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The Arts (writing, painting, acting, etc.)
Singing on Tuesdays in September at River House
with Abigail Dyer

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 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.
Will run
Beginners Ballroom Dance Group Class on Tuesdays in September at River House
with Ramona Walter

Join Ramona as she teaches Beginners Ballroom Dance Group Class. No partner is needed. A strictly beginners Ballroom Dance Class where you come to enjoy yourself with friends you haven't met yet. We have a great time while learning a new skill.
Learn the basic steps in Ballroom Dance so you can move around the dance floor with confidence. Dancing is the best exercise for your body and your brain. Come join us, you'll love it.
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 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 11:30 to 12:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)
For ages 18 and up.
Will run
Intermediate Ballroom Dance Group Class on Tuesdays in September at River House
with Ramona Walter

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 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 12:45 to 1:45 at The River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)
For ages 18 and up.
Will run
Exploration of Acrylic Painting from Beginning to End on Tuesdays in September at River House
with Heather Harley-Davidson

Students will learn the basic concepts of working with acrylic fast drying paints with the objective of completing three 16 x 20 paintings and framing one. The first class consists of prepping three canvases and subject matter selection while listening to lectures on the topic of art history, prep, supplies, care of brushes, and digital and old school transposing of references. In the remaining class sessions students will receive hands on instruction on pallet paint layout, supplies, taping techniques, history & symbolism, foreground and background, variations of canvases, mixing colors, brush strokes, shading, different size and framing challenges, and in-class plein air instruction and principles. Students are required to bring their inner child creativity so we can paint.
Suggested Class supplies
- One inch disposable paint brush (needed first class)
- Pencil (needed first class)
- Rubber Eraser (needed first class)
- 3 pack of Artist Canvas
- 16x20 (stretched or pannel) (needed first class)
- White Gesso Primer 8 oz (needed first class)
- styrofoam egg carton
- Grumbach Acrylic Paint Set Pack of 6, 3 oz tubes "primary"
- 12 to 14 piece professional Artist Paint Brush Set
- 1/2 inch green painters tape
- Optional table or stand easel
- Additional Grumbach Acrylic Paint: Yellow, Ochre, Bunt Sienna, Raw Umber
- Old Picture Frame 16x20
Heather Harley Davidson is an award winning multi medium artist and builder. A local of St. Augustine for 45 years, her distinct impressionism style is known by locals who delight in her use of color and depiction of historical St. Augustine. She is an active member in the St. Augustine Art Association and participates in their annual Plein Air events. She attended the University of North Florida where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology Building Construction Management. Heather's art interests motivated her studies to focus on architecture principles and art history, complemented by traveling around the world on pilgrimages to view the masters. She has taught private art classes over the years and at her mother's former Historic Grounds Book Store in Green Cove Springs.
Class sessions will meet on Tuesdays, September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St. St. Augustine 32084)
For ages 18 and up.
Will run
Watercolor 1 on Wednesdays in September at River House
with David Ouellette

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
- masking tape
- materials box
- non-breakable container for water
- roll of paper towels
Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, September 3, 10, 17, 24 from 9:00 - 11:00 at River House (179 Marine St. St. Augustine 32084)
For ages 18 and up.
Line Dance on Wednesdays in September at River House
with Ramona Walter

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 3, 10, 17, 24 from 11:45 to 12:45 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)
For ages 18 and up.
Will run
Tap Dancing Level 3 on Wednesdays in September at River House
with Judy Woodruff

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 3, 10, 17, 24 from 1:30 to 3:00 pm at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084).
For ages 18 and up.
Will run
Belly Dance Basics and Beyond on Thursdays in September at River House
with Gina Marie Newman

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, September 11, 18, 25 (Sept. 4 has been cancelled) from 9:30 - 10:30 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)
For ages 18 and up.
Will run