Education & Classes in Greece

The consortium of professional instructors at Fred Astaire Dance Studio, which was cofounded by the legendary toe tapper himself, shepherds students of all ages and skill levels through lessons that span the style spectrum. Low-pressure private sessions allow enthusiastic teachers to fine-tune individual students' techniques and form, using their expert eyes and mechanical dancing shoes preprogrammed to do the Charleston. Patrons can learn how to cavort through classic waltz and fox-trot romps or swivel through the modern steps of salsa, swing, or samba. For dancers hoping to hoof it up in a social setting, the group practice parties provide a one-night extravaganza of instruction, demonstrations, and amateur firewalking.

Groove Juice Swing's nine multitalented dance instructors, many of whom also play instruments, have spent more than a decade helping novice dancers sharpen their rug-cutting skills during private and group classes, which focus on Jazz Age and swing-era styles. In their quest to master the art of swing, students shuffle their feet through three levels of dance classes that build on one another, beginning with level-one classes covering the basics. Level-two classes, which focus on the lindy hop, teach participants to float on air as if they were standing on a floor of industrial fans, and level-three classes delve into more advanced techniques, such as doing the Charleston with a partner.

Outside of Groove Juice Swing––located at Tango Cafe’s dance studio––passersby can hear jazzy tunes by Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and Nina Simone emanating from lively dance classes held every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday night. Aside from classes, students can flaunt freshly learned skills during Groove Juice Swing’s annual Stompology workshop or events with live bands hosted by dance experts Steven Mitchell and Virginie Jensen.

In 2006, it dawned on Terry Moshenberg and Topher Stott that there was a lack of creative outlets for musical adults. Those hoping to hone their skills or simply jam out often had a hard time finding likeminded people. A year later, Terry and Topher sought out to solve this problem by starting League of Rock, which has since revealed what they refer to as the "hidden musical population." During workshops and team-building exercises held at corporations and various venues, professional musicians invite grownups to unleash their inner rock star by helping them master their chosen instrument, assigning them band mates, and getting them up on stage with a professional rock band. In corporate music leagues, clients use LOR as a resource to put on shows for recruiting purposes and raising money for charity.

Tops Cooking School is nestled inside Tops grocery store, one of a chain of stores known for its fresh produce and skilled butchers. Their state-of-the-art kitchens, decked out with gleaming Viking appliances, set the stage for both hands-on cooking classes and professional demonstrations. During demonstrations, a chef prepares entrees in front of students, carefully displaying techniques and offering advice for prepping dishes at home or in bomb shelters located under homes. Hands-on classes put the students behind the counter, giving them a chance to practice preparing anything from Indian cuisine to healthy meals designed for people with diabetes, heart concerns, or gluten allergies. Local craft beer and wine accompany adult classes, and games and candy accompany children's cooking classes for tots ages 3 and up.

In his band AudioInflux, lead guitarist and backup vocalist George Miller works atop the deep grooves of soul, funk, and jazz styles. He's equally well equipped to get his guitar and bass students playing their favorite blues, rock, metal, or classical pieces, and even write and record solidly constructed pieces of their own. Armed with a degree in music performance and a decade and a half of teaching experience, Miller helps pupils with all kinds of goals unleash their inner B.B. King or Les Claypool, whether they want to front a band or simply harmonize with the bonfire during outdoor sing-alongs.