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.

Every Sunday except 3rd Sunday from 6:00 to 7:00pm. (Community Center)

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

Some resources for you to explore:

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* 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

See flyer for New Paltz sessions here.

Happenstancery Improv also meets regularly in Rosendale. See here.

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

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

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)

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. Discount for students.

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

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)

Do you play guitar but rarely get a chance to play with others? Are you interested in diversifying your ensemble skills with new chord voicings, rhythms, finger-picking technique, or lead playing? The New Paltz Guitar Player’s Workshop is an opportunity to work on tunes and skills together with other guitarists. Eric Keeling, the instructor, has a master’s degree in music and 20 years of professional experience playing and teaching guitar. $10/class

 

Please contact recreation@townofnewpaltz.org for more information or to sign up. 

 

Every Wednesday from 7:30 to 8:30pm (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. FREE

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. $10/in person class. Zoom option available for established students. Email Susan at susanmariejacque@yahoo.com for more info.

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