Learn the Mystique of Belly Dancing

Register now for classes in beginner or intermediate belly dancing at the Humphrey Calder Community Center, 414 N. Thompson Street, starting February 5.

     The beginner classes will teach students the basic steps and etiquette of American Cabaret Style Belly Dance as well as provide an introduction to Richmond’s belly dancing community. Along with teaching the basic steps, the class is designed to increase self-esteem and confidence and improve the student’s body image. Anyone with an interest in belly dancing, regardless of age, size or ability, will enjoy this fun class which will be held from 8:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday nights for four weeks. 

     The intermediate class is for people who have taken classes before and will offer more advanced movements based on the fundamentals. The instructor will review and refine basic isolations and introduce more complex isolations, and students will learn to incorporate “layering” into their dancing, which will allow them in include the exciting element of doing multiple moves while dancing. Participants will also study the use of finger cymbals (zills) and veils. This class will be held on Tuesdays for four weeks and will begin at 6:30 p.m. and last until 8 p.m.

      The fee for either class for city residents is $40. Non-city residents are required to pay an additional $20. All students are asked to bring a foldable Yoga mat to class.

      For more information or to register, call the Humphrey Calder Community Center at (804) 646-1780 or e-mail Kevin.Armentrout@RichmondGov.com.

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Early Closings, Cancellations for Today, Weekend

Due to the forecast for inclement weather, the department has canceled its After School Programs for today, Friday, January 25. The department has also cancelled all of its youth basketball games for today and throughout the weekend.

      In addition, the department’s community centers will close today at 6 p.m., and the Pine Camp Arts and Community Center will close at 6 p.m. today and remain closed throughout the weekend.

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Art Opening, Panel Discussion Celebrate Black History

In celebration of Black History Month, the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will host an art exhibit featuring the works of several local African-American artists. Titled Dark Waters,” the exhibit will open with a reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 8 at the Spotlight Gallery located within the department’s Pine Camp Arts and Community Center at 4901 Old Brook Road.

      In addition, the artists will discuss their work prior to the opening reception from 6 to 6:30 p.m. in the Pine Camp Theater. Both events are open and free to the public.

     “Dark Waters” is the culmination of artistic expression from several contemporary artists who were asked to interpret their impressions of the impact of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. The works on display will include Austina Hume’s ZongZorgCare, a mixed-media sculpture that served as the inspiration piece for this exhibition.

      The exhibit will be on display through March 8. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

 

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Youth Basketball Games Cancelled

The department has cancelled all of its youth basketball games for Friday night, January 18, and Saturday, January 19.