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St. Johns County Council on Aging



Exercise

Zambra Mora Dance Class on Tuesdays in January at River House

$25

with Gina Marie Newman

Calendar Jan 6, 2026 at 11:45 am, runs for 4 weeks

Join Gina Marie for a lively and inspiring Zambra Mora class that blends the passion of Spanish fusion dance with expressive movement techniques. In this series of beginner friendly classes you’ll explore:  

  • Dynamic dance combinations rooted in Spanish and fusion styles  
  • Skirt work that adds flair and drama to your performance  
  • Silk fan techniques to enhance your dance through graceful props  
  • Creative expression that celebrates rhythm, artistry, and individuality

With years of teaching and performance experience, Gina brings her expertise, warmth, and energy to every class. Whether you’re new to Zambra Mora or looking to expand your repertoire, this class offers a fun, supportive environment to grow your skills and enjoy the beauty of dance.  

Dance shoes or barefoot in the studio.

Wear a full skirt if you have one. Gina will have a few loaners as well as practice fans.

Class sessions will be on Tuesdays, January 6, 13, 20, 27 from 11:45 to 12:45 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

Will run

Gentle Yoga on Wednesdays in January at River House

$25

with Scott Farber

Calendar Jan 7, 2026 at 9:15 am, runs for 4 weeks

This dynamic yet gentle class is for all ages, accommodating beginners as well as those who want to deepen their practice. Using teaching demonstrations and detailed guidance, each class proceeds in a safe and slow way to instruct the basics of (Kripalu) yoga postures, breathwork and meditation. Plenty of modifications and variations will be given for different body types. 

Class is 60 minutes and include an opening centering, gentle warmups, postures (asanas), breathwork (pranayama), and a long closing relaxation (yoga nidra). 

Please bring your own yoga mat, water bottle, and blanket or cushion to sit on.

Scott Farber, Ph.D., E-RYT 500/YACEP. Scott has been practicing yoga, meditation, and t'ai chi since the 1970s. A former college professor, with a doctorate in philosophy of education, he has traveled and taught all over the world. He now serves as a lead trainer in the Discovery Yoga School, offering a variety of yoga classes, workshops and teacher trainings.

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28 from 9:15 to 10:15 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Full Course

Chair Yoga on Wednesdays in January at River House

$25

with Rebecca Dawson

Calendar Jan 7, 2026 at 10:30 am, runs for 4 weeks

Discover a yoga practice that has therapeutic benefits for seniors who may not be able to stand for long periods of time or may be uncomfortable seated on the floor.

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28 from 10:30 to 11:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Functional Body Strength on Wednesdays in January at River House

$25

with Katie Smith

Calendar Jan 7, 2026 at 2:45 pm, runs for 4 weeks

This class focuses on building real-world strength through functional movement patterns using dumbbells. You'll work through full-body exercises designed to improve muscular strength, stability, mobility, and coordination. Target every muscle group and mimic natural motion—helping you move better in everyday life, prevent injury, and boost overall daily performance.  

All fitness levels welcome. Modifications and progressions are offered for beginners and advanced clients alike.

Perfect for anyone wanting a stronger, more functional body without the need for machines or heavy equipment.  Build strong, stable, and efficient movement patterns that carry over into your daily activities, sport, or active lifestyle—one dumbbell at a time!

Equipment needed: 

  • Dumbbells (anywhere from 2-15 pounds),
  • yoga mat,
  • sneakers,
  • towel,
  • water bottle

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28 from 2:45 to 3:45 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Chair Yoga on Thursdays in January at River House

$1875

with Rebecca Dawson

Calendar Jan 15, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 3 weeks

Discover a yoga practice that has therapeutic benefits for seniors who may not be able to stand for long periods of time or may be uncomfortable seated on the floor.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, January 15, 22, 29 from 9:00 - 10:00 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

No class sessions on Jan. 1 & 8.

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Belly Dance Basics and Beyond on Thursdays in January at River House

$1875

with Gina Marie Newman

Calendar Jan 15, 2026 at 9:30 am, runs for 3 weeks

Welcome to Level 2 Belly Dance, the next step in your dance journey with Gina! This class is specifically designed for students who have successfully completed Gina's Level 1 Belly Dance class and are ready to build on their foundational skills. Please check class requirements for additional requirements.

