Aikido:
Learn moves derived from ancient samurai traditions combining dance and martial arts, with a focus on flexibility and relaxation; open end. 5:45 p.m., 7 p.m., 8:15 p.m. Thu.-Fri.; 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m. Sat.; 5:45 p.m., 7 p.m., 8:15 p.m. Mon.-Wed.; $100 for month of unlimited classes, $70 for six weeks. Japanese Culture Center, 1016 W. Belmont Ave.; 773-525-3141
Ballroom Dance Basics:
Instructors from May I Have This Dance Inc. teach waltz, foxtrot and tango moves. A basic salsa class follows at 8 p.m.; through March 23. $40-$45, $75-$80 for two classes. Pulaski Park, 1419 W. Blackhawk St.; 312-742-7559
Bottles and Brushes:
A casual painting class includes supplies and a canvas to take home, plus appetizers and drink specials; through Thu. 6 p.m. Thu.; $40, RSVP required. Toasted Ox, 2470 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-750-0491
Capoeira:
Learn the African-Brazilian martial art that combines dance, fighting and gymnastic elements. Adults welcome both hours of each class; children ages 5 and up welcome to the first hour of class; open end. 6:30 p.m. Fri.; 1:30 p.m. Sun.; $17, monthly and student discounts available. Three Pillars Wellness Center, 1516 E. 53rd St.; 773-363-7607
Capoeira:
Learn the African-Brazilian martial art that combines dance, fighting and gymnastic elements. Wear loose-fitting pants and a non-baggy T-shirt (white clothing is preferred, but colors are OK); open end. 7:15 p.m. Fri.; 5 p.m., 7 p.m. Sat.; 8 p.m. Mon.; 7:15 p.m. Wed.; $20 per class, $125 per month. Rumble Arts Center, 3413 W. North Ave.; 773-469-9565
Cooking class:
Culinary director Evandro Caregnato leads two intimate classes on preparing Brazilian fare. Space is limited to 10 people per class; through March 11. 6 p.m. Wed.; $30, RSVP required. Texas de Brazil Churrascaria, 51 E. Ohio St.; 312-670-1006
Happy Hookers:
A crochet class for all experience levels (“hooker” is a nickname for someone who crochets). BYO supplies, or pay a small fee ($3-$10) for materials. Specials include $4 well drinks and $6 Stoli cocktails; open end. 7 p.m. Wed.; no cover, RSVP recommended: motherstoo@sbcglobal.net. Mother’s Too, 14 W. Division St.; 312-266-7444
International Capoeira Angola Foundation:
Learn the art of Capoeira Angola, a danced fight and playful, rhythmic sparring with African and Brazilian roots. Shoes, pants and T-shirts (no tank tops) are required. Note the beginners class meets at Voice of the City Studio (3429 W. Diversey Ave., 2nd floor); open end. 7 p.m. Thu., Mon.-Tue.; 3 p.m. Sat.; $95 per month, $75 five-week beginner session. Quilombo Cultural Center, 1757 N. Kimball Ave.; 773-227-8879
Introductory aikido:
A beginner’s approach to the non-violent martial art. Includes a question-and-answer session. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing; open end. 1 p.m. Sun.; free. Chicago Aikikai, 3652 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-935-2334
Open yoga:
Practice with other beginning and intermediate students in a sunny studio with hardwood floors and many windows. Additional classes include ashtanga, beginning yoga, primary series, mysore and yin yoga (call for times); open end. 3:30 p.m. Thu.; 5:30 p.m. Fri.; noon, 5:30 p.m. Sun.; 5:30 p.m. Mon.; 3:30 p.m. Tue.; 10 a.m. Wed.; $17 per class, $75 for five classes within eight weeks. Chicago Yoga Center, 3047 N. Lincoln Ave., suite 320; 773-327-3650
Passover boot camp:
Chef Laura Frankel discusses Sephardic and Ashkenaz food traditions, tips for pre-Passover cleaning and ingredients and recipes for Passover dishes. 6:30 p.m. Tue.; $20-$25. Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, 610 S. Michigan Ave.; 312-322-1773
Roller skating:
