 5 weeks starting 3/14/16 3 | Open U Classes

Day and Time: Mondays, 12:00-2:00PM Location: Art Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: $70 ($14/class) Pencil, Ink and Watercolor Instructor: Kirsten Cooner Course Description: Six week course exploring the arts through pencil, ink and watercolor. Students will cover topics such as the elements and principles of art, color theory, vocabulary, introductory techniques, care and use of materials, and corresponding art history. A perfect introduction to the arts for teens and adults! Dates: 6 weeks starting 2/10/16 Day and Time: Wednesdays, 7:30-9:00PM Location: Art Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: $80 ($13.40/class)

Pencil & Charcoal Drawing Instructor: Kirsten Cooner Course Description: An introductory course in the mediums of pencil and charcoal, students will learn the foundations of drawing. Taking a handson approach, we will explore the elements and principles of art, drawing exercises, composition, measuring techniques to draw from life and reference images, value, lighting, and shading, among other subjects. A great course for someone who

is interested in learning the fundamentals of drawing with pencil and charcoal. Dates: 12 weeks starting 2/10/16 Day and Time: Wednesdays 12:30-1:30PM Location: Art Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: $120 ($10/class)

Watercolor Instructor: Kirsten Cooner Course Description: An introductory course in watercolor, students will learn about materials and their care, introductory drawing, color theory, color mixing, brush technique, and painting technique. Dates: 8 weeks starting 2/11/16 Day and Time: Thursdays 6:00-7:00PM Location: Art Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: $80 ($10/class)

Art Journaling: Visual Storytelling Instructor: Kirsten Cooner Course Description: Art Journaling is an exploratory art course meant to enable students to express themselves through visual storytelling. Students will learn to make their own art journals and use a variety of techniques to tell their story. We will be using methods such as collage, photo transfers, stitching, painting, drawing, hand lettering, printing and many others to create a beautiful journal. This class takes a conversational, hands-on approach where students can have the freedom to experiment. If you’re interested in art but often feel intimidated by more “traditional” art classes, or if you are looking to explore beyond what you’ve done artistically in the past - this is the class for you! Dates: 8 weeks starting 2/10/16 Day and Time: Wednesdays 6:30-7:30PM Location: Art Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: $80 ($10/class) Register at www.vtymca.org or call 540–961–9622

Introduction to Mixed Media Instructor: Kirsten Cooner Course Description: As an introduction to mixed media, this course will give students the opportunity to explore many different mediums and their application in artwork. Students will be introduced to mediums which will be used as components in original art works they will create over several weeks. Mediums will include clay sculpture, photo transfer, collage, repurposing found items, stitching, and reverse painting. Dates: 8 weeks starting 2/11/16 Day and Time: Thursdays 7:00-8:00PM Location: Art Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: $80 ($10/class)

Contemplative Crochet Instructor: Linda Dickerson Course Description: Crochet is hands-on meditation. Bring your own project or come to learn a new one (instruction will be offered if needed). Enjoy a quiet time of being physically and spiritually grounded as you create something beautiful. Dates: 6 weeks starting 2/10/16 Day and Time: Wednesdays 10:30-11:00AM Location: Northside Presbyterian Church Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: $60 ($10/class)

Figure Drawing Instructor: Jordan Lively Course Description: This course is open to any drawing medium- pencil, charcoal, color pencils, markers, and pastels. Course will begin with experimentation of preferred medium and a crash course in art elements- specifically value, line, and texture. Color theory won’t be taught, but instructor will advise on color choice. The class then progresses to sill life, portraits, and free choice drawing for the remainder of the course. This class is meant to push student’s skill level, creativity, and drawing accuracy. Student’s best works will be brought to the final session for a class wide presentation. Dates: 6 weeks satrting 4/5/16 Open U Classes | 4

Day and Time: Tuesdays 6:00-8:00PM Location: Art Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: $80 ($13.40/class) POTTERY Wheel Thrown Pottery Instructor: Chris Lively Course Description: Wheel Thrown Pottery is six weeks of exploring how to “throw” clay on the potter’s wheel. You will learn to wedge clay, center on the potter’s wheel, learn to move the clay into bowl, plate and cylindrical shapes. How to glaze and decorate your work for the final firing. Some community tools are available for use. Taking this class allows the participant to use the studio during “Open Studio” hours outside of class times. An updated schedule for Open Studio is located on a calendar www.vtymca.org/pottery Dates: 6 weeks starting 2/10/16 6 weeks starting 3/23/16 Day and Time: Wednesdays 6:30-9:00PM Location: Pottery Studio Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 16+ Class Fee: $120 ($20/class) + $20 materials cost

