Adult classes

Dance

Balkan folkdance

Ages 18+

Learn a repertoire of lively dances from North Macedonia, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Romania, Greece and Hungary. Internationally known teachers Martin Frost or Todd Wagner will provide instruction to participants with some dance experience. Information about customs, history and costume is also presented. This course complements other courses offered at the recreation center with very little overlap in material. $8 drop–in fee. No class: Nov. 24 

Instructor: S. Ritz
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Folk dances of Hungary and Transylvania 

Ages 16+

This class teaches authentic Hungarian, Romanian and Gypsy dances. These dances, centuries old, resemble ballroom dances on steroids. If you plan to visit Hungary, or just like dancing with incredible music, this class is for you. We do mostly couple dances but also include some men’s and women’s dances. Teaching will be at a beginning level. Partners are not necessary since we rotate partners during the teaching. For more information call email todd@wagnerhaz.com  

Instructor: T. Wagner
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Palomanians folk dance

Ages 13+

Learn dances from around the world. All levels of dance are offered, from beginning to advanced. Class begins with warmup and introductory dances. Beginners and experienced dancers will feel right at home and have fun. Partner and non–partner dances will be presented, but you do not need a partner to attend. Questions? Call 408-537-3352 or 408-249-6104.

Instructor: C. Dickey
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Hawaiian Hula - beginner/intermediate

Ages 18+

The dance of hula expresses life and love, and a fun form of exercise while you "do the hula." Students will learn basic footwork, hula movements, and graceful hand gestures dancing to beautiful Hawaiian mele (song). Students wear comfortable clothing, loose fitting T-shirt and leggings OK (no jeans) or bring your hula pa’u skirt or sarong. No class Oct. 1, Oct. 22 

Instructor: N. Antonio
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Persian dance

Ages 15+

Groove into your body and connect back to yourself by expressing graceful movements of Persian classical dance. We ground to warm up, do some cardio, focus on fundamental techniques of classical Persian dance, and learn a choreography with the option to perform. Persian dance emphasizes delicate, graceful arm movements and expressiveness through lifted body positions. For more information, please visit persiandancing.com. No class: Nov. 24

Instructor: S. Mirabedi
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Persian belly dance fusion

Ages 16+

Learn a combination of Egyptian-style belly dance with the elegance of Persian dance movements and fundamentals of posture, isolations, steps and shimmies. We will cover the accents of belly dance along with delicate arm and foot patterns of Persian dancing. Class begins with a quick warmup, followed by technique and combinations, and ends with stretching. Classes are suitable for all ability levels and students with no experience are welcome. Please wear comfortable clothing, preferably fitted to the body and no shoes. No class: Nov. 24 

Instructor: A. Pakdaman
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Traditional Aztec dance

Ages 16+

Learn to dance the traditional Aztec dance that has been taught for centuries in Mexico and other Latin American countries. No class: Sept. 5, Nov. 24

Instructor: G. Salinas
Location: Belle Haven Branch Library 

Enrichment/wellness

Menlo Park Chess Club

Ages 8+

The Menlo Park Chess Club offers casual instruction, lectures, informal play, rates tournaments and other chess activities, striving to appeal to players of all ages and skill levels, from complete beginners to strong masters. Offered at no cost for Menlo Park residents. Drop in registration required to participate. 

Instructor: M. Drury
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Ikebana

Ages 14+

Students in this course learn the basic principles and style of Sogetsu, creating fresh flower arrangements each week to take home and enjoy. We will explore the lkebana values of discipline, knowledge of rules and forms, and idealized approach to nature using fresh flowers and greenery in a creative atmosphere. Create distinctive, elegant designs that exude a sense of harmony, balance and well–being while learning the history and fundamental approaches of lkebana and Sogetsu school. $165 one–time material fee paid to instructor on the first day of class. No class: Nov. 8

Instructor: E. Soloveychik
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Ayuvedic living

Ages 18+

Fall season is governed by Vata dosha, and in this season we are prone to imbalance such as dry skin, constipation, anxiety and trouble sleeping. We will learn about diet and lifestyle shifts to combat the common imbalances and keep you hydrated and healthy throughout fall. We will end class with a delicious warm beverage that will help to Vata dosha. 

