CLEARWATER - Did you know Mah Jong is a rummy-like game played with tiles instead of cards, that it is traceable back to the 1800s in China? If you've ever wanted to learn how to play, now's your chance. Classes are offered from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each Friday at the Countryside Recreation Center, 2640 Sabal Springs Drive. Ever considered taking up fencing? The foil fencing classes offered by Kirk Rowley on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:15 p.m. are for all ages. Of course, there's also social bridge and duplicate bridge for adults and for those interested in art, there's instruction by Marilyn Patton in multi-media painting. Youngsters have a wide variety of activities from which to choose--gymnastics, cheerleading, ballet and tap and Tae Kwon Do, to name a few. There's hip hop instruction available as well.
Youngsters ages 5 and up can learn the fundamentals of cheerleading from Cheer America instructors. The ballet and tap dance program offered for beginners is designed for ages 3-5. Tumbling routines are taught by Diane Whitcher in her twice a week gymnastics classes, which are scheduled according to age and skill level. Tae Kwon Do, a form of self-defense that teaches discipline of body and mind, is for ages 5 and up. Jazz and hip hop dance instruction is for ages 7 and up.
Instructor for the adult jazz classes is Michelle Dinielli, who trained at the Broadway Dance Center in New York. In the yoga classes led by Dolores Courage, you will learn proper breathing, exercise and relaxation methods. There are also the pilates workouts with Lori Pickens and Jazzercise with Sharon Gray or Sam Lowe. Deborah Oakes conducts a low intensity aerobics class which focuses on proper stretching, body toning and strength toning. No partners are needed for the line dancing classes offered by Marie Saccheri.
"Social Volleyball" for ages 18 and up is scheduled on Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. "Brown Bag Basketball" takes place from noon to 1 p.m. each day, Monday through Friday, in the air-conditioned gymnasium. Adults can learn the foxtrot, swing, waltz, tango, cha-cha and more during the Ballroom/Latin Dance Nights at the center. A "Puppy Manners" class and a "Dog Manners" class are also slated this fall.
To obtain more infomation on the above programs, you may call 669-1914.