Authentic Belly Dance, or raks sharqi, is an ancient form of dance. Raks sharqi means “dance of the east” in Arabic. Belly dance celebrates every body type and every stage of life. The dance is proud and powerful and soft and sinewy with elegant and isolating movements emanating from the core. It’s the Pilates of dance. And so much fun! This is a great refresher class for experienced dancers and suitable for dancers new to belly dance. Please wear comfortable clothing, similar to what you might wear to a yoga class that will allow for free movement and the ability to see your movement. Hip scarves make it even more fun. You can dance barefoot or in a pair of comfortable dance shoes in the studio. Zills (finger cymbals) will be used in class. Check in with the instructor before you purchase any. As an added bonus, you will also have access to a video library with instruction, drills, and ongoing choreography during the length of the session. The class fee is per person and for 10 sessions. Class meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month: 9/11, 9/25, 10/9, 10/23, 11/13, 12/11, 1/8, 1/22, 2/12, 2/26. *No Class: 11/27 & 12/25.

Learn to play percussion through the fun and engaging art of bucket drumming. This is a fun and accessible way to enjoy making music with others. Participants need to bring a plastic bucket. Written materials provided and we’ll create our own customized sticks during the first session. No prior musical experience is required. Nina Andersen has 30 years of experience facilitating and supporting adults making music at whatever level they can. She is the Founder and Music Director of the Southern Maine New Horizons Band, Music Director of the New England Adult Music Camp and the Associate Conductor of the Harpswell Concert Band. She was also the Music Director of the Maine Pops Concert Band from 1997-2017. This program will run out of Bowdoin College, Gibson Hall, Room 10. *No class: 1/20, 2/17.

Do you go to weddings, family and school reunions or planning a cruise and would like to participate when dancing is offered? Maybe you participated in the past and feel a bit rusty with certain dance moves? How about learning basic foxtrot, waltz, and swing (jitterbug) moves and enjoy getting your groove back. Also dance has additional benefits related to active aging such as improving posture, balance, and cognition. Come with a dance partner or solo. The summer social engagements are right around the corner. See you on the dancefloor. *No Class: 1/20 & 2/17.

American Tango: The Tango came to America in the last century and has been featured in many memorable movies. The dance is smooth, slow and slinky with open positions, fans, and dips. It progresses around the dance floor and uses catlike walks and staccato foot movements. West Coast Swing: This dance consists of six and eight count patterns, which are done in a slot. This dance is usually done to medium tempo swing music, frequently slower than East Coast swing. However, those who achieve a high skill level in this dance can and do dance it to faster tempo music. This dance has no bounce and a very smooth feel. *No Class: 1/20 & 2/17.

Would you like to learn to play an instrument - do you have an instrument you used to play and want to try it again, or maybe you just want a fun, supportive place to play music? The Midcoast New Horizons Concert Band is a fun, supportive and non-competitive setting. All levels of musicians are welcome! Instructor Nina Andersen has 30 years of experience facilitating and supporting adults making music at whatever level they can. She is the Founder and Music Director of the Southern Maine New Horizons Band, Music Director of the New England Adult Music Camp and the Associate Conductor of the Harpswell Concert Band. She was also the Music Director of the Maine Pops Concert Band from 1997-2017. *No Class: 2/18.

In this class, students will learn the basics of the Salsa footwork and some simple, fun moves that will get you out on the dance floor. You will learn how to connect with any partner, and build confidence dancing to different styles and tempos and music. Students will be introduced to the famous Salsa Rueda. Partner is recommended. This is a 5 session class.

Have you and your ukulele become inseparable? Are you practicing a lot? Are youready to notch up your playing? If so, would you like to join Duncan for a two-sessionZoom-based workshop designed to dig deeper into ukulele playing techniques? You’llexplore ways of enhancing your strumming skills, broadening your chord knowledge,and adding some fingerstyle playing and melody to your ‘toolbox’. To enroll you shouldbe able to strum, chord, and sing songs with relative ease (all at the same time!). You’llalso need a ukulele tuned to GCEA (either low or high G string is ok), a sense of humor,and a computer or an iPad on which to participate. Practice required! Are you ready forthe challenge? Reserve your place and get ready to discover next level skills!

*This program is open only to people who have taken the Ukulele For Beginner’sCourse with Duncan Perry

Learn to play the ukulele! It has never been more popular and you don't even have to know how to read music! On the uke you can knock out folk music, rock, blues, jazz, pop, country, tunes old and new -- even classical music. Duncan Perry, who has taught more than 700 students of all ages, will introduce you to essential chords and playing techniques using commonly known songs. Oh, and there are lots of laughs along the way. And, learning to play an instrument is good for your brain! You will need a playable ukulele and an electronic tuner or a tuner app. And when folks hear you play this happy instrument, well, they just have to smile! If you don’t own a ukulele, please contact Duncan at uketime24@gmail.com for information. What are you waiting for? Grab a uke and get ready for a musical adventure, then spread the joy!