Come out and learn the Lindy Hoppers’ Shim Sham culminating in a performance in the New Paltz Halloween Parade! 

Performance is encouraged but optional.

During the 1930’s in Harlem, the Shim Sham was performed in clubs as the finale number with all the performers joining together on stage. 

In the 80’s, Frankie Manning introduced a version of the Shim Sham to Lindy Hoppers. It is still danced today worldwide and, in the spirit of its rich history, there are always multitude of technical and basic variations danced at the same time.

This class will continue with that tradition and offer alternates as well as the basics. Additionally, the challenge will be to travel with these classic solo jazz steps. This is for everyone regardless of experience. You can learn for the first time, reinforce what you know, strengthen your movement with traveling steps, or learn a new variation to showcase your personal style. It’s up to you! Here is a take, and here another.

See flyer here.

6 classes for $60. Please register below. When registering, it will say "No fee." We ask that you pay Tank for the series at the first class.

Thursdays from 6 to 7pm. Starts Sept. 18th through October 23rd. (Community Center)

Sept. 28th classes are FREE! (They will be sponsored by the Office for Community Wellness.)

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)

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.

 

A short informal audition is required (participants must be able to keep time and follow the written form of a simple tune, playing common open-position chords).

 

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

 

Every Wednesday from 7:30 to 9:00pm, starting in the 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.)

Elisa Parker is a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist and creator of Dance Groove. This class incorporates elements of Latin and Contemporary music genres into aerobic-style dance classes. It will run for 8-weeks, from September 15th through November 10th. 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)

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)

*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

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

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 7:15pm. (Community Center or Field of Dreams in warmer weather)

Saturday from 9:00 to 10:30am. (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)

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)

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.

Winter 2026. (Community Center)