By Yours Truly and Jan Engoren

Been thinking of doing something different this summer, like adult classes in Miami, not the academic kind? How about trying something new, learning a new skill and maybe doing it with friends?  We’ve put together a list of local classes from learning croquet to all kinds of crafts classes, acting, dancing and more.  If you’re in the mood for something more daring, head over to The Flying Trapeze School where you can learn aerial tricks and fly through the air or the Miami Skydiving Center, where after a short training, you can float down over the skyline of Miami.  Whatever your fancy, make this a summer to remember. Here are ideas to get you going, part 1 and for part 2, click here.

Belly Motions – https://bellymotions.com

Founded in 2005 by International Belly Dance Star and Dance-Fitness Instructor Portia Lange, Lange fuses fitness principles, guidelines and group exercise protocol with authentic Arabic and Middle Eastern dance movement and music allowing participants to experience the joy and benefits of belly dancing.  Belly dancing, an ancient art form dating back to 5^th century Egypt, is a great mind-body workout, burns calories and tones your abs all while having fun.

Lange, known as “Miss P,” is determined to get your hips in motion while putting a smile on your face.  Her specialties include: Belly Dance Fitness, Raks Sharqi, Egyptian Oriental, Egyptian Folklore and American Cabaret styles.  In addition to traditional belly dancing, the studio offers dance cardio and sculpting sessions.  Currently classes are both live and on-line.

A single class begins at $28.  Purchase a package for best value.  10 Class Package – Valid for six months; Five Class Package – Valid for three months; Single Class – Valid for 30 days.

Belly Motions is located at the Jill Mallory Studio of Dance. 13270 SW 87th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33176. Tel:  (305) 663.1553.

 The National Croquet Center

Learn to play croquet at the largest and finest dedicated croquet center in the world, just 70 miles north of Miami, situated on ten beautiful acres in West Palm Beach.

First played in 13^th century France, the game became popular in the 1800s in England and soon became one of the primary social and recreational activities of the British leisure class as well as in its colonies.  In the 1970s, croquet re-emerged as a competitive sport and has continued to grow in popularity.  Because croquet can be played by everyone, it is a very social game and men and women compete on an equal playing level without separate divisions.

Age does not dictate skill levels, and the entire family can play wicket sports together with special family memberships.  If you wish to play croquet at the National Croquet Center, you can come up to two times for free “Golf Croquet” lessons offered every Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. Reservations are required. Otherwise, they offer court play, with all equipment required, at a daily rate of $30 with reservations for specific events or USCA members.

The National Croquet Center is located at 700 Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406. Tel: (561) 478-2300.

More Adult Classes in Miami 

Arthur Murray Dance Studio  Arthur Murray Coral Gables – Dance Studio, Wedding, Dance Lessons (arthur-murray.com)

It takes two to tango. If you’d like to learn this sensual dance and other ballroom or social dance styles, check out the Arthur Murray Dance Center in Coral Gables.  Whether you want to practice for a wedding dance; begin a fun, new hobby; reconnect with your partner; get in shape; meet other people; or simply learn how to dance, dance classes put the f-u-n in fun!

Arthur Murray Dance Center is located at 2916 Ponce De Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables, Florida 33134 Tel:  (305) 444-6136.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute – Osher Lifelong Learning Institute | University of Miami

One of the leading places for adult classes in Miami , the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers courses and programs to prepare you for whatever is next, giving you the skills you need to learn a new language, learn about world affairs, delve into the history of Ukraine or to just have fun.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Courses at the University of Miami offers classes in painting, pencil drawing, digital photography, computers, language (including Japanese) and for those technologically-challenged, how to make the most of your I-Phone or Apple Watch.  With options for fitness tracking, health-oriented capabilities, and wireless telecommunication, this is a watch that does more than tell time.

Currently, many classes are offered by Zoom only.  A sample includes a musical retrospective class, “From Irving Berlin to Burt Bacharach,” a humor writing class using The New Yorker’s  “Disquiet Please!” a collection of funny writings, and examining the humor.ous writings of Woody Allen, James Thurber, Dorothy Parker, Jon Stewart, David Sedaris and Paul Rudnick and “The Symphony and Beethoven,” a music appreciation course.

In person classes include Acrylic Painting, International Action (a discussion of international affairs) and Pencil Drawing and Sketching.

Currently many courses are offered in a hybrid model or by Zoom only. By Fall 2022, this may change.For registration information and class information please visit: olli.dcie.miami.edu.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is located at 5050 Brunson Drive, Room 111, Coral Gables, Florida 33124.  Tel:  (305) 284-4000.

Acting Classes – adultactingcoach.com

Bitten by the acting bug or looking to be bitten?  Hone your skills with Sara Rogers, one of South Florida’s premiere adult acting coaches.  The two-time award-winning acting coach and Women in the Arts recipient, worked as an instructor with Hollywood Playhouse where she created and taught monologue and scene study as well as improvisation classes.  With 30 years experience in the film industry, Rogers experience includes teaching and coaching, casting, writing, stage management and talent.

Current offerings include classes in improvisation, the business end of the acting/modeling careers, public speaking, how to audition for camera, monologue and scene study and building your brand as an actor, among others.

As part of building your brand, Rogers covers techniques and topics including:  memorization techniques, how to work with agents and casting directors, taping monologues, set and agent etiquette, headshots and identifying your type.

Who knows – you just might be discovered!

For more information visit:  www.adultactingcoach.com or join her MeetUp group at:  www.meetup.com/South-Florida-Actors. Classes are held at Artserve in Fort Lauderdale, 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd.,Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. Tel. (954)462-8190

Ikebana International Miami – ikebanamiami.org

In addition to “Friendship through Flowers,” the Miami chapter of Ikebana International offers participants the opportunity to use the natural beauty of flowers, branches and other materials to connect the artist and the observer to the essential elements of nature.  Founded in 1967 by Marie Summers, members exhibit their work, demonstrate their skills and offer their love of Ikebana to the Miami community.

Ikebana, or “living flowers,” is the Japanese art of flower arranging and a living art form.  Described as being more subtle, more sensitive and more sophisticated than Western methods of flower arranging, the results are a true art form on the same level as paintings or sculpture.

Classes are held at Pinecrest Gardens.  First time guests may attend the program for free. For returning guests there is a small, non-member fee for the program.

Pinecrest Gardens is located at 11000 Red Road, Pinecrest, Florida 33156.

Visit www.pinecrestgardens.org.  Tel:  (305) 669-6990.  www.ikebanamiami.org

For more adult classes in Miami, watch for Part 2.