Americans are expected to spend less on travel this year, which means that a lot of us are staying here in Dallas this summer, or we’re only going as far as San Antonio — maybe.
Sitting by the pool, reading novels, and pretending you can hear the waves crashing are OK ways to get through the onerous swelter of Texas in July, if you’re saving money by sticking close to home. But for a break in the idleness, our neighborhood has plenty of options for self-improvement.
And besides, there’s nothing good on TV.
Cool classes on cooking, fitness and do-it-yourself projects abound. We’ve picked a few that are unique and worth the price.
Cheese making
Real American cheese
Why it’s worth a try: As Homer Simpson would say: “Mmmmm, cheese.”
If you go: Make reservations early since the lessons accommodate only 10 to 20 people.
Award-winning cheesemaker and Mozzarella Co. owner Paula Lambert starts her monthly cheese-making class with a tour of the Deep Ellum factory and tells the history of her 27-year-old company. Students start out making ricotta cheese, receiving instructions on the proper ratios and techniques. Then they move on to mozzarella and queso Oaxaca.
Then comes the really fun part. A cocktail party at the end of the lesson includes wine, cheese and bread from Empire Bakery. “We just drink wine and stand around and get to know one another,” manager Jane Stephens says.
The Mozzarella Co. also offers classes on beer-and-cheese pairings and wine-and-cheese pairings, which start off with the cocktail party. Participants taste about nine cheeses and six wines or beers.
Where: Mozzarella Co., 2944 Elm
When: July 11 from 3-5 p.m.
How much: $50
For more information: 214.741.4072 or mozzco.com
Mastery of Consciousness
Beyond the physical
Why it’s worth a try: Great people aren’t born; they’re made.
If you go: Keep an open mind.
The School of Metaphysics offers this weekly class that “brings forth the whole self.” Instructors teach mental skills including concentration, memory and dream interpretation. Some of what is taught might seem far out, but a lot of it has to do with positive thinking and meditation. The school, which is based in Windyville, Mo., and has satellite campuses, including the one in Lakewood, offers methods to help people become better at what they do. It’s something a little different — and it’s cheap.
Where: The School of Metaphysics,
5832 Live Oak
When: Mondays, 7:30-10:30 p.m.
How much: $15 suggested donation
For more information: 214.821.5406 or som.org
Seductive dance
Spice up your fitness
Why it’s worth a try: Working out is boring, and belly dancing is fun.
If you go: Wear comfortable but form-fitting workout clothes.
The Girls Room isn’t for everyone — hence the name. But it is one of the only places in Dallas that teaches a range of seductive dance classes, including belly dance, strip tease, burlesque and, yes, the notorious pole dance. (Evidently, it’s a great core workout.) Many of the instructors are professional choreographers, and the dance classes focus on firming and toning muscles. After all, dancers have the best bodies.
By the way, the Girls Room doesn’t really leave out the fellas — it offers a “boys only” pole dancing class, too.
Where: The Girls Room, 1921 Greenville
When: Classes are ongoing at various times
How much: About $25 per class
For more information: 972.977.0809 or thegirlsroom.us
Mosaics, papier mâché and more
Art is smart
Why it’s worth a try: You could be the next Jackson Pollock.
If you go: Hurry, because classes start soon.
Our neighborhood has two art studios offering cool classes for adults this summer. Artistic Gatherings in Casa Linda Plaza keeps it crafty with workshops in papier mâché, rag weaving, earthenware clay art and mosaics. The $85 and $150 fees include all needed supplies.
The Creative Arts Center of Dallas offers a range of night and weekend classes in pottery, drawing, photography, painting and more. The second summer session starts June 27, and classes range from $185-$380 for non-members, plus fees for supplies.
Where: Artistic Gatherings, 9440 Garland Rd., Suite 138; or Creative Arts Center, 2360 Laughlin Drive
When: Classes start June 27, July 7, July 18, July 21 and July 28
How much: $85-$215
For more information: 214.821.8383 or artisticgatherings.com; or 214.320.1275 or creativeartscenter.org
NIA
Put some joy into your workout
Why it’s worth a try: This low-impact workout is way more fun than swimming laps.
If you go: Dress for an aerobics class.
NIA is one of the latest trends in aerobics, blending dance, martial arts, tai chi and yoga. Hour-long classes from instructor Jule Aguirre, a psychotherapist and artist, draw quite a following. Sharyn Fein, who has been taking NIA classes for three years, lives in North Dallas, but drives to Lakewood for the Wednesday night class.
“We are addicted,” she says. “We follow Jule wherever she goes.”
When it was founded in 1983, NIA stood for “non-impact aerobics”, but it has evolved to mean “neuromuscular integrative action”. That’s a fancy way of saying that it’s good for your mind and body.
Where: Contemporary Ballet Dallas, 1902 Abrams
When: Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m.
How much: $15
For more information: 214.395.3855 or juleinthelotus.com
