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.

 For more information, see their Facebook page. Discount for students.

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

Thank you, Tank and Kelly, for such a fun class series! We learned the Basic 8 step, alternating rock step, the scoopa, knee slaps, toss across, as well as many other dance moves. Stay tuned for more this fall!

"Lindy Hop is a black American dance that values connection and conversational partnership on the dance floor. This jazz dance was born and bred in Harlem, New York. It is lively, energetic, and rebellious. The class will be featuring 8 and 6 count basic rhythms along with fun variations rooted in vernacular jazz steps." – Tank

Tank and Kelly are well-known teachers in the Hudson Valley Lindy Hop dance scene.

First class's steps are here.

Second class's steps are here.

Third class's steps are here.

Fourth class's steps are here.

Fifth class's steps are here.

Sixth class's steps are here.

Seventh class's steps are here. 

Choice film recordings of Lindy Hop greats and helpful notes from the classes are here.

Find Tank on her Instagram and Facebook page, and find Kelly and her Instagram and Facebook page. 

Lindy and Chester's Field of Dream's Lindy Hop event will be back at some point. In the meantime, they are teaching the "shim sham" up in Kingston. It might go something like this...

All skill levels are welcome. Clay, tools, and underglazes provided for hand building. Piece will be fired and mailed back to participant. $50

For more details and to register, visit www.cedarworksstudio.com.

Coming next fall. (Community Center)

The varied countries of the Balkans (Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Greece, etc.) all have rich traditions of music and dance. The rhythms range from slow & even to quick & complex, as do the dances, which are typically done in a line holding hands. No partner is necessary. Our programs include some instruction but mostly consist of dancing to recorded music. Easier dances are programmed during the first hour and should be accessible to participants with limited experience.

For further information and to be put on the group’s email list, contact John Feroe at feroe@vassar.edu.

Thursdays from 1:30 to 4:30pm. (Community Center. Field of Dreams in warmer weather.)

Susan’s approach to yoga is deeply rooted in Interdisciplinary Yoga, which blends diverse yoga styles with principles of Feldenkrais, Somatics, and Pilates. Her focus on the body-mind connection encourages participants to explore their unique needs, fostering personal growth and development. Susan’s role as a teacher is to guide students in listening to and responding to their body’s natural intelligence, ensuring each class is both nurturing and empowering.

Chair Yoga Highlights
   •   Accessible to All: Perfect for individuals with limited mobility, chronic pain, or balance concerns.
   •   Safe and Effective: Combines gentle stretches, mindful breathing, and seated movements to improve flexibility, strength, and relaxation.
   •   Holistic Benefits: Supports physical health while promoting emotional well-being and stress reduction.
   •   Specialized Expertise: Susan’s additional training in yoga for cardiac and cancer patients ensures a thoughtful approach tailored to participants’ specific needs.

Join Susan Jacque’s chair yoga class at the Community Center and experience a welcoming, therapeutic practice designed to improve your quality of life—one gentle stretch at a time.

Mondays from 11:00 to 12:00pm. (Community Center)

This class features dance routines set to contemporary music. It is designed to be fun and accessible to all ability levels.

 

Monday's from 5:30 to 6:15. (Community Center)

*Happenstancery Improv* Join us Thursdays at 7pm 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

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

Yang Style Long Form with Martha Cheo

A slow, flowing sequence of 108 postures, this traditional form has been passed down through generations of Tai Chi Masters.  Tai Chi promotes balance, alignment, coordination, strength, flexibility, body awareness, circulation, immunity, and relaxation. It is largely practiced for health and fitness but becomes a martial art when internal abilities are developed with practice.  Weekly attendance is recommended because the sequence of moves is taught step by step; each class builds upon the previous one.  $15 per class ($13 for New Paltz residents) or $12 per class if you pay for a 2 month series ($10 for New Paltz residents).

While these classes are not for beginners, students are welcome to try out a class, follow along and catch up gradually. Beginner classes sometimes offered at the Living Seed in New Paltz.

Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30pm. (Community Center or Field of Dreams in warmer weather)

Saturday from 9:00 to 10:00am. (Community Center or Field of Dreams in warmer weather)

Free Practice (not open to beginners)

Taught by Joe Bergin (Tuesdays) and Manny Sloan (Thursdays). FREE

Tuesdays from 9:00 to 10:00am. (Community Center)

Thursdays from 9:00 to 10:00am. (Community Center)

Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention with Martha Cheo

A relatively short and simple sequence of movements safe for people with arthritis and other physical limitations.  Research has shown this program helps relieve arthritis pain and prevent falls.  New students are welcome to join anytime. FREE

Thursdays from 10:00 to 11:00am. (Community Center or Field of Dreams in warmer weather)

Gentle Yoga class designed to address and prevent chronic pain in the muscles and joints.

Hannah Fox, RYT 500 & Positional Therapist

$10-15 sliding scale. For more information call (917) 699-1196. www.hannahfox.com

Coming next fall. (Community Center)

Bringing together the elements of Qi Gong, Yoga, Ballet, Modern and Improvisation, we work with gravity and others in the room, connecting to nature, energy, ground, music and each other.

The class focuses on creating fluidity, awareness, alignment, balance, and correct breathing techniques. 

Please call (917) 359-2337 for more information about the class.

Wednesdays from 10:15 to 11:15am. (Community Center or Huguenot Street)