Wheel Thrown Pottery Instructor: Michael LaRoche Course Description: Wheel Thrown Pottery is six weeks of exploring how to “throw” clay on the potter’s wheel. You will learn to wedge clay, center on the potter’s wheel, learn to move the clay into bowl, plate and cylindrical shapes. How to glaze and decorate your work for the final firing. Some community tools are available for use. Taking this class allows the participant to use the studio during “Open Studio” hours outside of class times. An updated schedule for Open Studio is located on a calendar www.vtymca.org/pottery Dates: 6 weeks starting 2/9/16 6 weeks starting 3/22/16 Day and Time: Tuesdays 6:30-9:00PM Location: Pottery Studio Max/Min: 10/5 5 | Open U Classes

Ages: 16+ Class Fee: $120 ($20/class) + $20 materials cost

Wheel Thrown Pottery Instructor: Michael LaRoche Course Description: Wheel Thrown Pottery is six weeks of exploring how to “throw” clay on the potter’s wheel. You will learn to wedge clay, center on the potter’s wheel, learn to move the clay into bowl, plate and cylindrical shapes. How to glaze and decorate your work for the final firing. Some community tools are available for use. Taking this class allows the participant to use the studio during “Open Studio” hours outside of class times. An updated schedule for Open Studio is located on a calendar www.vtymca.org/pottery Dates: 6 weeks starting 2/22/16 Day and Time: Mondays 12:00-2:30PM Location: Pottery Studio Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 16+ Class Fee: $120 ($20/class) + $20 materials cost

Wheel Thrown Pottery Instructor: Abby Reczek Course Description: Wheel Thrown Pottery is six weeks of exploring how to “throw” clay on the potter’s wheel. You will learn to wedge clay, center on the potter’s wheel, learn to move the clay into bowl, plate and cylindrical shapes. How to glaze and decorate your work for the final firing. Some community tools are available for use. Taking this class allows the participant to use the studio during “Open Studio” hours outside of class times. An updated schedule for Open Studio is located on a calendar www.vtymca.org/pottery Dates: 6 weeks starting 2/8/16 Day and Time: Mondays 6:30-9:00PM Location: Pottery Studio Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 16+ Class Fee: $120 ($20/class) + $20 materials cost

Sip N Spin Instructor: Michael LaRoche Course Description: Are you deliberating on signing up for a pottery class?! Well, come try it out, make a few things and we will finish them up for you to pick up in a few weeks! This workshop style single evening with Clay, Give the Potter’s Wheel a spin!!! Bring a friend! Creations made, up to 3 pieces use of up to a 8 lbs. of clay. You can select a finished color for each made. Or come back and Michael will show you how to glaze your own creations! $15 of this workshop can be used toward a pottery class, ask for details and coupon code. Dates: 2/19/16, 3/18/16, 4/15/16 Day and Time: 6:00-9:00PM Location: Pottery Studio Max/Min: 10/5 Class Fee: $40

Hand Building Pottery Instructor: Kirsten Cooner/Michael LaRoche Course Description: This course will introduce students to hand building. Rather than throwing on a wheel, students will learn to work with their hands to form functional and decorative vessels. Two weeks will be spent learning the fundamentals of slab building, and then a third week will be spent learning to glaze projects. Dates: April - contact instructor Day and Time: contact instructor Location: Pottery Studio Max/Min: 10/5 Class Fee: $60 +$10 materials cost

WRITING AND LANGUAGE Beginner Conversational Spanish Instructor: Bertha De la Garza Course Description: This course provides the fundamentals of the Spanish Language and teaches grammar and conversation. It enables beginners and advanced beginner learners to developed Spanish language skills naturally. Instructor Bertha de la Garza is a native of México. She has taught Spanish to adults and children for the past 10 years. Dates: 12 weeks starting 2/8/16 Register at www.vtymca.org or call 540–961–9622

Day and Time: Mondays 6:30-7:30PM Location: Conference Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: $125 ($10.42/class) Advanced Conversational Spanish Instructor: Bertha De la Garza Course Description: This course is a continuation of the beginner’s level course. It builds on the fundamentals and emphasizes improved conversation. It enables beginners and advanced beginner learners to developed Spanish language skills naturally. Instructor Bertha de la Garza is a native of Mexico. She has taught Spanish to adults and children for the past 10 years. Dates: 12 weeks starting 2/8/16 Day and Time: Mondays 5:30-6:30PM Location: Conference Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: $125 ($10.42/class)

