It takes who to tango?
One of the things that makes the community education classes at Oregon Coast Community College so enjoyable is that many of the instructors have become experts on subjects that they first discovered by chance.
Classes beginning in October include regularly offered courses and some fun new options at the Lincoln City, Newport and Waldport campuses. Argentine tango, taught by Kanwal Sachdeva, will be offered in two locations.
“I’ve been dancing tango for 11 or 12 years,” said Sachdeva, who will teach with the help of co-instructors and dance partners Micaela Zimmerman and Krista Eddy. “I also regularly attend the twice-yearly tango festivals in Portland and am involved with the tango communities there. There are actually big communities in Portland, Eugene, Bend and Ashland and all over the world.”
When Sachdeva saw a notice for tango classes in Newport, he had never danced before.
“I immediately took to it and still love it,” he said. “I think over time I’ve become a good dancer and, as I’ve been a teacher all my life, I enjoy teaching it.”
Though we usually categorize artistic and non-artistic pursuits as being right- or left-brained, Sachdeva says this particular activity engages both sides:
“That’s the interesting thing about Argentine tango,” he said. “It’s totally improvised so when you dance it, you use all parts of your brain. It's also good for your social skills since you need to learn to convey things to your partner non-verbally. With the more classic tango, you are more dancing for the audience — this style is more about dancing for your partner.”
Participants won’t need to sign up with a partner, though.
“When you go to a party you often end up dancing with many different people so it's important to learn that way,” Sachdeva said. “Once people in the class have learned how to dance, we will be frequently changing partners so they learn how to do it right.”
The sets of eight two-hour classes are $65 each. Please wear smooth-soled shoes or wool socks.
• Newport, Thursdays, Oct. 6 through Dec. 1, 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
Instructors: Kanwal Sachdeva and Micaela Zimmerman
• Lincoln City, Tuesdays, Oct. 4 through Nov. 29, 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
Instructors: Kanwal Sachdeva and Krista Eddy
Tiny Mosaic: Tide pools
In this new class, you will create a small tide pool mosaic using colorful stained glass on a six-inch upcycled tile base. Using a template of a sea star or anemone, you’ll learn two methods that allow you to decide if you’ll grout later or skip it. A grouting demo in class and video link will be provided so you can do that part at home with confidence. All materials and use of tools included. $85.
Lincoln City, Saturday, Oct. 22, 10 am to 3 pm.
Instructor: Joanne Daschel
Basics of Beekeeping
Learn about the vocabulary of beekeeping, hive equipment, protective gear, where to find help and resources and challenges and opportunities. The Central Coast Beekeepers will bring in equipment for show and be available for a Q&A session at the end of the class. $25.
Newport, Wednesday, Oct.19, 2 to 5 pm.
Instructor: Judi Irving
Bespoke Bookbinding II
A second chance if you missed signing up for bespoke Bookbinding I. This class will include more artistic bookbinding techniques including starbooks, rebinding old book covers, soft cover binding and accordion books. No previous experience is necessary, and there’s no need to have taken Bookbinding I. $65. Request a materials list from OCCC, or purchase a kit from the instructor for $35.
Newport, Thursday, Oct. 20 to Nov. 10, 10 to 11:30 am.
Instructor: Jen Hernandez
Gouache
Create whimsical illustrations and paintings with gouache, a water-based medium that layers like acrylic and dries with a matte finish. Perfect for children’s illustrations, cards and small paintings, this medium can bring to life all kinds of wondrous imaginings. This is a beginner-friendly class and students can expect to finish with at least two paintings. $65. Request a materials list from OCCC, or purchase a kit from the instructor for $25.
Newport, Thursdays, Oct. 20 through Nov. 10, 1 to 2:30 pm.
Instructor: Jen Hernandez
Astrology 101
Designed to offer the student a clear path to understanding, reading and interpreting the Western Astrological Chart. Upon completing the course, students will be able to identify and weave together the four components that make up a chart. $40.
Lincoln City, Tuesdays, Oct. 4 through Nov. 1, 10 to 11 am.
Instructor: Laura L. Ramsey
Basic Photography
Bring your camera and manual for a better understanding of image quality settings, shutter releases, focusing modes, area of the frame, flash modes, white balance, metering modes, the exposure triangle and histograms. Participants will have time to explore their camera setting in the classroom and/or outside. The course will also touch on general composition and lighting. $35.
Waldport, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 1 to 4 pm.
Instructor: Jeffery Cox
For more information, go to oregoncoast.edu/communityed or call 541-996-6222.