Instructor: Banyan Tree Women's Collective
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Calming the mind: nutrition and self-care

Ages 18+

Are you feeling burnt out or exhausted? Have stress and worry taken over your mind and body, making it difficult to manage your emotions? Stress is a normal emotion, and impacts everyone. In this workshop you will learn practical strategies to manage anxiety, worry, overwhelm and stress. You will leave equipped with a toolbox to restore calm to your mind and body, and be grounded in your emotions. 

Instructor: Banyan Tree Women's Collective
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Fitness

Strength training home workout

Do you prefer to work out in the convenience of your own home when you want? You will learn a home workout routine by using hand weights. You will learn to do safe and effective exercises to help strengthen and tone all muscle groups, as well as increase bone density to help prevent Osteoporosis. An additional benefit can be weight loss as you burn calories up to 24 hours after lifting weights. The class will start with a gentle cardio warm up and end with stretching. 

Instructor: M. Story
Location: Online 

Strength training private training

Do you prefer to work out in the convenience of your own home when you want? You will learn a home workout routine by using hand weights. You will learn to do safe and effective exercises to help strengthen and tone all muscle groups, as well as increase bone density to help prevent Osteoporosis. An additional benefit can be weight loss as you burn calories up to 24 hours after lifting weights. The class will start with a gentle cardio warm up and end with stretching. Register online and then you will be contacted directly to schedule your sessions. 

Instructor: M. Story
Location: Off-site TBD by instructor

Group strength training

This workout is carefully designed to strengthen all major muscles of the upper body, lower body and core using body weight, free weights, and a variety of other equipment. Modifications and progressions are shown to ensure everyone is challenged appropriate to their ability. All levels are welcome, and all equipment is provided. Experience this total body workout and realize a stronger, fitter you! $25 drop–in fee. For more information, contact fitstart@gmail.com.

Instructor: L. Vande Voorde
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

Joint Point

Ages 15+

This class has the beginnings of an experimental “posture class” for dancers. Marianne Crowder taught it for over 50 years in and around Menlo Park and eventually called it “Mariantics.”  This is a “no pain, no sweat” exercise form, with strong roots in modern dance and liberally sprinkled with exercises designed to correct bad posture and its negative effects. No class: Nov. 24 

Instructor: C. Jung
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

Menlo Aikijujitsu

Ages 15+

Bushin Ryu Aikijujitsu is a martial art system based on the dynamic techniques common to both Jujitsu and Aikido focusing on techniques and strategies for self–defense. Students learn the principles of striking, kicking, pressure points, joint locks, throws and submissions as well as the values of: discipline, self–control and respect. This system also includes weapon techniques concentrating on short staff/knife A $60 fee for uniform is payable to the instructor on the first day of class. For more information, visit bushinryutaojitsu.com No class: Nov. 10, Nov. 24 

Instructor: T. Chow
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

Taiji (Tai Chi) Chuanv - beginner

Ages 16+

Taiji Chuan, is an internal martial art that cultivates power and relaxation. The Chen style encompasses both hard and soft aspects of taiji. Practice strengthens the core and improves posture and balance. Learn the original Old Frame form from which all Taiji Chuan originated. The beginning class will focus on learning fundamentals such as correct posture and moving from the center. Push hands and weapons such as sword, spear, and Guan Dao are covered in the intermediate class. 

Instructor: E. Horvath
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center – Willow Room 

Taiji (Tai Chi) Chuanv - intermediate

Ages 16+

Taiji Chuan, is an internal martial art that cultivates power and relaxation. The Chen style encompasses both hard and soft aspects of taiji. Practice strengthens the core and improves posture and balance. Learn the original Old Frame form from which all Taiji Chuan originated. The beginning class will focus on learning fundamentals such as correct posture and moving from the center. Push hands and weapons such as sword, spear, and Guan Dao are covered in the intermediate class. 