Sign Language 101 Instructor: Laura Tollin Course Description: Learn to immerse yourself into the deaf culture! I will teach about haptic and tactile sign language, Signing Exact English, and American Sign Language. Grammar structure will be covered. History of deaf and introduction of Gallaudet University. Dates: 6 weeks starting 3/5/16 Day and Time: Saturdays 9:30-11:30AM Location: Conference Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: $65 ($10.84/class)

Learning Turkish 101 Instructor: Pinar Gurdal Course Description: Turkish Language and Culture class involves the basics of the language taught in a way that the students will have a substantial overview of the structure of the language supplemented with exercises on vocabulary usage for daily conversational needs. Cultural aspects Open U Classes |

will be incorporated as needed in the learning of the language. Dates: 12 weeks starting 2/8/16 Day and Time: Mondays 8:00-9:00PM Location: Conference Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: $125 ($10.42/class)

Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: $100 ($10/class)

Amherst Writing Worshop Instructor: Jennifer Zia & Lesley Howard Course Description: In a supportive environ-

dered how websites are created? It’s really not that complicated. I can teach you how to create your own website on your own domain using the world’s most popular content management system, which is called WordPress. In just 3 sessions of training, I can teach you all need to know to get your website up and running. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or the casual blogger, having your own website can make all the difference. If having your own website is holding you back from achieving your goals in any way, this class is for you! Dates: 3 weeks starting 4/5/16 Day and Time: Tuesdays 6:00-9:00PM Location: Conference Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: $30 ($10/class)

ment, participants will generate first draft writing based on a variety of prompts. Writers are invited to work on a current project or start writing a new one. Participants can expect: At least 60 minutes of writing time each session, confidentiality with a devoted writing space, feedback that addresses the strongest elements of your writing One-of-a-Kind writing prompts to develop your writing abilities, one-on-One meetings with an instructor to discuss your writing, and the opportunity for an in-depth response to your manuscript. Dates: 6 weeks starting 3/8/16 Day and Time: Tuesdays 10:30AM-12:30PM Location: Conference Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: $120 ($20/class)

MUSIC Guitar 101 Instructor: Daniel Burton Course Description: This course is designed for students with limited or no prior guitar playing experience. Students will learn how to hold the guitar, left-and right-hand positioning, basic chords, music notation, strumming patterns, and fingerpicking techniques. The skills learned in this class can be applied to the performance of many styles of music. This is an excellent opportunity to experience the guitar in a classroom setting among peers. Dates: 10 weeks starting 2/10/16 Day and Time: Wednesdays 6:00-8:00PM Location: Conference Room 7 | Open U Classes

TECHNOLOGY Build Your Own Website Instructor: Adam Ernst Course Description: Have you ever won-

Taking Better Photographs Instructor: Charlie Whitescarver Course Description: Your digital camera can help you take great photographs as long as you understand a few fundamentals and how your camera can help you. This beginner/intermediate level class will cover the fundamentals of how your camera works and composition. Each session will include instruction and discussion of class assignments, sharing of photographs for critic and improvement, and activities between classes to practice what you discover. The class may take field trips to be decided by the class. Dates: 5 weeks starting 2/11/16 Day and Time: Thursdays 7:00-8:30PM Location: Conference Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: $65 ($13/class)

Intro to Photoshop Instructor: Kirsten Cooner Course Description: This course will introduce students to the tools and functions of photo shop. Each week students will walk step by step through several exercises to introduce them to a new “tool” in the program. Students will also learn about the elements and principles of design, color theory, and how to prepare files for the web and print. Dates: 12 weeks starting 2/11/16 Day and Time: Thursdays 12:30-1:30PM Location: Art Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: $120 ($10/class)

GARDENING Sustainable Gardening Instructor: Barry Robinson Course Description: Learn what’s involved in planning a garden, and learn how to start different plants. Dates: 3/19/16 Day and Time: Saturday 9:30AM-12:00PM Location: Art Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: $25

Fruit Tree Pruning Instructor: Barry Robinson Course Description: Fruit tree pruning is the cutting and removing of parts of a fruit tree. It covers a number of horticultural techniques that control growth, remove dead or diseased wood, and stimulate the formation of flowers and fruit buds. Dates: 2/27/16 Day and Time: Saturday 9:30-11:30AM Location: YMCA Gardens Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: 15

