Education & Classes in Lafayette

Internationally acclaimed pilot Amelia Earhart walked the landing strips of Purdue University’s runways, preparing her vessel for a groundbreaking around-the-world trip. Seventy-five years later, the pilots and instructors of Vector Helicopters carry on the tradition of aviation excellence through a full schedule of flight instruction and services. Instructors man the helms of the company’s Schweizer S-300C helicopters, helping students master the skills needed for pilot certification or feel the rush of an introductory flight. The airport’s two runways allow students to get in flight time while certified pilots take citizens out for a spin or monitor terrestrial issues—such as traffic, pipelines, or the mole men’s war games—that are difficult to see at ground level.

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.

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.

The encouraging, informative team at Meridian Music, an instrument retailer and music-education center, beckons visitors to tickle ivory keys with a stock of tuneful pianos and organs, as well as private and group lessons. In addition to piano and organ instruction, the skilled maestros teach students how to wring applause out of audiences using their voices or stringed, brass, and woodwind instruments. Meridian Music's private performance hall, Munger Hall, seats up to 120 people, or one lengthy conga line, during solo and group student recitals.

On a trip to Chicago from his native Italy, young Mario Tricoci changed his life forever. The fledgling hairdresser stopped in at a prestigious salon, where he impressed the owner with his impeccable display of skill and landed himself a job. The next six decades brought strings of industry awards and the opening of his very own salon, which soon exploded into 26 locations in four states. With his styling prowess proven both to the industry and to the clients he encountered each day, the coiffeur decided to share his gift with others. In 2004, he established Tricoci University to foster a new generation of cosmetologists and spa technicians trained to thrive in the luxury-spa industry.

Throughout the Midwest, Tricoci protégés study a rigorous curriculum in high-end salon and spa surroundings to learn how to create beautiful hairdos, choose skin-flattering cosmetics, and beautify nails and skin. A team of experienced industry professionals readies pupils for the beauty world with in-depth classes, and outside education arrives via video demonstrations and guest-artist lectures on Vidal Sassoon's Wedge-Bob Postulate. More advanced students get a preview of their career to come by beautifying real people during instructor-supervised treatments, which lend the stylist essential experience as the client enjoys a pampering session at a discounted rate.