Community Classes

Thursday Evening Lindy Hop Sessions with Tank!
Thursday Evening Lindy Hop Sessions with Tank!
From Tank:
 
This month is host to World Lindy Hop Day and the birthday of the most well known gregarious gemini, Frankie Manning. We will have a live band on May 23rd at the Community Center to celebrate - the wonderful Saints of Swing! I will be teaching a little Frankie Manning solo jazz sequence to start off the evening.
 
Learn the Lindy Hop fundamentals during the next three Thursday classes to prepare!
 
Saints of Swing will play May 23rd at the Community Center, 8pm! Tank will teach a Frankie Manning solo jig. Not to miss!
 
A little about the classes: These are partnered classes but a partner is not required to attend. Be ready to rotate throughout the class and dance with everyone! Please wear clean clothes and shoes comfortable for dancing. Classes are connection based. We will be learning "moves"  but the emphasis will be placed on how to lead, follow, and build a relationship with our dance partners, ourselves and the music. 
 
$10 cash preferred. No one turned away.
 

Most Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:00pm. (Community Center)

Some resources for you to explore:

- Integrated Rhythm Podcast with Chisomo Selemani and Bobby White
- The Track Podcast with Ryan Swift
- Frankie Manning's Autobiography, Frankie Manning: The Ambassador of Lindy Hop
Here is a LINK to a video of some famous Lindy Hoppers. Can you spot the swing outs?
--
Thank you and see you soon!  -Tank
 
Find me on Instagram @ReBopLindyHop
Find me on Facebook PoTown Swing
 
Somatic Yoga Flow
Somatic Yoga Flow
About Megan Graham:
 
I began my yoga journey in 2011, drawn to the way the practice quieted my mind and helped me reconnect with my body. In 2016, I completed a six-month immersion with Jody Domerstad, studying yoga philosophy, history, and anatomy in my teacher training. I continue to deepen my education through ongoing trainings, workshops, and mentorship.

As a Reiki Master and somatic coach, I bring a trauma-informed, consent-based approach to my work. In a yang-driven culture, my offerings emphasize slowing down, sensing inward, and cultivating safety within the nervous system through yin yoga, somatic awareness, and energetic work.

Time spent studying and practicing in India and Japan—the homes of yoga and Reiki, respectively—has deepened my connection to these traditions and my commitment to practicing with integrity, humility, and care. 
 
Alongside my healing practice, I am also a documentary filmmaker and humane educator at Catskill Animal Sanctuary. My background in storytelling, advocacy, and education deeply informs how I hold space. $15-25, sliding scale. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
 
See Megan's website here.
 
Every Thursday starting May 14th from 5:00 to 6:00pm. (Community Center)
Beginning Capoeira Angola
Beginning Capoeira Angola

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that uses self-defense disguised as a dance. It blends elements of martial arts, dance, music, and culture. Capoeira was developed in Brazil by enslaved Africans during colonial times as a form of physical, spiritual, and cultural resistance against oppression.

Our class goal is centered on mindfulness, positive energy, and community building. Through playfulness, flow, and dancelike movements, capoeira will develop care, connection, and confidence.

No prior experience needed. Just a willingness to learn and have fun. Classes are designed for adults. Well-behaved minors may participate alongside a participating parent or guardian. FREE or $5 suggested donation.

Please wear comfortable pants (no shorts) and a t-shirt that allows you to move comfortably. Barefoot or smooth-soled shoes are recommended. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.

Find "New Paltz Capoeira" Instagram here.

Update: Please check Instagram for updates on meet-ups at Hasbrouck Park this summer. After the May 31st class, Capoeira will return to the Community Center next fall.

May 31 from 6:00 to 7:00pm. (Community Center)
Line Dancing
Line Dancing

"Fun • Friendly • All Levels Welcome"

"Join us for lively line dancing, great music, and fun with friends!"

We have two classes currently. Tuesdays are with Becky, and Fridays are with Gail.

Every Tuesday from 5:45 to 6:45pm. (Community Center)

Every Friday from 12:30 to 1:30pm. (Community Center)

Balkan Folkdancing and More
Balkan Folkdancing and More

Learn dances in a variety of styles and rhythms to beautiful music from many cultures. Some of the countries represented are Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Albania, Armenia, Israel, and Greece. No partner necessary, comfortable clothing. Folk dancing is an enjoyable way to exercise our bodies and brains. It is stress reducing, cardiovascular and a protection against dementia. Come join our circle! $12 a class.

Every Tuesday from 11:30 to 1:00pm. (Community Center)

Happenstancery Improv
Happenstancery Improv

*Happenstancery Improv* Join us Thursdays at 7:15pm at the New Paltz Community Center for open improv practices, welcoming adults of all experience levels (17+). Founded in 2020, our free community program fosters creativity, laughter, and connection. For schedule updates, follow us on social media: @happenstancery_improv. Email: Happenstancery@gmail.com

Happenstancery Improv also meets regularly in Rosendale.

Group article about the group in Hudson Valley One. Read it here. FREE

Thursdays from 7:15 to 9:15pm. (Community Center)

Salsa with Nina and Akash Continues!
Salsa with Nina and Akash Continues!

Salsa at the Community Center is ongoing.

No partner needed. Well-behaved kids can join in or play board games in the hall. For more information, go to www.newpaltzdance.com. Classes are by donation.

Fridays from 6:30 to 7:30pm (Community Center)

Chair Yoga with Hannah
Chair Yoga with Hannah
This gentle chair yoga class is designed to both stretch and strengthen your muscles, lubridate your joints and calm the mind with pranayama (breathing techniques). The practice is informed by Positional Therapy--muscle balancing to address and prevent chronic pain. All are welcome! $10-$20, sliding scale.
 
Hannah Fox, M.A., RYT 500, has been teaching yoga for 20 years. She sees people individually as a Positional Therapist and understands how keeping our muscles strong and supple is critical for a long and healthy life. Hannah also teaches dance and theatre locally and around the world. $10-$20/class, sliding scale
 
Wednesdays from 11:00 to 11:45pm. (Community Center)
West African Drumming and Dance with Assane Badji Sylla
West African Drumming and Dance with Assane Badji Sylla

Dive into the culture of West Africa every Sunday afternoon at the Community Center!

Assane Badji Sylla and Momadouba Camara, both originally from Guinea, teach drumming and dance, a practice they say “is healing to the mind and body. When you embrace these activities, it will fill your mind, body, and heart with freedom and blessings.”

Sylla has been playing drums since he was four. He went on to perform with his uncle on the djembe, dundun, kenkeni, and sangban drums, as well as the 21-key balafon, a type of xylophone made with gourds. He also traveled the world as the Director of the Senegalese-based Ballet Bougarabou. Camara is a Grandmaster of the djembe, but also plays many other African drums and instruments. Together they have taught and performed throughout the Hudson Valley for over two decades.

See flyer here.

For more information, see their Facebook page. $15 per class ($25 for both), $10 for students. No one turned away.

Every Sunday from 3:00 to 5:30pm. (Community Center)

Dance Fusion – starting in January!
Dance Fusion – starting in January!
Elisa Parker is a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist and creator of Dance Fusion. This class incorporates elements of Latin and Contemporary music genres into aerobic-style dance classes. It will run for 8-weeks, from January 5th through February 23rd. Drop-ins are welcome and there is no prior dance experience necessary. The class fee is $10.
Monday's from 5:30 to 6:15pm. (Community Center)