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St. Johns County Council on Aging

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

Bellydance Basics Level 1 on Thursdays in November and December at River House

$25

with Gina Marie Newman

Calendar Nov 5, 2026 at 10:45 am, runs for 5 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, Nov. 5, 12, 19 and Dec. 3, 10 from 10:45 to 11:45 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

NO CLASS SESSIONS on Nov. 26 and Dec. 17, 24, 31

For ages 18 and up.

Watercolor Doodles on Thursdays in November and December at River House

$50

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Nov 5, 2026 at 11 am, runs for 5 weeks

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, Nov. 5, 12, 19 and Dec. 3, 10 from 11 - 1 at the River House, 179 Marine Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084.

NO CLASS SESSIONS on Nov. 26 and Dec. 17, 24, 31

For ages 18 and up

Will run

Zambra Mora Dance – Level 1 Foundations (Beginner) on Thursdays in November and December at River House

$25

with Gina Marie Newman

Calendar Nov 5, 2026 at 12 pm, runs for 5 weeks

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, Nov. 5, 12, 19 and Dec. 3, 10 from noon to 1 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine).

NO CLASS SESSIONS on Nov. 26 and Dec. 17, 24, 31.

For ages 18 and up.

Colored Pencil Art on Thursdays in November and December at River House

$50

with Liz Monaco

Calendar Nov 5, 2026 at 1:30 pm, runs for 5 weeks

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, Nov. 5, 12, 19 and Dec. 3, 10 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084).

NO CLASS SESSIONS on Nov. 26 and Dec. 17, 24, 31.

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Tap Dancing Level 1 & 2 on Thursdays in November and December at River House

$25

with Judy Woodruff

Calendar Nov 5, 2026 at 2 pm, runs for 5 weeks

This class will accommodate the new beginner while honing the skills of the more experienced beginner. Class will focus on tap basic fundamental single and double sound steps. Short combinations will introduce/review such composite steps as the shim sham, front and back essence, waltz clog, and simple rhythm time steps.

Tap shoes are recommended for this class.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, Nov. 5, 12, 19 and Dec. 3, 10 from 2:00 - 3:00 at River House (179 Marine St.)

NO CLASS SESSIONS on Nov. 26 and Dec. 17, 24, 31.

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Christmas Caroling on Tuesdays in November and December at River House

$25

with Abigail Dyer

Calendar Nov 10, 2026 at 10:15 am, runs for 4 weeks

"Come and join others as we enjoy singing beloved Christmas Carols and maybe a Thanksgiving song or two."

This class may be taken alone or as preparation for the four-session November/December Christmas Caroling class that will conclude on Tuesday, December 8th with performances of the carols at local rehabilitation and memory care centers. 

No prior singing or choral experience needed. 

Bring a pencil.

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 on Tuesdays, Nov. 10, 17 and Dec. 1, 8 from 10:15 to 11:15 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

NO CLASS SESSIONS on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 24 and Dec. 15, 22, 29.

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Zambra Mora – Level 2 (Prerequisite: Level 1 and Teacher approval) on Tuesdays in November and December at River House

$25

with Gina Marie Newman

Calendar Nov 10, 2026 at 11:45 am, runs for 4 weeks

TEACHER APPROVAL IS REQUIRED FOR THIS CLASS!

Expanding technique with skirtwork, fans, and expressive Arabic Spanish styling.

Level Two invites dancers to step deeper into the dramatic, earthy world of Zambra Mora, building on the grounded shapes, slow and fast phrasing, and cultural context introduced in Level One. This class is designed for students who already understand the foundational posture, movement vocabulary and are ready to expand their expressive toolkit.

In this next level, dancers will explore:

  • Introductory skirtwork: sweeping accents, framing shapes, and traveling patterns that enhance the theatrical Zambra aesthetic
  • Foundational fan technique: opening/closing mechanics, directional pathways, and expressive flourishes that complement the dance.
  • Layered movement combinations blending hips, torso, arms, and props
  • More complex rhythmic transitions, moving confidently between slow, sinuous phrases and sharp, percussive accents
  • Expanded footwork and turns inspired by SpanishArabic influences
  • Styling and presence, cultivating the dramatic, smoldering quality that defines Zambra Mora

Students should bring:

  • A practice skirt (Gina will have a few to share)
  • A Silk Fan (These will be ordered when we are ready to start fan work

Dance shoes or barefoot are recommended for class.

By the end of Level Two, dancers will feel more expressive, more grounded, and more connected to the theatrical lineage of Zambra Mora — ready to continue into more advanced prop work and stylized choreography.

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 Tuesdays, Nov. 10, 17 and Dec. 1, 8 from 11:45 to 12:45 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

NO CLASS SESSIONS on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 24 and Dec. 15, 22, 29.

For ages 18 and up.

Will run

Jamming to the Classics on Tuesdays in November and December at River House

$37.50

with Dennis Fermin

Calendar Nov 10, 2026 at 1 pm, runs for 4 weeks

Join us as we play your favorite popular Classics, in a fun group setting. Emphasis on keeping smooth chord changes and learning a few new chords and strum patterns along the way.

Requirements

  • Guitar or Ukulele
  • Ability to play basic chords relatively well
  • Music stand suggested
  • Pen or pencil

Dennis Fermin has been playing guitar for over 30 years and joyfully helping others learn to play along the way. As a graduate from Musician's Institute of California, he has the skills and the patience to teach on many different topics and styles of music. Currently you can hear him perform locally as Fermin Spanish Guitar.

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, Nov. 10, 17 and Dec. 1, 8 from 1:00 to 2:30 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084. 

NO CLASS SESSIONS on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 24 and Dec. 15, 22, 29.

For ages 18 and up.

 

Will run





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