PRACTICE
CAFÉ 55+
REGISTRATION FOR WINTER CLASSES WILL BE ON DECEMBER 11, 2024
AT THE DUNDAS COMMUNITY CENTRE.
DOORS OPEN AT 9:15am.
REGISTRATION ENDS AT 11:00am.
STRETCH, STRENGTH and BALANCE
Class times:
Level 1: Monday 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Level 2: Wednesday 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Level 1:
This class focuses on building stability and strength. Gentle stretching exercises will help relax and lengthen muscles while chair yoga exercises will help build core strength. Body weight and light hand weights (optional) are incorporated to help strengthen muscles needed for everyday activities. Static and dynamic balance exercises will be taught and practised to help improve overall stability. There is no need to get down on the floor in this class. All exercise components can be modified as needed with the guidance of the instructor to meet individual needs and to ensure that everyone can participate.
Level 2:
This class is geared to those who want to focus on overall strength and stability, but at a higher intensity than the Level 1 class. Participants will be challenged with mat work, a variety of weights and resistance bands as well as other props to target core stabilizing muscles ( abdomen and back) as well as leg and arm strength. Stretching along with static and dynamic balance exercises are incorporated into each class. PARTICIPANTS MUST BRING THEIR OWN MAT. Prior to enrolling in this class, individuals are encouraged to speak with their primary health care provider for guidance if they have any concerns regarding their ability to engage in this class. Participants must be able to transfer to and from the floor independently.
Teacher:
Leanne Kelly
Leanne is a multi-talented instructor. You’ll find out more about her in the Yoga and Chair Yoga information below. She created this new class based on feedback from participants. Leanne has chosen exercises to enhance stretching, strengthening and balance. Her approach will be gentle and everyone will be encouraged to modify the activities to suit their personal preferences.
MEDITATION
Class time:
Monday 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Whether you are an experienced meditator or a beginner, this class is designed to support your practice as participants learn together. You will enhance your understanding of a variety of approaches to meditation and breathwork. You will have the opportunity to practice various types of meditation techniques and breathing exercises and to share your experiences.
Teacher: Lindsay Knight-Pfiffer
Lindsay is a trauma informed yoga teacher and mindfulness facilitator and is excited to share the benefits of meditation practice with participants. She has had a meditation practice for several years, and has been teaching for the last three years. One of the benefits that she experiences from meditation is to see the big picture, and to be less reactive. Lindsay volunteers at TEAD Therapeutic Riding Centre and enjoys helping participants calm their body and mind through breath work and working with horses.
YOGA
Class time:
Monday 10:00 am to 11:00 am and Tuesday 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
In this class you will be guided through gentle yoga poses with the intention of exploring your body through movement and breath. Every week you will move mindfully through different sequences that are geared towards older adults - sometimes with little extra challenges - but always with lots of options that recognize the differences in participants’ bodies. Blocks and straps are provided. BRING YOUR OWN TOWEL FOR KNEE CUSHIONING AND YOUR OWN MAT.
Teacher: Leanne Kelly
Leanne grew up in Dundas and began practicing yoga when she was in her early 20s. She first trained in Thai Yoga Massage and then completed her yoga teacher training course locally. She began teaching yoga in 2020 virtually and in person. Leanne looks forward to seeing both familiar and new faces when she returns to teach yoga and chair yoga this winter. (See “Chair Yoga” below for more information about Leanne.)
PILATES
Class times:
Tuesday 11:30 am to 12:30 pm with Christine Kirkland
Tuesday 9:00 am to 10:00 am with Lisa Prebianca
Tuesday 10:00 am to 11:00 am with Lisa Prebianca
In this beginner Pilates mat class you will be guided through a series of low impact Pilates exercises. The focus will be on building a strong and stable core, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall body strength and tone while also improving your balance. A band and light weights, which will be provided, will be incorporated for added challenge. PARTICIPANTS MUST BRING THEIR OWN MAT.
Teacher: Christine Kirkland
Meet Christine, a certified Pilates instructor passionate about empowering adults through movement to enhance their well-being. With a focus on strength, health, and fulfillment, she has been teaching Pilates to adults over 55 both in-studio and online since 2015.
Teacher: Lisa Prebianca
Lisa received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance degree from York University in 1988. She was a professional dancer in Toronto for ten years and in 1999 became a fully certified Pilates instructor. Lisa taught at studios in Toronto until she moved to Dundas in 2002. Here she teaches group and private classes.
SINGING FOR FUN
Class time:
Wednesday 10:00 am to 11:00 am
If you love to sing for fun, consider joining this light-hearted group. Think of this class as a sing-along without a campfire. You will be provided with a song book of old favourites and newer songs.
Teacher: David Papernick
Since our weekly programs started in 2016, David has led "Singing for Fun." Anyone who meets David immediately responds to his enthusiasm and quirky sense of humour. Way back when, David headed up Hamilton's Quality Bakery in the yeast end of town (get it?). Since his retirement David spends some of his time conducting singers in community groups as he strums his guitar.
CHAIR YOGA
Class time:
Wednesday 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
In chair yoga you will move mindfully through postures that are geared toward older adults while you are seated. You will not get up and down from the floor or bear weight through your knees. The postures include gentle stretches, dynamic movements within poses, gentle strength and mobility exercises and balancing. Blocks and straps are provided.