ALTERNATIVE COURSES Rock Identification 101 (Workshop) Instructor: Hazel Beeler Course Description: We will cover the following cool subjects: The rock cycle Rocks versus minerals Types of sedimentary rocks and how they are formed How features of sedimentary rocks indicate the environments they formed in Identification of local sedimentary rocks Types of metamorphic rocks and the conditions under which they form Identification of local metamorphic rocks. Dates: One day workshops held on the following dates: 2/9/16, 2/16/16, 2/23/16 Day and Time: Tuesdays 5:00-8:00PM Location: Arts Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: $15

Backpacking Skills and Tips Instructor: Clark Lentz Course Description: Learn how to enjoy the outdoors while carrying everything you need for a comfortable multi-day trip. Topics will include gear selection, packweight control, water purification, and simple cooking techniques. Trip planning and trip routes for the Eastern & Western US will be discussed. Class will include three 1-1/4 hour classroom sessions and an overnight trip on the Appalachian Trail. Dates: 4 weeks starting 3/15/16 Backpacking Trip 4/2/16 Backpack Trip Rain Date 4/16/16 Day and Time: Tuesdays 7:00-8:15PM Location: Conference Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: $50 ($12.50/class)

The Presence Process Instructor: Lisa McCrickard Course Description: We live our lives in the Open U Classes

present, yet our minds often draw us elsewhere. If we can include the vantage point of what is happening right now, we have the potential to live a more rich, easeful, and satisfying life. Enter a fascinating process of self-exploration in this class based on Michael Brown’s step-by-step guide, The Presence Process: A Journey into Present Moment Awareness. Meditation, weekly chapter discussions, and exercises will support the skills of being present. Dates: 15 weeks starting 2/14/16 Day and Time: Sundays 3:30-5:00PM Location: Conference Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: $90 ($5.63/class)

Local Geology: Rocks, Folds, and Faults Instructor: Hazel Beeler Course Description: March 3rd: Intro to rocks versus minerals, sedimentary rocks, and how rocks reflect the environment they are formed in. We can also look at rocks that students bring in! I recommend bringing a small pocketknife and a 10x hand lens (the Tech bookstore sells them) March 17th: We will continue studying sedimentary rocks! March 24th: We’ll discuss metamorphic rocks and (if students are interested) we can travel to Floyd county to look at some! March 31st: We’ll study where rocks came from, ancient continents, and cool things like transgressions and orogenies. April 7th: We’ll look into different rock structures and how folds and faults form. Please bring 3 containers of Play-Doh for an illustration! April 14th: Plate Tectonics Demo! Bring a small mat, and we’ll look at how today’s topography formed...uplift, downcutting, karst, and how old everything is. (Possible field trip to visit a cave if I can arrange it!) Dates: 6 weeks starting 3/3/16 Day and Time: Thursdays 7:00-9:00PM Location: Art Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: $60 ($10/class)

HEALTHY LIVING 9 | Open U Classes

Partners in Health Engage: Health as a Human Right Instructor: Melissa Ripepi Course Description: Each of the 7 week lessons revolves around a specific theme pulled from research, writing, and experience that is integral to the Partners in Health mission and model of global health care delivery. Each lesson will spark unique discussion pertinent to the movement for the right to health in a changing world. Dates: 7 weeks starting 3/17/16 Day and Time: Fridays 7:00-8:00PM Location: Art Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: $75 ($10.75/class)

MOVEMENT CLASSES ATTENTION: The Class Pass for Open University Dance and Movement Classes is a brand new offering. After purchasing the pass, you will be able to attend up to 12 dance or movement classes of your choice at your own convenience. The class pass allows you to drop in to any dance/movement class at your convenience. Drop by the office to pick up your pass, and then hand it to the instructor at the beginning of class. They will stamp it for the day, and then you’re good to go! For questions, feel free to call the YMCA Offices at 540-961-9622 or email operations@vtymca.org Modern Dance Instructor: Rachel Rugh Course Description: Modern dance is a fantastic way to blend physical fitness with artistic inquiry. This class is for both beginning and intermediate movers and will start with gentle warm up activities, gradually increasing in rigor and intensity. We’ll ultimately progress towards fun, full-bodied movement phrases. Creative expression and improvisation will be introduced and

encouraged. Join us! Dates: 16 weeks starting 2/9/16 Day and Time: Tuesdays 7:00-8:15PM Location: Dance Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: Class Pass

