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.

Search is On for Top Teen Chef

Teens, do you think you have what it takes to become Richmond’s next Top Teen Chef?  Test your skills in a program sponsored by the Richmond Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities on Saturday, December 15, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at T. B. Smith Community Center, located at 2015 Ruffin Road.

   The program will focus on healthy foods, and teens will be encouraged to share their knowledge of food facts as well as demonstrate their culinary skills.

    It’s free to enter, but the program is limited to the first 24 teens to register. For more information and to register, contact Priscilla Wright at (804) 646-1441 or at Priscilla.J.Wright@RichmondGov.com.

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Open House set at Arts and Community Center

The department will hold an open house at its Pine Camp Arts and Community Center on Thursday, December 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

     The public is invited to tour the facility, located at 4901 Old Brook Road, and enjoy a holiday concert by the Richmond Boys Choir in the Pine Camp Theater. This holiday concert will be followed by a performance from the City Dance Theater, the department’s award-winning youth dance troupe.

      The program is free, and refreshments will be served.

      For more information, call (804) 646-3677.

First Tee of Richmond to Close for Holidays

The First Tee of Richmond, located at 400 West School Street, will be closed for an extended period over the upcoming holidays for a thorough cleaning of the facility and inventory maintenance. The facility, which is normally open seven days a week, will be closed from December 24 through January 11.

     First Tee of Richmond is a year-round golf practice facility that includes a driving range with grass tees, covered heated tees, a practice putting and chipping green, a six-hole golf course, and a clubhouse with a pro-shop and snack bar. Normal operating hours during the winter months are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

      The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities uses First Tee to offer a variety of golf programs for youth that teach life skills as well as golf skills.

  

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