ShawneeDispatch.com

Dispatch staff reports

The Shawnee Parks and Recreation Department has several classes beginning early next year that are starting to fill quickly.

Unless otherwise noted, all classes take place at the Shawnee Civic Centre, 13817 Johnson Drive. For more information or to enroll, call 631-5200.

• Fencing for Beginners: This class for ages 7 -13 will develop strength, agility and speed. All equipment is provided, but participants should wear comfortable shoes and warm-up pants (not shorts). The cost for eight 60-minute classes or four two-hour classes is $75. The one hour class meets at 4:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays beginning Jan. 5, and the two-hour class meets at 4 p.m. on Sundays beginning Jan. 4.

• Beginner Lacrosse: Players ages 8 - 14 will learn the basics of the sport and techniques of the game, including rules, field positioning, passing, catching, cradling, shooting and ground balls. The cost for six 55-minute classes is $35. Class meets at 6 p.m. for ages 8-10 and 7 p.m. for ages 11-14 on Wednesdays beginning Jan. 7.

• Stretch-n-Grow was created to teach children ages 2-5 a lifelong habit of caring for one’s physical and mental well being through fun exercise designed to promote body awareness, focus, physical strength and flexibility in children. The cost for six 45-minute workouts is $59. Classes take place at 11 a.m. Thursdays beginning Jan. 8.

• Beginning tumbling skills: A fun way for children ages 3-5 to learn somersaults, cartwheels, head stands, handstands, backbends and more. Children also work on activities to help improve their gross motor skills. Children should wear comfortable, tight-fitting clothing like leotard and long hair in should be in a ponytail. Six 45-minute classes cost $48. Classes meet at 2 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Jan. 6.

• Close-Up Magic For Beginners: Ages 8 and up can learn sleight-of-hand and other fundamental concepts of magic using simple effects and everyday objects. Professional Magician Keith Leff will provide magic demonstrations, hands on experience and lots of fun. The cost for six 90-minute workshops is $40. Class meets at 6 p.m. Wednesdays beginning Jan. 21.

• Lights, Camera, Action: Children ages 7 – 13 can learn theatre terms, techniques, stage directions, character building tips and voice and diction skills. Six 55-minute workshops cost $65. Class meets at 4:30 on Tuesdays beginning Jan. 6.

• Improvisation - Drama, Comedy, & Games! Ages 10 – 16 will learn how to play improvisation games and how to create characters and scenes without a script. Instructor Margaret-Leigh Guthrie is a former Disney performer. The cost for six 55-minute workshops is $65. Classes are at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Jan. 6.

• Super Kid Power: This class for ages 11 – 14 is back by popular demand & taught by “SUPERSITTER” instructor Carol Payson, RN. This workshop is designed to cover a wide range of safety issues, including a personal safety bill of rights and developing the confidence, awareness and “lifeskills” needed to handle situations in today’s changing world. The cost for the three-hour workshop is $20. Class meets at 1 p.m. March 20.

• Belly Dance Workout: In this class participants will get a total body workout to raise the heart rate, burn fat and tone muscles. Participants should wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement. No previous dance exercise required. The cost for six 60-minute workouts is $60. Classes begin at 5:30 p.m. Thursdays starting Jan. 8.

• Ballroom I - Smooth Dance: Learn dances like the East Coast Swing, Fox Trot, Waltz and Rumba. This class will cover the fundamentals of Ballroom Dancing. Partners are encouraged. Classes are held at 7 p.m. Fridays beginning Jan. 9 at the Academy of the Arts, 5413 Martindale. Six 60-minute lessons cost $45.

• Beginning Knitting: In this class, participants will make a quick-knit project. Learn basic knitting techniques, including knit and purl stitches, cast on, bind off and ribbing, and find out about yarns, gauge and pattern reading. Participants should request a supply list when registering and bring all supplies to the first session. Three two-hour workshops cost $28, and the workshop will meet at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 12 and 26 and Feb. 2.

• Ghost Hunting 101: For those interested in things that go bump in the night or curious about how to find haunted locations and how to conduct an investigation. The members of local ghost-hunting group P.E.D.R.O (Paranormal, Encounter, Documentation & Research Organization) will host this 90-minute course on the basics of paranormal investigations. The class is $15 and begins at 7 p.m. Jan 20.

• Power Foods: Come find out which foods and beverages are really good for your body and dispel some myths. Kara Friel, registered dietitian, will cover how to make the best choices at the grocery store or when dining out. This 60-minute workshop costs $10 and will start at 6:30 p.m.. Jan 15.

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