Instructor: E. Horvath
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center – Willow Room 

Adult tennis novice

Ages 15+

A common question for many new players is where to begin with lessons and classes, and the United States Tennis Association offers ratings for courses to help you decide what might be right for you. This course is rated a 2.5-3.0, which means after the course, you’ll be able to judge where the ball is going and you’ll be able to tackle a short rally with players that have the same basic ability. No class: Oct. 9, Nov. 27

Instructor: Euro School of Tennis staff
Location: Willow Oaks Park

Beginner traditional karate

Participants learn traditional karate from Okinawa Japan, focusing on kata, self–defense, sport kumite, awareness, sportsmanship, athletics and personal well–being. Training adopts science of the U.S. Olympic committee while following the standards of the Japan Karate Federation. Students may participate in local, regional and international competitions and have the opportunity to train in Japan and international seminars with the instructor. Drop in is $20 per session, offered Monday evenings. Additional fee for (non–mandatory) training equipment (white karate uniform) suggested for participants wishing to continue training. Additional fee for national, international membership and testing; however, memberships and test participation is not required. No class: Nov. 9, Nov. 23

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

Experienced traditional karate

Ages 8+

Experienced participants learn traditional karate from Okinawa Japan, focusing on kata, self–defense, sport kumite, awareness, sportsmanship, athletics and personal well–being. Training adopts science of the U.S. Olympic committee while following the standards of the Japan Karate Federation. Students may participate in local, regional and international competitions and have the opportunity to train in Japan and international seminars with the instructor. Drop in is $20 per session, offered Monday evenings. Additional fee for (non–mandatory) training equipment (white karate uniform) suggested for participants wishing to continue training. Additional fee for national, international membership and testing; however, memberships and test participation is not required. No class: Nov. 9, Nov. 23

Instructor: J. Williams
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

TRX suspension training

Ages 16+

Want to be stronger? Want to achieve that toned body? TRX can help you achieve that look!! TRX is a revolutionary total body workout that uses gravity and your own body weight to simultaneously develop strength, balance, flexibility and core stability. I will give you a workout that will challenge your week after week, launching you toward your definition of success. Concerned your body isn’t 100%?  Modifications and progressions will be used to accommodate any issues. New to TRX? Come in for a free session and try it out before you decide. $25 drop–in fee, based on availability.

Instructor: K. Baker
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

Volleyball basics - beginner/advanced beginner

For players with little to no playing experience. Students will learn basic skills: passing (underhand and overhand), setting, hitting and serving. Team skills will also be covered. Depending on the experience level of students the system evolves from 6-6, 6-3, to 4-2. Drop-in fee of $20.00 if space is available in session.

Instructor: P. Yee
Location: Arrillaga Family Gymnasium

Volleyball team tactics - intermediate/advanced

This player can consistently execute pass–set–hit sequences and is familiar with team play. Students will learn advanced techniques augmenting basic skills: passing (underhand and overhand), tempo sets, spiking, diving, jump serving and blocking. Emphasis will be on playing as a team, progressing from 4-2, 6-2, to 5-1. Additional instruction on situational awareness, footwork, reading the game and transition defense and attack. Drop–in fee of $20 with instructor’s approval in advance and if space is available. 

Instructor: P. Yee
Location: Arrillaga Family Gymnasium

Motivational Monday gentle yoga

In this class we will be doing traditional yoga poses and stretches that will help you build strength, tone, balance, and increase flexibility for the entire body including core. It’s a terrific stress reliever and helps to detox your body. You will leave feeling rejuvenated and energized. All ages, body types and fitness levels welcome.

Instructor: M. Story
Location: Online

Yogalates

Great total body workout improving posture, strength (including core and back) and enhances flexibility as well as balance.

Instructor: M. Story
Location: Online

Iyengar Yoga with Ruchi – hybrid

Ages 18+

This is a hybrid yoga class where students can attend in person or online. This yoga class is for students new to yoga and experienced students of all levels. Students will learn basic yoga poses and build further from the foundation rotating between standing poses, forward extensions, back extensions, twists and breath awareness as well as learn some yoga philosophy. Iyengar yoga puts emphasis on alignment using props and builds flexibility and strength. Yoga is a practice for self–understanding. A consistent practice can improve your life in many ways. Please bring your yoga mat and any other props you already have, additional yoga props will be provided by the instructor. No class: Oct. 10, Oct. 31, Nov. 21

Instructor: R. Murlidhar
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

Zumba

Ages 16+

Zumba combines Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a dynamic workout, plus step and toning. 

Instructor: S. Gutierrez
Location: Online

Zumba toning

Ages 18+

This class puts an emphasis on toning to define muscle. There will be a half–hour portion of the class which focuses on weights and body sculpting. Then the second part of the class will be focused on Zumba to increase your cardio levels. 

Instructor: S. Gutierrez
Location: Online