Top 5 Creative Classes to Take in Mississauga
Published February 26, 2016 at 2:51 pm
There are so many options for fun things to do in our city that it’s hard to get bored. You can always find something, whether it’s enjoying music at the recurring Bier Markt Indie Thursdays – DJ Series, the new opening of Johnny Panini’s, or trying out axe throwing with your friends.
But sometimes you feel like not only going somewhere new, but learning something new. This writer personally took a beginner’s adult ballet class at the Living Arts Centre last summer and had a BLAST. As amazing as that was, I have, however, hung up my slippers (yes, I bought slippers…and made a tutu for the final class… and I make no apologies for it). When you’re in the mood to try your hand at a novel activity or pick up a new skill while having fun at the same time, these five places have got you covered.
Heat Things Up in the Kitchen: Culinaria Restaurant and Events
Located off of Kennedy and Britannia in the historic (and designated heritage site) Elliot House, Culinaria Restaurant & Events’ top rated restaurant and event space also has a learning kitchen where Mississaugans can bone up on basic cooking skills. Their three-hour Foodie Basics classes include a range of dinner courses and meals and that cover areas like meat, poultry and desserts. They also have eight-week courses for those who need a little more help in the kitchen and aren’t afraid to commit.
Currently offering classes well into June of this year, Culinaria’s Home Chef cooking classes let you try your hand at everything from basic knife skills and techniques to seasonal recipes and pastries. They also offer couple’s cooking classes to spice things up on date night. Students receive a free PDF recipe book with most classes, so there’s no pressure to take notes. You can expect to eat what you make in the class, so definitely bring an empty stomach and tupperware for leftovers (if there are any)!
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Put on Your Dancing Shoes: Arthur Murray Dance Centers
If you’re going to learn how to dance, why not learn from the best? The city of Mississauga is #blessed to have an Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studio, touted as the “oldest and largest international dance instruction company in the world.” For those who want to slide into lessons without any background or experience, Arthur Murray has Introductory and Social Ease programs that focus on the fundamentals.
Arthur Murray is great for people wanting to learn to dance for a number of reasons. Hobby dancers can take solo lessons for fun, to get on competition level or to dazzle family and friends at their wedding. Whatever your motivation to get up and get movin’, shuffle over to the studio just south of Britannia and Hurontario to get more info.
Feeling Crafty: Mississauga Potters’ Guild
For those who want to be able to do something with their hands and actually have something (or a few things) to show for their efforts at the end of class, check out the Mississauga Potter’s Guild. Located in the Lorne Park area at the south end of the city, the MPG welcomes people to their open studio on Sundays. They also host various classes and workshops. Open studio sessions are guided for those who need the help, but give regular potters two hours to work freely on a project. There are also themed open studio days if you crave more structure. Beginner classes guide newbies through working with clay and glazing their pieces while letting instructors handle the more dangerous and heavy lifting involved with firing them. Advanced classes expand on clay throwing, different shapes and glazing techniques.
Different membership types are open to people at all skill levels. If your course is finished and you wish to continue on with your new found pottery obsession, you can get a membership to take advantage of perks like access to the facilities, participation in workshops and monthly meetings. Pottery at the Guild will not only give you the chance to learn a new craft, but also sense of community if you want it.
Pole dancing isn’t just for exotic dancers and nightclub go-go girls anymore. Sure, it can be an incredible way to get in tune with your sensuality, but it is also a good workout (imagine the core strength!). Aradia Fitness Mississauga is the first exclusive Canadian studio (and the first studio certified in Canada) to offer pole silks classes wherein dancers learn to combine both traditional pole dancing and aerial silks. There’s also no need to be shy (which you must not be if you’re considering this) because as beautiful as it looks and intimidating as it may seem, these classes require no prior experience or training. The only requirement is shorts. For the love of God, please wear shorts to this class!
Aradia also has drop-in classes available from Fit N Flexi to Stiletto Stut Choreo in addition to their pole classes and workshops. There are also a number of flexible options for membership, class passes, workshops and drop-in classes that allow dancers to choose their own adventure. And if you are still feeling too shy to join what owner Cassandra Thompson calls the “sisterhood” at the north end of the city near Argentia and Derry, they will also host parties and private lessons.
Create a Work of Art: Living Arts Centre
Ah, the Living Arts Centre: my old stomping (pliéing?) grounds. Centrally located near Square one, the Living Arts Centre offers a veritable bevy of classes for adults (in addition to adult ballet) that are offered on a seasonal basis all year round. The classes here require more of a commitment than the others mentioned above, as they generally run for weeks at a time and also tend to fill up early. No drop-ins here. One of the most popular groupings of classes at LAC are painting and drawing. If that’s your jam, you have your choice among portraits and landscapes, acrylics and watercolours. Check out the Community Courses and Camps brochure on their website for class schedules.
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