Winter Guide: Become an Expert

We've gathered a batch of excellent classes to get you through the cold Compiled by Rebecca Temerario Freelancing Workshop CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, 219 W. 40th St., Monday, Jan. 7, and Tuesday, Jan. 8, 1?5 p.m. Taught by Prof. Frederick Kaufman, a consortial faculty member at the CUNY J-School and veteran freelancer who has published his essays and articles in Harper's, The New York Times Magazine and The New Yorker, among many others; and Ellen Walterscheid (The Sciences, AARP The Magazine, National Geographic World, among others), the J-School's original career services director. Focus is on the magazine/web market. We'll cover such topics as generating ideas, understanding the market, getting to the right editor, pitching the story, understanding the contract and negotiating a good price. $69 for 2 sessions. Scene Study: Audition Technique Alan Gordon Acting School, 115 MacDougal St., Wednesdays: Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 7?10 p.m. Students will learn a detailed method/system for breaking down the text so that instead of "guessing" their way through the text they learn to make informed, active choices through a detailed understanding of the given circumstances of the play/script. Students work from scenes that they choose from network and cable series or scenes provided for them. They can also bring in commercial copy or an audition piece that they have been called in for. This will give students the opportunity to work every week. If students feel they have the time and would like to bring in a finished scene, that option is still open to them. Taught by Alan Gordon. ?$200 for four sessions. Crochet 1: Beginning Crochet Lion Brand Yarn Studio, 34 W. 15th St., Monday, Jan. 7, and Monday, Jan. 14, 12?1:30 p.m. Lion Brand Yarn Studio hosts this two-week beginner's class, where you will learn the chain and the four basic crochet stitches. At the end of the second session, you will be able to crochet a scarf. Let us help you discover the wonderful world of crochet! All materials are included. $50 for 2 sessions. No prerequisites. Do not need to bring your own materials. Couples Cupcake Class Butter Lane, 123 E. 7th St., Friday, Dec. 21, 8?10 p.m. Add a little sugar to your love life! Whether it's your first date or 20th anniversary, you'll love making cupcakes with your sweetheart. Together, you'll go through the recipes from cake to icing.? Mix and scoop your cupcakes, then on to the icing lesson with your favorite flavor! Every couple takes home a dozen cupcakes, which is a $30 value! $80 for one session. African Dance Ral'eau Salsa Dance Company, 300 W. 43rd St., Suite 600, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 7:15?8:15 p.m. This is an introductory level focusing on traditional and contemporary African dance rhythms and body movements with live drumming. Have fun while getting a workout. Wear comfortable clothing, loose or stretchy. Lapa or sarong is optional. Bare feet only. No street shoes. Arrive 10 minutes early for signing the liability waiver. A dance partner is not required for this class. Must be 18 or older to participate. $20 for one session. Intermediate Pilates with Props (Steele Pilates) Dance New Amsterdam, 280 Broadway, Second Floor, Monday, Dec. 24, 1:30?2:30 p.m. Beneficial for both dancers and non-dancers, Pilates classes are based on concepts and exercises of the methodology of Joseph Pilates that focus on improving flexibility, strength and stabilization. It alternates muscular toning exercises-at times incorporating rubber bands, stability balls or foam rollers-with deep stretches. The exercises help facilitate correct spinal alignment and are ideal for dancers (or anyone), as they strengthen without bulking muscles, thus enabling greater ease of movement as well as a lovely elongated physique. This work also energizes the body, so it is beneficial before class or performance. Must be 16 years or older to participate. $17.50 for 1 session. CPR Classes Birth Day Presence, 580 Broadway, Saturday, Jan. 12, 4:30?7 p.m. Expectant and new parents, grandparents and caregivers can learn infant and child CPR, plus relief of foreign body airway obstruction (choking), taxicab and car seat guidelines, and extensive baby safety tips. Every student will be provided a mannequin for plenty of hands-on practice, and there will be various take-home handouts as well. Your baby is welcome if not yet crawling. $150 for one session. Grammar, Culture and Conversation Easy Español, 10 E. 39th St., #1124 11th floor, Thursdays: Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 and Feb. 7, 6:45?8:15 p.m. The carefully crafted lessons will help students strengthen their communication skills and gain natural fluency in Spanish. This conversation course is ideal for students at the Lower Intermediate level (B1) who want to communicate with ease in Spanish. The conversational activities and assignments are intended to help you become more proficient in speaking Spanish. Using a series of fun, interesting yet challenging activities, we'll correct mistakes, explain grammar topics and highlight relevant vocabulary to ensure you achieve confidence in speaking Spanish. An Online Placement Test should be taken for this course. Access to test will be provided once enrolled. You must be at least at the B1 level to join this class, and you will need to purchase the textbook. Must be 21 or older to participate. $134 for 5 sessions. Microsoft PowerPoint Class The Career Center, 185 Madison Ave., Saturday, Dec. 29, 9 a.m.?5 p.m. You will learn to explore the PowerPoint environment and create a presentation, format text on slides to enhance clarity, enhance the visual appeal, and add graphical objects to a presentation and modify them. You will also add tables and charts to a presentation to present data in a structured form. Then you will finalize a presentation. Must be 18 or older to participate. $229 for one session.