Community Classes


New Paltz Guitar Players Workshop
New Paltz Guitar Players Workshop
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)
Balkan Folk Dancing
Balkan Folk Dancing

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.)

Chair Yoga with Susan
Chair Yoga with Susan

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)

Tai Chi
Tai Chi

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)

Moving Together with Nina Jirka
Moving Together with Nina Jirka

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. FREE

Wednesdays from 9:00 to 10:00am. (Community Center or Huguenot Street)