What has been a class / workshop that you’ve loved? Inspire me!

[Clasaassa]

Every new year, I like to do a new evening or daytime class (I work part time). Things I’ve done in the past and loved: pottery, creative writing, illustration.

Things I’m sort of interested in: singing (choir), Pilates. But I don’t feel super inspired to find one of those so maybe not that?

What has been a class / workshop you’ve loved doing? Inspire me!!

(I can’t do these things learned at home - I need to join a class with other people otherwise I just won’t do it!)

Aerial yoga. I feel like I'm flying. Currently out of the game due to pregnancy but can't wait to go again afterwards.

Yoga, yes, and Zumba, though I’ve never done aerial yoga & that sounds amazing!

Also going to an Italian class. I’d done Duolingo for a while but it was the class that really made a difference.

I did a silversmithing workshop once which was quite fun. Also bookbinding - if you're still doing arty things you could use that to bind your creations?

Oh wow great suggestions! Aerial yoga would never have crossed my mind! How cool!

Love the idea of silversmithing and bookbinding too.

Glassmaking.

Improv.

Oh improv sounds fun! I’m mid-40s though and fear everyone will be a young wannabe actor? (When I am neither!)

Learn a musical instrument?

I play the cello and it’s a wonderful hobby. I’m nowhere near expert level and play purely for pleasure.

Pottery

I learned Russian when i was at university. Then went back to it about 5 years ago. I really love it.

If you have a local amateur dramatics society near you that would probably be a mix of ages. Although whether they'd run workshops or just the chance to audition to join would depend on the society!

Language courses can also incorporate a bit of improv in my experience!

Do you have any museums within travelling distance of you? Some of the larger museums run creative and other workshops. Could also be worth a try for inspiration. (E.g. the V&A if you're within reach of London.)

I also did a cupcake decorating workshop one year that I enjoyed. I have also done literature short courses that I enjoyed as they helped me get into (and get more from) books I wouldn't otherwise have tried.

I know it doesn't help now, but you might have more options if you make this an August /"new academic year" resolution as most of the beginner level courses start in September so you'd have more options. Lots of courses in January are term 2 for people who started as beginners in September.

If you're interested in history or archaeology there are societies whose lecture programmes start in January so you could dip your toe in there.

Book Group
Alliance Francaise
Flower arranging
Ramblers.

How old are you ? U3A ?

Dressmaking - 2 hours a week where I just focus on creating something lovely and useful from fabric.

Stained and fused glass

Nålbinding (basically an ancient form of crochet/knitting, done by Vikings and also other ancient civilisation).

Life drawing

What's available near you?

Over the years, classes I've done have included German, Spanish, Welsh, trampolining, dancing, art, life drawing, yoga, aquafit. I've got friends who do sewing, knitting, bell-ringing, choir, historical reenactment, historical research, martial arts, sports coaching, volunteering...

There are things I haven't done because they're not available locally or classes are at times that don't fit in with my job. But there are all sorts of options.

I am old so have done all the usual pilates, zumba, exercise classes but the ones I enjoyed the most was A Taste of Indian Cookery which carried me on to getting an exam qualification (which I used) and jewellery making. Not expensive beads but nice ones which friends enjoy to receive or asked me to make for them.
Now I live where there are no day or night classes unless it is U3A which are of no interest to me - gardening, beach cleaning, Spanish for beginners. The ones I would be interested in have a waiting list as long as your arm.
Enjoy which ever you choose.

Improv is one of the most diverse communities I've ever been a part of in terms of age. The oldest person I've met doing improv is 86 and the youngest is 22. There are some actors in the ranks, but many more people who aren't. I'd say the most common job is software engineer type jobs! It's mostly people looking for human connection and community.

I love these! I’m sitting researching now!

Good point about starting in September for longer ones next time, too.

Line dancing. Lovely people, good for the brain and the body and having a resurgence in popularity at the moment.

Had DJ lessons - the best thing I’ve ever done, there’s something magical to me about creating music, when I’m not particularly a creative person. (I’m 39)