image c/o Curves, Patterns, and Pins
2012 is supposed to be a big year with possibly some big changes, namely the predicted apocalypse and train wreck of a presidential election. So why not make a change in your life by trying something that you haven’t done before? After all, if the earth is going to end this year, now would be time to pick up something that you’ve always want to try. Check out these great spots that teach classes that you’ll actually want to take:
3rd Ward- This multifaceted art space has been a mecca to young creative people in Brooklyn with its eclectic mix of classes ranging from personal interest (Bike Maintenance, Rooftop Beekeeping 101) to professional development (Online Marketing Strategies, Setting Up E-Commerce Sites) and much, much more. Get inspired by checking out their “New Year Resolutions” classes that include Introduction to Upholstery, Learn the Guitar, and Intro to Web Design: HTML/CSS. The courses are pricey, but this would be a great way to spend your extra holiday cash, especially if it leads to a new career path!
The Brooklyn Kitchen- This foodie-haven is known for its wide array of classes that can teach you everything you need to know about the culinary world, and a few things that you don’t really need to know (but it’s pretty cool if you do). Their class calendar is almost filled up for the month of January, but there are still a few good classes with space in the beginning of February that cover topics like baking savory pies and brewing your own beer. Who knows- maybe one of those will turn out to be your life calling. The world always needs more pie and beer, amirite?
The Society for the Advancement of Social Studies (SASS)- Do you enjoy drinking alcohol, clever humor, and learning about history? Well friend, it’s high time you started waving your nerd flag proudly by attending one of this group’s educational and entertaining lectures. On the first Tuesday of each month, the brains behind SASS present a lecture at Public Assembly on “a different historic topic that you probably knew at one point but don’t remember anymore.” The best part? There will be themed drinks specials, so you can leave feeling smart and buzzed. There next lecture is TONIGHT, JANUARY 3rd at 7pm on the apocalypse and other fun doomsday topics. For more information, check out the event page here.
Brooklyn Yarn Café- Learn how to knit to your little heart’s delight in this cozy shop while munching on their unique menu offerings that include meatball paninis, pizza quesadillas, and pina colada cake. Hey! Good news for you knitting newbies: Groupon is currently offering a deal on their classes. Score a beginners class now for as low as $22, but hurry- offer ends this Wednesday, January 4th.
The Trapeze Loft- If you are one of those people who actually enjoys exercising and/or flying, you’ll probably like trapeze. The Trapeze Loft offers a selection of classes that will have you soaring in no time, and according to their site, “classes are a fantastically fun way to get into or stay in shape, make new friends, improve your coordination and agility, or fine-tune your skills.” With all that vigorous activity, you’re bound to get a hot bod from this new hobby, and maybe even a job at the circus.
Fluent Brooklyn- Whether your goal is to impress the sexy Spanish girl who lives in the apartment next to you or add a little sumpin’ sumpin’ to your resume, now is the time to learn that language that you’ve always wanted to learn. Fluent Brooklyn offers classes that teach French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, German, Arabic, and Mandarin. Their site says classes are “designed for New Yorkers with busy schedules who are ready to tackle the challenge of learning a new language in a productive and efficient yet fun way.” Students also have the opportunity to study French in Paris this summer or Spanish in Madrid and Barcelona. Can the Rosetta Stone series take you to a country you’ve always wanted to visit? I don’t think so, amigo.
BANG! The Drum School- Ever dreamed of playing drums like a pro? Well, the instructors at BANG! can’t guarantee that you’ll be playing sold out shows anytime soon, but you will get the chance to fine tune your musician skills in a laid back environment. Plus, chicks dig guys who play instruments. ‘Nuff said.
Choplet Pottery & Ceramic Studio- Now you can live out your Ghost fantasies on the pottery wheel (minus the dead guy behind you part). The studio offers one-day pottery classes, workshops, and regular adult classes that teach “throwing, hand building, decorating, sculpture, glazing, and tile/mosaic.” Who knows- maybe you’ll become a master pottery artist, but even if you don’t, you’re still guaranteed to have some lovely creations to show off to your friends and family.
Brooklyn Bartending Academy- For some of us, bartending is an ideal job, or at least an ideal job while living as a struggling artist for a few years. The good news is that the Brooklyn Bartending Academy will help you master the art of mixing liquor so you can walk in for a job interview with experience that goes beyond “I get drunk a lot.” Most importantly, the school teaches you the sort of things that you could only learn from people who have been in the business awhile, such as bar management and how to make maximum moolah.
Know anywhere else that offers fun, educational classes around the ‘Burg? Leave a comment!