For the experienced tap dancer with a good command of tap technique and vocabulary this intermediate level class emphasizes choreography. Practice includes a variety of time steps, more syncopated rhythms, developing speed with clarity, and performance quality. Choreography includes new work and some dances from the Matanzas Tap performance repertory.

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 1:30 to 3:00 pm at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084).

For ages 18 and up.

All are welcome but because of the popularity of this group pre-registration to attend is required.

The River House Book Club meets once a month to discuss a pre-chosen book. The chosen book for April's meeting is The Mountains Sing by Nguyen Phan Que Mai.

The facilitator for this group is Peter Gaspar.

This group will meet on Wednesday, April 1 from 2 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St.)

For ages 18 and up.

I always say that if you can make a tea, you can make a remedy. But what about a salve? Or a balm? What’s the difference? What is an electuary? How do you make a cough syrup? Whether it is a lozenge or a poultice, this hands-on course will show you the basic techniques of making herbal remedies.

James is a Professor of Biological Sciences at St. Johns River State College in St. Augustine, personal chef and is a Master Herbalist with over 20 years of experience.

James is a Professor of Biological Sciences at St. Johns River State College in St. Augustine, personal chef and is a Master Herbalist with over 20 years of experience.

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, April 1, 8, 15, 29 (no class session on April 22) from 2:45 - 3:45 at River House (179 Marine St.) 

For ages 18 and up.

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, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 9:30 - 10:30 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

The songwriting team of lyricist Alan Jay Lerner (1918-1986) and composer Frederick Loewe (1901-1988) wrote memorable scores for Broadway musicals in the 1940s and 1950s. This class will look at those musicals and listen to songs from such enduring shows as Brigadoon, Paint Your Wagon, My Fair Lady, and Camelot. Lerner and Loewe are known for their sophistication, romantic songs, and versatility, each show being very different from the other.

The class is part-lecture, part-listening to their Broadway songs.

Thomas Hischak is a retired Professor of Performing Arts from the State University of New York College at Cortland. He is the author of over thirty books on theatre, film, and popular music.

Class sessions will be on Thursdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30  from 9:30 to 11 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

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, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 10:45 to 11:45 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

In this class, students learn fundamental watercolor skills, including how to create smooth gradients with washes, control bleeding for soft transitions, and combine different techniques to develop textures and patterns. They will explore how color choices and washes can set the mood and atmosphere in their artwork. The class emphasizes integrating these techniques into a cohesive composition, culminating in a final project where students apply what they've learned to create a small, complete watercolor piece that demonstrates their understanding and creativity. 

Supplies needed:

• Set of pan or tube watercolor paints. 
• Brushes – mop brush or large round, several sizes of round and flat brushes, a fan brush.
• Paper- 140lb or higher watercolor paper, hot or cold press
• Liquid resist
• 2 water containers

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 11 to 1 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Unhappy with the way things are going?

Know you need to break out of a routine?

This class will help you learn how to change the chatter in your head. A change in your mindset can lead to big changes in your life if you are open to thinking differently.

Kate retired from teaching in 2019, having taught everything from preschool to university. She has a master's degree in education and has been very active in teaching adult education courses.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 12:30 to 1:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.