Group sessions. All levels welcome. Stick around after class for a half-price open skate. Private sessions available; open end. 12:45 p.m. Sat.; $5. Fleetwood Skating Rink, 7231 W. Archer Ave., Summit; 708-458-0300
Samba Sizzle dance series:
Learn dance moves from professional samba dancer Ashley Kline; through March 25. $12, $60 for six classes. Greenheart, 746 N. LaSalle Drive; 312-944-2544
Sunday Salutations yoga:
Stretch and strengthen for free at this weekly class hosted by lululemon and sometimes partnered by various pilates studios; open end. 10 a.m. Sun.; free. lululemon, 2104 N. Halsted St.; 773-883-8860
Swing on Sundays:
Basic and intermediate 30-minute dance lessons in hustle (6 p.m.) and West Coast swing (6:30 p.m.), followed by an open dance session (7 p.m.) with contemporary music. No partner necessary; open end. 6 p.m. Sun.; $5-$10. May I Have This Dance, 5246 N. Elston Ave., 2nd floor; 773-635-3000
Tai chi:
Practice the Chinese movement art in the church’s social hall; open end. 1 p.m. Sat.; $5. Tinley Park United Methodist Church, 6875 W. 173rd Place, Tinley Park; 708-532-2960
Tango basics:
Learn the fundamentals with instructor Al Gates (7:30-9:30 p.m.), then show off your skills until midnight. No partner necessary. Wear leather-soled shoes and comfortable clothes; open end. 7:30 p.m. Fri., Tue.; $25 joining fee, $15 per class, registration required: al@tangochicago.com. TangoChicago, 408 S. Michigan Ave.; 312-788-3408
Tango for absolute beginners:
Learn the fundamentals of this Argentine dance during a three-hour lesson with professional instructors. Wear leather-soled shoes and comfortable clothes; open end. 3 p.m. Sun.; $100 for six classes, registration required: al@tangochicago.com. TangoChicago, 408 S. Michigan Ave.; 312-788-3408
Tango for beginners:
A lesson with professional instructors. Wear leather-soled shoes and comfortable clothes. Bring a partner for a buy one get one free deal on the class price; open end. 6 p.m. Sat.; $25 per class, registration required: al@tangochicago.com. TangoChicago, 408 S. Michigan Ave.; 312-788-3408
Tango for lovers:
Learn the fundamentals of this Argentine dance during a three-hour lesson with professional instructors. Snacks and refreshments included. Wear leather-soled shoes and comfortable clothes; beginners welcome; open end. 3 p.m. Sun.; $25, RSVP required. TangoChicago, 408 S. Michigan Ave.; 312-788-3408
TGIF dance practice party:
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned dancer, learn the latest moves in Latin, swing, salsa and ballroom from professional instructors. Then practice your footwork during an open dance party. No partner necessary; open end. 8 p.m. Fri.; $10-$15, prices may vary for theme parties. May I Have This Dance, 5246 N. Elston Ave., 2nd floor; 773-635-3000
Yoga class:
Conducted in a 105-degree room with 50 percent humidity, this 90-minute beginning yoga class follows the same sequence of poses each session. Bring a mat, towel and water bottle or rent them for $1 each. First-timers get one month of unlimited classes for $29; open end. 6 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8:15 p.m. Thu.; 6 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. Fri.; 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. Sat.; 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. Sun.; 6 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8:15 p.m. Mon.-Wed.; $15 per class. Bikram Yoga Lincoln Park, 2736-A N. Clark St.; 773-348-9642
Yoga for Foodies:
David Romanelli, author of “Yeah Dave’s Guide to Livin’ the Moment,” leads a one-hour vinyasa flow yoga class followed by dinner from chef Randy Zweiban; through Tue. 6 p.m. Mon.-Tue.; $95. Province, 161 N. Jefferson St.; 312-669-9900
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