Education & Classes in Brownsburg

Joe Newkirk can still recall the look on the 9-year-old's face when she gazed out of the helicopter window. The girl, who suffered from vision problems, won an essay contest themed "Live Life in HD." Among the contest's donated prizes—which included a zamboni ride—Newkirk contributed a helicopter experience. As he saw the girl transfixed by the view at 1,000 feet, he recognized how her experienced mirrored his first time in the air. "The feeling you get, it's a feeling of freedom." Hence the name, Freedom Helicopters.

Originally a design engineer for a helicopter manufacturer, Newkirk found himself less interested in engineering parts and more fascinated by how the machines could lift straight off the ground without a runway start or being kicked by a Rockette. After obtaining his Federal Aviation Administration license, he recognized the scarcity of experienced pilots due to the military's increasing retention of helicopter operators. Today, Newkirk and his team of fellow FAA licensed pilots work to remedy the shortage and help people cross an experience of their bucket lists by turning over the controls of Robinson and Bell helicopters capable of sustaining speeds of 130 miles per hour. Backed by training from Newkirk's team, Freedom Helicopters' alumni have gone from zero hours of experience to leading helicopter tours through the Grand Canyon and saving lives as medical evacuation specialists.

“I don’t want you to just follow the recipe because it’s there,” Katherine Haidar says in an interview on Fox 59. “I want you to add your taste to it.”

Katherine, the owner of Cooking Greek, draws on a passion for the traditional recipes she learned from her Greek-born parents. She began cooking at age 8 and lets that experience shine through while leading hands-on classes. In the bustling kitchen, pupils gather to learn how to craft flaming cheese, moussaka, loukoumades, or greek wedding cookies and discover techniques such as the trick-counterclockwise stir. Katherine also incorporates vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free classes into the monthly schedule.

Katherine also brings that same dedication to authentic Mediterranean tastes to her adjoining eatery, where diners welcome plates filled with bites of roasted lamb, garlic, and eggplant. Build-your-own gyros let guests pack pitas with their choice of traditional meat, chicken, veggies, or falafel before adorning them with toppings ranging from feta to tzatziki. Many entrees are gluten-free; chefs infuse their signature lemon chicken with a blend of citrus and greek spices, and stuff dolmades with a wheat-free combination of rice, beef, and vegetables before tucking them into the oven. They also plot sweet finales with desserts including baklava, cannoli, and gluten-free chocolate cake.

Intricate tiles in alternating colors stretch up the walls of Saffron Cafe’s cozy space, as imported Moroccan chandeliers hang from the ceiling and slender vases on each table hold fresh flowers. Amid this authentic atmosphere, head chef Anass Sentissi crafts equally genuine Moroccan cuisine that has earned praise from such publications as NUVO. Entrees such as slow-roasted and spiced leg of lamb steam beside sides of saffron rice, and plates of fluffy couscous cohabit with veggies alongside one of several wines imported from Morocco. Tagines, rich aromatic stews of chicken, lamb, or beef, arrive in glazed earthenware pots that protect their innards and keep food steamy with ornately painted conical lids.

A native of Morocco, Chef Sentissi made strides in the world of Andalusian and Middle Eastern music before opening Saffron Cafe, learning percussion and co-founding a classical music orchestra in Bloomington. He continues to weave music into Saffron Cafe’s ambiance, inviting live lute players to serenade diners every Saturday. Chef Sentissi also shares his knowledge of Moroccan cuisine by leading regular cooking classes that include a background on Moroccan history, an in-depth look at spices, and a tasting of various Moroccan wines.

When the cast of Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights needed a dance consultant, they called Darren's Ballroom Dance Studios’ owner and instructor Darren Cupp. When professionals on Dancing with the Stars needed training, they sought out Darren Cupp. And when CityVoter handed out awards in 2010 and 2011, they honored Darren Cupp. Drawing from more than 17 years of experience, Darren works alongside a staff of skilled dancers to teach students of all skill levels to navigate the dance floor without earning the nickname Ol' Hammer Feet.

Instructors school pupils, from sole students to entire wedding parties, in a diverse lineup of dance styles and fitness classes. They kick off terpsichorean studies with lessons in styles such as swing, rumba, and salsa, as well as ballroom staples including the foxtrot, waltz, and tango. They also lead Latin-inspired fitness classes, busting fast-paced moves and sometimes incorporating dumbbells to burn more calories and whip dancers into shape. In addition to training the hot-steppers of tomorrow, Darren's Ballroom is a proud member of the Mesothelioma Community Resource Network.

Chi Chi Randolph has choreographed routines for hip-hop artists including Nelly and the Black Eyed Peas. Kari Lehman has 15 years of ballet training experience. Viviane Bressan turned her love of belly dance into a career, traversing the globe while teaching and performing the ancient art. At Dance Austin Studio, these three number among more than a dozen dance instructors whose dazzlingly diverse backgrounds enable an array of classes for everyone from preschoolers to grownups and fitness buffs to serious students of dance.

Zumba combines fast-paced cardio choreography with dynamic Latin rhythms, and the 18-and-older Sexy Stiletto Fit class uses high heels to tone calves and build confidence. Students can choose to learn fundamental positions, steps, and vocabulary during structured ballet, lyrical, and jazz programs, or they can develop video-ready swagger during hip-hop classes. The studio’s sense of fun occasionally spills out into the community—it recently teamed up with the city’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to spark a flash mob at city hall, held to raise awareness of emergency preparedness and help officials practice what to do if invaded by dancing aliens.

Latin Expressions Dance Company imparts dancers of all skill levels with sensuous Latin styles such as salsa, bachata, merengue, and cha-cha, but it's especially keen on introducing beginners to the benefits of boogieing. Under the graceful guidance of founders Kyle Culmann and Nadia Alvarado, the company’s classes pound out rhythms on 2,150 square feet of hardwood dance floor at its new location, Riolo Dance Studio. When not teaching official classes, the instructors contribute to offsite events, spearheading solo or group performances, spicing up parties with dance lessons for beginners, or choreographing routines for events such as quinceañeras, weddings, and Supreme Court rulings.