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, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 1:30 to 3:00 pm 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, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 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, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 from 10:45 to 11:45 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

In this fun and relaxed workshop participants 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:

• Watercolor Hot Press Paper 9 x 12 or larger
• 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 take place on Thursday, July 3 from 11 - 1 at River House, 179 Marine Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084.

For adults age 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, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

What is a junk journal?  It is a creative and personalized type of journal that combines various materials, often repurposed or found items, to create unique pages filled with memories, art and self-expression. Unlike traditional journals that focus on clean pages and uniformity, junk journals embrace an eclectic aesthetic. The beauty of a junk journal lies in its individuality. There are no strict rules, so you can mix and match material to reflect your personal type and experiences. It’s a wonderful way to unleash your creativity and document your journey.

Week 1: will be creating a book cover using a cereal or cracker box.  You will or Elmers or Mod Podge glue, fabric (1/2 yard), scissors, ruler, Medium paper clamps, and  heavy weight decorative scrapbook paper that will complement your fabric.   

Week 2 and 3: will focus on selecting and decorating the signature papers using any of the materials listed below. 

Here are some common materials used to create a junk journal: 

• Paper: this can include old book pages, scrapbook paper, construction paper, letters, envelopes, and any other type of paper that can add texture and interest. 
• Ephemera: items like ticket stubs, postcards, vintage photographs, and magazine clippings provide a nostalgic touch and tell a story. 
• Fabric: Pieces of fabric, lace, ribbons or even clothing can be used to create pockets or decorative elements in the journal. 
• Stickers and Washi Tape: these are great for embellishing pages and adding color and fun designs.   
• Paints and inks: acrylic paints, watercolors, and ink can be applied to add splashes of color or texture. 
• Stamps: Rubber stamp and ink pads can add images and patterns to the pages 
• Sewing Supplies: Thread, needles, and sewing machines can be used to stitch pages together or create fabric elements. 
• Adhesives: Glue sticks, double-sided tape, or Mod Podge are essential for attaching various materials to the pages. 
• Book binding materials: awl, bone folder, waxed heavy thread, large eye heavy needle.  

Optional materials:  paper trimmer, ink blending brushes, cosmetic sponges.  

Class sessions will be held on Mondays, July 7, 14, 21, 28 from 1:30 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Dance Flex is designed to maximize joint mobility, improve proprioception (body awareness) and sensory perception, and facilitate ease of movement. The class work will include short movement sequences, focusing on where they initiate, their pathways through the physical body and through space to reach an end point. Additionally, it will touch on breath support, spatial support and dynamic flow. The class is aimed at dancers who have had at least some formal training. Participants should be able to lie on the floor for significant periods of time without pain and to be able to get up and down with confidence and stability.

You don't need special shoes but you might want to wear old socks. Yoga mat and a towel might be good, although mats don’t work well for most of what you'll do.

Class sessions will be held on Mondays, July 7, 14, 21, 28 from 1:30 - 3 at River House (179 Marine St.)

For ages 18 and up.

In this fun and relaxed workshop participants 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:

• Watercolor Hot Press Paper 9 x 12 or larger
• 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 take place on Thursday, July 10 from 11 - 1 at River House, 179 Marine Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084.

For adults age 18 and up