This class looks at popular music during the 1930s. What a decade it was for American songs! Some songs thumbed their nose at the Depression with wild optimism while others were laments during hard times. Songs from the movies, Broadway, and Tin Pan Alley make up the 1930's songbook with such songwriters as Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Rogers and Hart, and others. We will also hear from the best vocalists during the Depression, including Al Jolson, Shirley Temple, Bing Crosby, Ethel Waters, Judy Garland and many others.

The class is part-lecture, part-listening to classic recordings of outstanding 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 Mondays, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 9:30 to 11 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

This ballet class is designed for seniors but emphasizes classical technique rather than exercise for its own sake. Approximately the first 20-30 minutes of class will be devoted to floor work that develops range of joint motion, strength, stretch and muscular sequencing necessary for ballet technique. That will be followed by about 30 minutes each at the barre and center. These exercises are selected to improve balance, posture, upper body range of motion and enhance the ability to transfer weight with confidence and grace. Some prior dance experience is recommended. The ability to work lying or sitting on the floor, get up from the floor, and the ability to stand and move unaided are required.

Ballet shoes are recommended.

Class sessions will be held on Mondays, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 1:30 - 3 at River House (179 Marine St.)

For ages 18 and up.

Group singing class is focused on the basics of classical singing technique.  You'll learn exercises to improve your breath control as well as your vocal strength, range and clarity.  You'll also have a chance to apply your new technique to the repertoire of your choice.  

Please bring two printed copies of the sheet music for a song of your choice to work on over the course of the month. Students of all levels are welcome.

Singing teacher and classical singer Abigail Dyer was born in West Orange, New Jersey. With a private voice studio in St Augustine Beach and over 20 years' experience teaching opera professionals and amateur singers alike, Abby specializes in developing healthy vocal technique in the service of expressive singing.

Abby is a graduate of Vassar College (BA) and Columbia University (MA, M.Phil., Ph.D.), and the Mannes College Wagner Theater Program.

Class sessions will be held Tuesdays, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 10:15 to 11:15 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

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, June 4, 11, 18, 25 from 9:30 - 10:30 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

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, June 4, 11, 18, 25 from 10:45 to 11:45 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Watercolor/doodle class is designed to provide participants with the opportunity to learn about, and experiment with, two fascinating art forms: watercolor painting and doodling. Through a combination of hands-on instruction, group discussions, and individual feedback, students will develop their own unique style and gain the skills and confidence needed to express themselves creatively. 

 Supplies needed:

• Watercolor paints - tube or pan paint sets
• Extra-Fine black line markers (i.e. Sharpie black)
• Small set of color markers (dual tips)
• 140lb watercolor paper (hot or cold press -ok)
• Mechanical pencil
• White gel pen
• Gold gel pen
• Eraser
• Paper towels
• 2 Water containers
• Paint brushes - 4, 6, 8 rounds; 1 inch flat brush; rigger brush
• Color wheel

Class sessions take place on Thursdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25 from 11 - 1 at the River House, 179 Marine Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084.

For ages 18 and up

Step into the evocative world of Zambra Mora, a soulful fusion of Spanish Romani expression and deep Arabic influence. This Level One foundations class is designed for absolute beginners and curious dancers who want to explore the earthy, emotional, and rhythmic heart of this historic style. 

In this class, students will learn:

• Fundamental posture and movement vocabulary
• Slow, serpentine movements that emphasize breath, groundedness, and expression intention
• Fast rhythmic accents drawn from traditional Zambra phrasing
• Hipwork, arm pathways, and traveling steps that build confidence and fluidity
• Cultural context and lineage, honoring the dance’s roots while building a modern, accessible foundation

The pace is welcoming and supportive, with plenty of breakdowns, repetition, and guided practice. No prior dance experience is required — just curiosity and a willingness to explore a dance form that is both fiery and deeply poetic.

By the end of the series, students will feel grounded in the essential shapes, rhythms, and emotional textures of Zambra Mora, ready to continue into more layered technique and choreography.

Barefoot or dance shoes preferred, wear comfortable clothing that you can move freely in.

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.  

Class sessions will be on Thursdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25 from Noon to 1 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

With instructor Liz Monaco, this class is designed to teach you the popular art of Colored Pencil to create your very own works of art. You will learn color mixing, layering, and other techniques to get the results you have always wanted. 

*Supplies Needed:

• Prisma Color Premier Colored Pencils – Set of 24
• Open Stock Colors: Black Grape, Magenta
• Colorless Blender
• White Plastic Eraser, Pencil Sharpener, Ruler
• Bristol Vellum Drawing Paper
• Tracing paper, Graphite Transfer Paper

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.