Teacher: Leanne Kelly
Leanne states “Once I found yoga, I wondered why it isn’t taught to everyone. In a world where we are often so distracted or disconnected, it connects the self on absolutely all levels of our being. I believe that each person’s physical yoga practice is meant to be whatever you need it to be.” (See “Yoga” above for more information about Leanne.)
UKELELE CONTINUING
Class time:
Wednesday: 2:15 pm to 3:15 pm
This class is for people who are comfortable playing in the key of C and can move smoothly between chords. The emphasis will be on building repertoire and may involve learning some new chords and venturing into other keys. A folder of music will be provided electronically (by email) which can be added to an iPad or printed out. Some strumming patterns will be discussed as well as other musical concepts as they arise. Regular practice is encouraged and optional group performance opportunities may be presented. PARTICIPANTS MUST BRING THEIR OWN UKULELE.
Teacher: Cheryl Amy
Cheryl began her career as a vocal and instrumental teacher at Brantford Collegiate Institute where she directed choirs, bands and numerous musical productions. After nineteen years she became a vice principal and then a principal. She has taught music at Nipissing University (Brantford campus) to undergraduate students, and Additional Qualifications courses to qualified teachers. For fun, Cheryl enjoys working with the Lynden Spring Review and with Splendour in the Brass—a big band directed by Roger Gerard
UKELELE BEGINNER
Class time:
Wednesday: 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm (might begin at 4pm)
The focus of this class will be on learning enough chords to accompany yourself and others as you sing. This class is for beginners or for those who are a bit rusty on the ukulele. We will move slowly learning 2-3 chords each week. An electronic folder of music will be provided (by email) for reference which can also be added to an iPad or printed out. The music will include a mixture of styles based on the musical tastes of the participants. Regular practice is encouraged. PARTICIPANTS MUST BRING THEIR OWN UKULELE.
Teacher: Cheryl Amy
Cheryl began her career as a vocal and instrumental teacher at Brantford Collegiate Institute where she directed choirs, bands and numerous musical productions. After nineteen years she became a vice principal and then a principal. She has taught music at Nipissing University (Brantford campus) to undergraduate students, and Additional Qualifications courses to qualified teachers. For fun, Cheryl enjoys working with the Lynden Spring Review and with Splendour in the Brass—a big band directed by Roger Gerard.
CHAIR PILATES
Class time:
Thursday 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Chair Pilates is a stretch and strength class which focuses on postural muscles and core stability. It includes weights, resistance bands and isometric exercises for toning muscles, as well as improving joint mobility and balance.
Pilates is a mindful approach to exercising and in turn, helps improve body awareness for all the other activities you enjoy.
Teacher: Lisa Prebianca
Lisa received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance degree from York University in 1988. She was a professional dancer in Toronto for ten years and in 1999 became a fully certified Pilates instructor. Lisa taught at studios in Toronto until she moved to Dundas in 2002. Here she teaches group and private classes.
LINE DANCING
Class time:
Thursday 10:15 am to 11:30 am
Beginners and those with experience will find there is no pressure for perfection in the line dancing class. Dances and steps are repeated each week. Lynn suggests alternative steps for those who find some of the moves difficult. She uses an assortment of music styles from country, easy listening and Latin to disco. Lynn teaches two-steps, jives, waltzes, cha chas, and tangos. In this class you dance separately but always have fun together.
Teacher: Lynn Goruk
Lynn has taught line dancing in the Hamilton/Burlington area for over twenty years. She has been teaching with the Dundas 55+ Group since 2017. Lynn’s goal is to ensure that dancing is fun for all - from beginners to more experienced dancers. She welcomes requests for both music and dances from class participants.
CARDIO FIT
Class time:
Friday 9:00 am to 10:00 am and Friday 10:00 am to 11:00 am
This class will get your blood flowing and take your breath away (in a good way). Over the course of this session you'll see your capacity increase - you'll be able to move a little faster and do more while feeling less winded. To participate in this class you need to be able to walk without a gait aid (cane, walker). Participants will be encouraged to move at their own pace. The instructor will provide guidelines for the amount of effort you should be targeting during each exercise.
Teacher: Tamara Cormier
Tamara has been a Registered Kinesiologist & C-IAYT Yoga Therapist for over a decade. Her teaching style is inspired by her clinical and lived experience. Whether it's in one-on-one sessions, group classes, at a studio, or at a clinic, Tamara's goal is for people to leave feeling better than when they arrived. She has extensive experience with the older population and understands the challenges of aging and the need to keep active.
CARDIO DANCE
Class time:
Friday 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
What better way to get fit than by dancing? In this class we will be moving and grooving to music that you can't help but dance to! A combination of dance and aerobics, we'll use simple choreography and steps to get the blood flowing and hearts pumping. No previous dance experience is required. To participate in this class you will need to be able to be on your feet without a gait aid (cane or walker).
Teacher: Tamara Cormier
Tamara has been a Registered Kinesiologist & C-IAYT Yoga Therapist for over a decade. Her teaching style is inspired by her clinical and lived experience. Whether it's in one-on-one sessions, group classes, at a studio, or at a clinic, Tamara's goal is for people to leave feeling better than when they arrived. She has extensive experience with the older population and understands the challenges of aging and the need to keep active.