In Level 2, we will shift our focus towards learning to perform choreography, integrating the movements and techniques you have mastered into beautiful, fluid routines.

What You'll Learn:

  • Choreography Integration: Learn to combine various bellydance movements into seamless choreography.
  • Performance Techniques: Discover how to enhance your dance with expressive gestures, emotional engagement, and stage presence.
  • Group Dynamics: Practice dancing in synchrony with a group, honing your ability to perform in unison with others.

Class Structure:

  • Warm-Up: Gentle stretching and conditioning to prepare your body for dance.
  • Technique Review: Quick recap of key movements from Level 1 to ensure a strong foundation.
  • Choreography Breakdown: Step-by-step instruction on new dance routines, with a focus on mastering each section before moving on.
  • Drills and Repetition: Practice sequences to build muscle memory and precision.
  • Performance Practice: Opportunities to perform the learned choreography, with constructive feedback from Gina.

Requirements:

  • Completion of Gina's Level 1 Belly Dance class or equivalent experience.
  • Comfortable dance attire and a willingness to explore and express through movement.

Barefoot or dance shoes. No sneakers. Comfortable clothing such as yoga wear or something you can move freely in. A coin belt or hip scarf is fun to wear if you have one.

Gina Marie is Director of Blue Lotus World Dance and is a certified SharQui Belly Dance Fitness Instructor.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, January 15, 22, 29 (No class sessions Jan. 1 & 8) from 9:30 - 10:30 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Bellydance Basics Level 1 on Thursdays in January at River House

$1875

with Gina Marie Newman

Calendar Jan 15, 2026 at 10:45 am, runs for 3 weeks

Welcome to the Level One Bellydance class, designed for participants of all ages and skill levels! This class focuses on low-impact movements that promote improved flexibility while ensuring a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience in bellydance, this class is perfect for you.

Throughout the session you'll learn foundational bellydance movements such as hip drops, shimmies, and graceful arm patterns. These movements are taught at a comfortable pace, allowing you to master each step while also improving your overall flexibility and core strength.

At its core this class is about enjoying the art of bellydance, embracing the music, and expressing yourself through movement. It's a welcoming environment where participants can come together to learn, dance, and have a great time.

Join us for a delightful journey into the world of bellydance, where every step brings you closer to improved flexibility, increased confidence, and a whole lot of fun!

Barefoot or dance shoes. No sneakers. Comfortable clothing such as yoga wear or something you can move freely in. A coin belt or hip scarf is fun to wear if you have one.

Gina Marie is certified in Sharqui Bellydance Fitness has been teaching for more than two decades. She will guide you through gentle warm-up exercises to prepare your body for the movements ahead. As you progress through the class, you'll also have the opportunity to practice combinations and sequences that blend seamlessly into a fluid dance routine.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, January 15, 22, 29 (No class sessions Jan. 1 & 8) from 10:45 to 11:45 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Sculpt, Stride & Stretch on Thursdays in January at River House

$1875

with Katie Smith

Calendar Jan 15, 2026 at 12 pm, runs for 2 weeks

This class is designed to improve cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength without increasing risk. Energizing and easy-to-follow movements promote heart-healthy, total-body conditioning to increase balance, cardiovascular, and muscular endurance. Follow along with engaging music as we alternate between low impact aerobics conditioning and upper body strength training using dumbbells. 

The final 30 mins will be devoted to stretching the entire body to increase flexibility and mobility

Equipment needed:

  • water
  • towel
  • dumbbells or a band
  • athletic shoes

Katie is on a mission to empower everyone with the mantra "get stronger to live longer." As an ACE certified Group Fitness Instructor since 2018 she brings her passion for health and wellness to the St. Augustine community through a variety of engaging classes. Specializing in Body Pump, Indoor Cycle, Boot Camp, Core & Flexibility, and Active Older Adult Classes, Katie ensures her sessions are both enjoyable and challenging. Her journey is a testament to the adage that age is just a number, as she achieved her lifelong ambition of becoming a fitness instructor at 44.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, January 15, 29 from noon to 1:30 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

No class sessions Jan. 1, 8, 22.

For ages 18 and up.

Will run





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