Creative Movement for Kids Instructor: Rachel Rugh Course Description: This class for children aged 6-10 will focus on creative exploration, basic modern dance terminology, musicality and joyful expression. We’ll explore a different movement concept each week, and will have a very informal performance for friends and family on the last day of class to show what we’ve learned! Dates: 6 weeks starting 4/4/16 Day and Time: Mondays 4:00-5:00PM Location: Dance Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 6-10 Class Fee: Class Pass

Zumba Instructor: Natalia Pizarro Course Description: I was born in Bogota, Colombia and since I can remember music has always being an important part of my life. I have danced/performed typical Colombian dances and international fusion dances in Colombia, Ecuador and the U.S. When I heard about Zumba I knew it was made for me. I have been teaching for over six years now. I taught 2 years in NW Arkansas, then I moved to Austin, TX where I taught for 3 years and now I’ve been in Blacksburg, VA for over a year. Check my schedule and join the fiesta. I simply love to dance. Just contact me if you are up for some party-style fun!!!! Dates: 13 weeks starting 2/10/16 Day and Time: Wednesdays 6:00-7:00PM Location: Dance Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: Class Pass

Lunch Break Yoga Instructor: Rachel Rugh Course Description: Make the transition back to work on Monday a little easier with a gentle, reinvigorating yoga practice. This class will emphasize safe, efficient movement with appropriate musculoskeletal alignment, along with a joyful and openhearted approach to yoga postures. All levels of experience are welcome! Dates: Ongoing - contact instructor Day and Time: Mondays 12:00-1:00PM Location: Dance Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: Class Pass

Quigong Yoga Instructor: Robin Murphy Course Description: Lotus Qigong can be defined as an energy science of human preservation, cultivation and meditation. This Medical Qigongscience contains the keystones and essence of the ancient wisdom from Tibet, India, and China. The Lotus Qigong sets are very powerful internal energy exercises. Qigong movements develope calmness, vitality and stronger bones. These exercises open all the meridians and energy points in the body, allowing energy to flow to all parts of the body, promoting overall health. Dates: 14 weeks starting 2/1/16 Day and Time: Mondays 6:00-7:30PM Location: Dance Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: Not eligible for class pass use please contact instructor for payment information.

Evening Yoga Instructor: Julia Donnelly Course Description: Relax and unwind at the end of your workday with an all-levels yoga offering. This is a basic yoga class that is suitable for beginners as well as those who practice regularly. If you can breathe, you can do yoga! Dates: 13 weeks starting 2/11/16 Open U Classes | 10

Day and Time: Thursdays 5:00-6:00 PM Location: Dance Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: Class Pass Taijiwuxigong Instructor: Gaetan Desombre Course Description: Taijiwuxigong (Taichiwuxigong) is a simple and profound system for selfhealing created by Dr Shen Hongxun and Master Shen Jin. It is based on Qigong exercises (ancient Taoist practices for health, longevity and spiritual cultivation). The practice includes 3 types of exercises: spontaneous movement, Daoyin and meditation. The activation of the Dantian (our main energy center located under the navel) allows a better circulation of the chi (vital energy) in the channels and helps remove both physical and emotional energy blockages. The practice of Taijiwuxigong enables the vibration force of the earth to radiate upwards through the body. It revitalizes body, mind and spirit. It also helps in developing strength and flexibility. Dates: 13 weeks starting 2/12/16 Day and Time: Fridays 5:00-6:00PM Location: Dance Room Max/Min: 20/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: Class Pass

Contemplative Movement Instructor: Lisa McCrickard Course Description: Breathe in. Breath out. This is where it starts. Explore a practice of slow, breath-led movements and postures designed to increase flexibility and calm the mind. Class begins seated in a chair, proceeds to standing and floor movements, and and concludes with a guided relaxation. All abilities welcome. Wear comfortable clothing. Dates: 13 weeks starting 2/8/16 Day and Time: Mondays 9:30-10:30AM Thursdays 9:15-10:15AM Location: Dance Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: Class Pass 11 | Open U Classes

Aikido Martial Arts Instructor: Robert Agnew Course Description: The martial art of Aikido originated in Japan. Aikido is a self-defense martial art that uses the attacker’s strength and force against them. Kinetic Symmetry Aikido does this without the use of strength or force. This affords ANYONE the same opportunity to learn and be very effective at diffusing an attack. Dates: 12 weeks starting 2/9/16 Day and Time: Tuesdays 5:00-6:30PM Location: Dance Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: Class Pass

