August 14, 2024
The notebooks are purchased, the lunches are packed, and the kids are off to school. Now it’s time for adults to go to class at the Palatine Park District! In addition to traditional sports and exercise classes, the District offers a variety of new programs like dance, visual arts, and sewing.
The curtain opens… and… wait a minute…these aren’t your little kids in tutus, these are adults – all smiles and tapping across the stage. Adult Jazz, Adult Tap, Ballroom Dancing, and Adult Modern Dance are offered. “I am looking forward to giving adults a place to either revisit their love of dance or give them an experience they never had in the past, and do so at an economical price,” said Lisa Swan, Palatine Park District’s Cultural Arts Coordinator. “I think many people grew up going to dance class. They are now looking to get back into it, but there aren’t many opportunities for adults like there are for kids.” In case the idea of a recital is already giving you stage fright, no need to worry. Adult dancers have the option of being in the recital. “Most students do choose to dance at the recital and find that it’s a lot of fun,” Swan said. The District also offers adult dance programs at the Harper College Health and Recreation Center such as Ballroom Dancing, Wedding Party Dancing, Latin Social Dancing, and Adult Basic Ballet.
Del Crawford has taught adults Zumba on land and in water for 10 years at Palatine Park District. Crawford said her classes “keep you moving, are fun, and you’ll feel great with music and dancing”. “It’s a good stress reliever,” she added. “If you can find time for yourself while the kids are away, then dancing is one of the best things you can do. People are surprised how fun it is! You don’t realize it is a workout!”
Maria Cordova is teaching Acrylic Painting for Teens and Adults, Nature Painting, Acrylic Pours, and Ornament Painting this fall. “I want adults to experience creating and imagining,” she said. “Adults can still learn how to paint well with some guidance.” Participants experience painting in many forms and learn basic acrylic techniques from abstract art to simple and fun pattern designs. “Art is a creative outlet and benefits your health in many ways,” she added. “It allows you to be present, letting go of complete control and letting the paint flow.” Cordova said this is an ideal time to take up art. “Many adults have their children in school and extracurricular activities or classes, allowing for some space to take a class during those times. Some art classes I teach also include older kids and teenagers, allowing parents and kids to sign up together and spend quality time while learning!”
With colder temperatures creeping in, participants can learn how to wrap up in their very own quilt. “I have taught Quilting with Margaret since 2008,” said instructor Margaret Luba. “Quilting is my passion and hobby, and I love to share it with others. I teach people who don’t know how to sew at all, and those who come in for advice and help with specific problems sewing quilts,” she said. “This class is also a place for quilters of all experience levels to share their experience, love for quilts, and time together. All quilters from the beginning of quilting history have gathered for piecing and quilting. I feel like we, as a class, continue that tradition in some way. As human beings we need gathering times and especially in our times when the social media is so popular.”
Want to beat the Monday blues? Emilee Peterson of The Fashion House, instructs adult sewing starting Monday nights in November. In Introduction to Sewing students are introduced to the elements of constructing their own garments. Key techniques taught include cutting and pinning fabric, following a pattern, pressing and hemming, and sewing on the machine. Students will also be introduced to specialty machines to learn about finishing hems and seams. “I’ve been a ballroom dance instructor and operator of a costume design business for the past 23 years and about four years ago I discovered that I have an even greater passion for teaching sewing and clothing construction,” Peterson said. “For me, there are few things more exciting than watching a person explore their imagination and realize that they can not only operate a sewing machine but also design and create their own garments,” she added. Participants can enroll in the sewing class even if they have no experience. “My classes begin with the fundamentals of sewing and we continue to add new techniques each week. With every project the students learn multiple new skills and, of course, build confidence!
Sewing is a timeless skill. Besides it being fun to design and construct one’s own fashion, understanding basic techniques, like hemming a pair of slacks, or sewing on a button, can save a person time and money.” Peterson said sewing is both a relaxing and exciting hobby. “There is a meditative quality to working on a project that is calming because it is a quiet, inwards type of activity. This makes it very relaxing,” she said. “But there’s something to be said for that moment when one finishes their project and sees it in its completion! Very exciting!” Peterson will also be teaching new children’s classes including Introduction to Sewing, and Continuing Sewing 1 and 2 featuring a variety of projects like aprons, pillows, and pajama pants.
Find your OWN fun at the Palatine Park District this fall!
