Education

10 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2016 It's never too late to learn something new. W hatever your interests, whether it's beekeeping, trying a different method of cooking, or discovering new ways to move your body to music, there's a course that will suit your needs. "Some people feel they're too old to try something for the first time, which isn't true. Our classes are accessible and open for any age to try," says Nicole Kepp, principal of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's (RWB) recreational division. "We have adult classes for beginners right up to more advanced students. You can start dance classes at any age." The RWB isn't only about ballet — they embrace many different styles of dance, offering adult classes in ballet, jazz, tap, modern dance and hip hop. "A lot of people come to ballet classes when they want to try something new for the first time, but our levels of hip hop have also grown — we now offer beginner and intermediate classes," Kepp says. "We have classes for people who have never taken a dance class before but who want to give it a try." Dance classes are an opportunity for overwhelmed adults to do something purely for themselves, she adds. "It can be their 'me' time. A lot of adults have really found themselves in dance. It builds confidence," says Kepp. "Dance aids in physical activity levels, posture and alignment. We've become increasingly popular with people who are really wanting to move and be active." The RWB is also getting more and more inquiries from adult male students. "We've had a lot of male interest — men always wonder if there will be other men in the class," says Kepp. The RWB's dance classes begin on Sept. 11. To learn more or register, please see their website, rwb. org. Louis Riel School Division's Continuing Education department prides itself on offering courses to suit every interest and taste, with new classes added each fall. One of the newest courses available is Beekeeping for Beginners, says Jan Laidlaw, facilitator. "Now people are allowed to keep bees within the city limits, so a lot of people are interested in this class. Bees are quite enjoyable to work with, actually," she says. "Our students will be ready to launch into beekeeping at the end of the course if they wish." The course will teach participants how to collect honey, how to keep the bees healthy and how to look after them properly. There is a limit of 12 students for this three-day course, which starts Sept. 25. The school division's popular Jewellery Construction course has added a second level. Taught by Christopher Redd of Reddline Jewellery, this class will teach students how to master gemstone setting. "He's been making and selling his own jewellery for years, and this is an opportunity for people to learn from a master," says Laidlaw. "People have lots of opportunities to keep growing with his classes. They can make things for themselves or to give as gifts." The division continues to offer Small Engine Repair courses, and, by popular demand, has added Residential Plumbing to its roster this fall. "We've had people ask us for this course for years. Participants will learn how to repair their taps, replace fixtures and work on drains. This is a hands-on course so they'll get good experience," Laidlaw says. "Students Students take part in a small engine repair class at the Louis Riel Arts and Technology Centre. Photo by Darcy Finley RWB & LOUIS RIEL IT'S ALWAYS A GOOD TIME TO LEARN By Holli Moncrieff for the Free Press

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