Line Dancing Instructor: Cass Long Course Description: Line dancing is a choreographed dance with a repeated sequence of steps in which a group of people dance in one or more lines or rows without regard for the gender of the individuals, all facing either each other or in the same direction, and executing the steps at the same time. Dates: 14 weeks starting 2/9/16 Day and Time: Tuesdays 11:30AM-12:30PM Location: Dance Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: Class Pass

Aerobics Instructor: Katie Criswell Course Description: This is a floor aerobics class of moderate intensity that will combine a mixture of dance aerobics and easy choreography for a cardiovascular workout in a 45 minute exercise class. Dates: 13 weeks starting 2/11/16 Day and Time: Thursdays 6:15-7:15PM Location: Dance Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: Class Pass

Breakdancing Instructor: Daniel Weon Course Description: The VT bboy club will teach the fundmentals of hiphop, and Bboying. Skills will include top rock, down rock, power moves, and freezes! Fundamental to advanced components will be covered! No experience necessary. Dates: 13 weeks starting 2/18/16 Day and Time: Thursdays 7:30-9:00PM Location: Dance Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: Class Pass

Contact Improvision Instructor: Rachel Rugh Course Description: Contact Improv (CI) is a movement practice in which points of physical contact provide a starting point for explorations with a partner or partners. It was developed in America in the 1970s, and has been evolving in varied directions since then. In this beginner workshop, Barbara Tait and Rachel Rugh will lead participants through some basic tools for practicing Contact Improvisation, including falling, rolling a point of contact, weight exchange, counter balance, and physical listening. To practice CI is to practice mindfulness/living in the moment, compromise with others, and allowing yourself to be a vessel for something larger. You need not have any experience with Contac Improvisation or any other dance or movement form in order to attend this workshop. The beauty of Contact Improvisation is that it innately honors all body types and abilities. Dates: Contact instructor for more information Day and Time: Contact instructor for more information Location: Dance Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: Class Pass

means of doing “kung fu” (any art or skill achieved through hard work and practice, not necessarily a martial or soldierly art). It is not a dance, nor is it an exercise regimen. It is an internal art form performed sometimes, but not always, in the company of others. It is not something to be undertaken frivolously or for the sake of entertainment or even relaxation, although relaxation is absolutely necessary to doing Tai Chi correctly. The purpose of Tai Chi is for the practitioner to achieve strength, coordination, balance, centeredness, and a sense of oneness (unity) with the natural world. Dates: 13 weeks starting 2/10/16 Day and Time: Wednesdays 12:00-2:00PM Location: Dance Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 40+ Class Fee: Class Pass

Ashtanga Yoga Instructor: Karen Cairns Course Description: Ashtanga Yoga is a set series of poses taught in the tradition established by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and continued by his grandson, R. Sharath Jois. These classes follow the method and sequence taught in the Ashtanga Yoga Institute, Mysore, India. Ashtanga is both aerobic and weight-bearing and therefore has many benefits physically and emotionally. Led class is for any student, but ask the teacher if you have serious health issues or difficulties. This is a more physically challenging yoga. In “Mysorestyle” classes, you work at your own pace and the teacher is there to help with adjustments or when you forget the sequence. Beginners are welcome to Mysore classes, but many students prefer to attend a few led classes first, so that they have a basic understanding of the sequence. Karen Cairns is an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 500) at the 500 hour level with the Yoga Alliance. She is Authorized by the Shri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Institute, Mysore, India, and is the only authorized teacher in the southwest region of the state of Virginia.

Temple-Style Tai Chi Instructor: Dr. John Cantrell Course Description: Tai Chi is a martial art, one Register at www.vtymca.org or call 540–961–9622

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Dates: Ongoing - contact instructor Day and Time: Led Ashanga Sessions ($10/class) Sundays 9:00-10:45AM Mysore Sessions Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 11:00AM-12:30PM (FREE) Location: Dance Room

Tap Dance Rhythm and Groove Instructor: Ann Kilkelly Course Description: The class is an exploration of Jazz-Tap or Rhythm-Tap. In this form the whole body and the feet are musical instruments and the sound is jazz. All styles of tap share common roots in African polyrhythms and AngloEuropean musical phrasing and body positions. Each class will start with technical exercises and tap manipulations and vocabulary; then we will learn dances from “classic” repertory and explore contemporary choreography and improvisation. Expect rigorous movement, great music, and fun. Intermediate to Advanced dancers with previous experience in Tap. Flat soled tap shoes required. Dates: Six weeks starting 2/8/16 Day and Time: Saturdays 12:00-1:30PM Location: Dance Room Max/Min: 10/5 Ages: 13+ Class Fee: Class Pass

13 | Open U Classes