Things to Do in Anderson

Under the guidance of founder Chad Fath, the licensed helicopter pilots and instructors at Higher Ground Helicopters take visitors on scenic 'copter rides above the city as well as train students to become full-fledged pilots. Flight training lessons take place in the evenings to accommodate busy adult schedules, with the goal of turning inexperienced students into certified professionals within 10 to 18 months. For guests on the fence about flying, Higher Ground offers hands-on demos, which consist of 30 minutes of ground training, 30 minutes of piloting in the air, and 30 minutes of watching The A-Team reruns. For guests who simply wish to enjoy the scenery, Higher Ground's expert pilots host scenic tours that showcase the Cincinnati skyline.

Despite an inherent awareness of its artifice, live theater's in-room presence creates an immersive experience that can feel more real than the most subtly acted film or actually happening work day. None of the Above introduces audiences to Jamie, a 17-year-old private-school student living the high life in New York City. When she answers the door expecting her drug dealer, it turns out to be Clark, her SAT tutor. The play follows the clash of their personalities, a meeting like unto Gore Vidal confronting Kelly Bundy. As the story progresses, Jamie and Clark negotiate an unusual pact over their contradictory worlds of multiple choices and socialite flight. You get one general-admission ticket to witness the Protean intellectual battle, though you can purchase up to four and make an outing for friends and family.

The instructors at Bodyblast Studio wrap fitness, personal growth, and entertainment into tidy one-hour classes centered on pole fitness, Latin-inspired dance moves, or competitive martial arts. Ladies-only pole-fitness classes utilize poles for leverage and stability as bodies swing and slide their way to a healthy sweat in routines designed to strengthen the core and upper body. Exercisers teach imaginary rivals a lesson they won’t soon forget as they pummel the air with swift kicks and punches in tae kwon do classes, and hearts race through the hip-churning steps of Latin-inspired Zumba dance classes. For a more calming exercise, balance a lopsided aura with a Vinyasa flow yoga class that links mind and body with conscious breathing.

A spring-loaded hardwood aerobic floor keeps steps peppy and reduces strain on joints during all-out workouts or dance sessions. Brass poles and glossy kettlebells reflect the colorful lights flashing overhead as hit dance tunes blast through the speakers of a full sound system.

Plopped in downtown Indianapolis across from the Indiana Convention Center, Indiana/World Skating Academy fosters skills for winter sports on a pair of NHL-size rinks. I/WSA's coaches, whose instruction has helped produce regional, national, and world-class competitors, direct the facility's programs, including learn-to-skate courses designed for skaters with varying levels of experience. In addition to skating, the facility also offers private rink rentals as well as opportunities for speed skating, broomball, and adult hockey leagues. Off the ice, the academy offers less slippery activities, such as weight training, aerobics, jazz, and ballet. A rinkside deli open during public-skating hours keeps legs primed, and an onsite pro shop keeps equipment bags stuffed with the latest gear.

Watch the Jaguars dribble, dunk, alley-oop, coup-fourre, shimmy-shammy, and Irish chowder. Today’s side deal gets you $7 tickets to an IUPUI men’s basketball game at Conseco Fieldhouse, home of the Indiana Pacers. See the Jags take on the Ohio Bobcats or catch one of the two conference games against the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles and in-state rival IPFW Mastodons. All tickets are for seats located in the lower-bowl, sideline-seating section and will be assigned at random. The Fieldhouse’s extra-wide special seating (20–22 inches wide or greater) is designed for optimal cheering, high-fiving, and close viewing of the action.

More than 50 years old and 8,500 members strong, the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) strives to promote percussion through education, research, and performances across the world. To carry out this mission, the organization includes more than 50 chapters in the US and 28 chapters abroad, all of which communicate online via resources such as lessons, free practice exercises, and annual events. Each year PAS hosts the annual Percussive Arts Society International Convention—the largest of its kind in the world—in which exhibitors convene to showcase the newest developments in percussion technology, instruments, and publications. The convention also includes over 120 clinics and performances with lauded artists covering all genres and styles of music.