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, February 5, 12, 19, 26 from 10:45 to 11:45 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

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, February 5, 12, 19, 26 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

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, February 5, 12, 19, 26 from 2:00 - 3:00 at River House (179 Marine St.)

For ages 18 and up.

Creating a master board for your journals is a great way to have a versatile collection of collage elements ready whenever inspiration strikes. Here are some supply suggestions to help you get started, use what you have on hand.

Supplies:

• Use sturdy card stock or large sheet of paper as your foundation.
• Include various printed papers, magazine cuttings, fabric swatches, stamps, and other ephemera.
• A variety of paints (acrylic, watercolors and markers)
• Gel pens – white, gold, silver
• Consider including snippets of quotes, words, or phrases that inspire you.
• Old book pages
• Use White glue, Glue Sticks, gel medium, or double-sided tape.

Optional: stencils. Metallic Paints, Distressed Stamp Inks

Class session will be held on Monday, February 9 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Students will need to bring the materials to class to learn to assemble “signatures” for a handmade journal. A demo will be given on sewing the papers the cover. 

Supplies:

Bring a variety of papers, in different sizes, to form your “signatures” for your book. At least 10 papers. Listed below are some suggestions on types of papers to consider. When in doubt, just bring it! 

• Choose Variety for Texture and Interest: Mix different types of paper such as watercolor paper, kraft paper, vintage book pages, tissue paper, or handmade mulberry paper, pages from old books
• Think About Compatibility: Ensure the papers are compatible with the media you'll use. For example, sturdy watercolor paper works well with paints, while thinner paper may be better for collages or writing.
• Size and Weight: Select signature papers that fit your desired journal size and are thick enough to withstand your artistic techniques without bleeding or warping.
• Color Palette: Pick papers that complement your overall color scheme or theme. Neutral tones can serve as backgrounds, while colorful or patterned papers can act as focal points.
• Personal Touches: Incorporate pages with special significance, like vintage letters, handmade paper, or pages from old books to add a personal or nostalgic touch.
• Preparing Papers: Before incorporating into your journal, consider distressing edges, adding doodles or paintings, or even lightly staining papers to give them character. Machine sew the edges for added interest.

Also, please bring these items to class:

• Awl
• Large needle
• Waxed thread
• Ruler
• Scissors

Class session will be held on Monday, February 23 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

This workshop will explore the whimsical world of watercolor art through playful doodling techniques. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this class is designed to encourage creativity and self-expression. We'll cover basic watercolor techniques, experiment with markers, pens and inks. Learn color blending and create delightful doodles that bring your imagination to life.

Supplies needed:

• Paper – Hot press watercolor, or mixed media
• Watercolor set - either pan or tube
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Brushes- various sizes of round and flat
• Markers:  water based colors
• Markers: fine point, permanent black
• Gel pens: Unibal white, gold, silver

Optional: metallic paints, micro pens

This one session class will meet on Thursday, February 26 from 11 to 1 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084).

For ages 18 and up.