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St. Johns County Council on Aging

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The Arts (writing, painting, acting, etc.)

Singing on Tuesdays in September at River House

$25

with Abigail Dyer

Calendar Sep 3, 2024 at 10:15 am, runs for 4 weeks

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, September 3, 10, 17, 24 from 10:15 to 11:15 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

Classes are for ages 18 and up.

Will run

Intermediate Ballroom Dance Group Class on Tuesdays in September at River House

$25

with Ramona Walter

Calendar Sep 3, 2024 at 12:45 pm, runs for 4 weeks

You must have basic knowledge of ballroom dancing.

In this class you will learn the technical elements of ballroom dance including leading and following. You will also learn correct ballroom posture so you will look good while executing your steps. Learn how to recognize the right music for the right dance.

Come join us. You'll have a great time!

No partner is needed.

Wear comfortable shoes, leather bottom preferred.

Ramona is the former owner of Mona Gail Dance Center. She studied Ballroom dance under Jack Kalan and became a teacher at the age of sixteen. While working with Fred Astaire she became the Tri-State Dance Director and she is a multi National Championship winner. She has experience in choreography and her local students won first place in the "I Love Dance Competition" at World Golf Village in 2020.

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, September 3, 10, 17, 24 from 12:45 to 1:45 at The River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

Classes are for ages 18 and up.

Will run

Argentine Tango on Tuesdays in September at River House

$25

with Virginia "Honey" Burton

Calendar Sep 3, 2024 at 2:45 pm, runs for 4 weeks

Learn the Basics of Argentine Tango (the original Tango). The Dance progresses counterclockwise around the floor. No partner needed. Dancers rotate partners. Leather soled shoes are preferrable. No flipflops, rubber soles, etc. Dance sneakers are Ok.

Virginia has been dancing Argentine Tango for over 20 years. She studied in the U.S. and traveled to Argentina twice to study with the Maestros. She has danced in group performances and solo with a partner here and in Atlanta and has been teaching here in St Augustine, Ormond Beach and Jax and surrounding areas since 2008. You might have seen her performing in the Romanza Festvale over the past 7 years.

Class sessions are Tuesdays, September 3, 10, 17, 24 from 2:45 to 3:45 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

Classes are for ages 18 and up.

Will run

Watercolor Painting on Wednesdays in September at River House

$50

with David Ouellette

Calendar Sep 4, 2024 at 9 am, runs for 4 weeks

This course is designed to teach the student the techniques of transparent watercolor using both the ”wet” and “dry” methods. Student will learn the unique characteristics of the watercolor medium, its possibilities and limitations, as well as the special papers and brushes used in the execution of art works.

Mr. Ouellette received his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Arts in Painting from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He taught at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and showed in many galleries and museums including the Detroit Institute of Art. He moved to St. Augustine in 1981 where he continued his career as an artist and professor of Fine Art at the Florida School of the Arts in his twenty-six year tenure. He was also a professor of Fine Arts, Painting and Design and Art History at SJRCC St. Augustine campus. He is currently teaching Art History and Studio classes at Flagler College Continuing Education.

Watercolor Materials and Supplies                

Brushes:

  • sable (preferred), ox hair (if you can find it or sable blends or sable synthetics 
  • 1”       flat
  • 1/2”    flat
  • #8  and #10  round
  • rigger brush 

 Paper:

  • Two sheets of Arches 22”x30”, 140 lb. cold press,  or a 9” x 12” block      

Paints:

Box sets of tube watercolors which should include most of these:        

  • ultramarine blue
  • cerulean blue
  • cobalt blue
  • thalo blue
  • alizarin crimson
  • cadmium red light
  • cadmium yellow light 
  • new gamboge
  • burnt umber
  • burnt sienna 

Other materials:                            

  • covered palette, plastic
  • painting board approx. 16”x20”
  • masking tape
  • materials box
  • non-breakable container for water
  • roll of paper towels

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, September 4, 11, 18, 25 from 9:00 - 11:00 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

Classes are for ages 18 and up.

Will run

Line Dance on Wednesdays in September at River House

$25

with Ramona Walter

Calendar Sep 4, 2024 at 11:45 am, runs for 4 weeks

Come learn the fun dance art of Line Dance with a lively variety of music including Pop, Country, and Latin.

Wear comfortable shoes, preferably with leather bottoms.

Ramona is the former owner of Mona Gail Dance Center. She studied Ballroom dance under Jack Kalan and became a teacher at the age of sixteen. While working with Fred Astaire she became the Tri-State Dance Director. Ramona is a multi National Championship winner. She has experience in choreography and her local students won first place in the "I Love Dance Competition" at World Golf Village in 2020.

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, September 4, 11, 18, 25 from 11:45 to 12:45 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

Classes are for ages 18 and up.

 

Will run

Tap Dancing Level 3 on Wednesdays in September at River House

$3750

with Judy Woodruff

Calendar Sep 4, 2024 at 1:30 pm, runs for 4 weeks

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, September 4, 11, 18, 25 from 1:30 to 3:00 pm at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084).

Classes are for ages 18 and up.

Will run

Drawing 1 on Thursdays in September at River House

$3750

with David Ouellette

Calendar Sep 5, 2024 at 9 am, runs for 4 weeks

This course is structured to develop basic drawing techniques by concentrating on the elements of descriptive drawing through observation. Students will develop the qualities of line and volume with a full range of values. The course will also cover linear perspective and compositional design. 

Supplies needed:

  • Drawing pad 11” x 14”
  • #2, #4 drawing pencils
  • Kneaded eraser
  • White plastic eraser
  • Drawing board, 16 x 20”
  • Masking tape, beige 
  • Blending stumps

Mr. Ouellette received his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Arts in Painting from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He taught at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and showed in many galleries and museums including the Detroit Institute of Art. David Ouellette moved to  St. Augustine in 1981 where he continued his career as an artist and professor of Fine Art at the Florida School of the Arts in his twenty-six year tenure. He is currently a professor of Fine Arts, Painting and Design and Art History at SJRCC St. Augustine campus. He also teaches Art History and Studio classes at Flagler College.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, September 5, 12, 19, 26 from 9 - 10:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

 Classes are for ages 18 and up.

Will run

Bellydance Basics and Beyond on Thursdays in September at River House

$25

with Gina Marie Newman

Calendar Sep 5, 2024 at 9:30 am, runs for 4 weeks

Welcome to Level 2 Bellydance, the next step in your dance journey with Gina! This class is specifically designed for students who have successfully completed Gina's Level 1 Bellydance class and are ready to build on their foundational skills. 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 Bellydance 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, September 5, 12, 19, 26 from 9:30 - 10:30 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

Classes are for ages 18 and up.

Will run





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