Education & Classes in Naples

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.

At the tender age of 15, Jason Jacobs had taken up an unusual hobby: flying airplanes. Since the moment Jacobs first climbed into the cockpit, he has accumulated more than 9,500 hours of flight time, studied aeronautics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and captained both Gulfstream G400 and Falcon aircrafts. To share his passion for aviation with others, in 2008 Jason founded Jacobs Flight Services, a flight-training center and aircraft-management company. The FAA 141–approved flight school offers extensive flight training with both its fleet of expertly maintained aircraft and a computerized testing center. A flying club grants licensed pilots access to the fleet and facilities, and scenic tours send nonpilots zipping through the skies over Lake Okeechobee, where a retired Zeus passes the time grooming his prize herd of cloud animals.

Redeem today's Groupon for any one of Ranjana's four classes: Everyday North Indian Lunch, Muglai Cooking, South Indian Dinner, and Quick Complete Meals. Each class teaches you nine different Indian dishes, all vegetarian. After your first session with Ranjana, you'll probably want to go buffet-style and try the others. Classes are available Mondays or Wednesdays from 6:15-9:15 pm or Saturdays from 9 am to noon. Call Ranjana in advance at (773) 355-9559 to RSVP. (Classes are intimate and fill up quickly; dates are subject to availability).

The art masters behind Vino's Picasso throw pretentions aside during each of their painting sessions, where artists of all skill levels gather to express their creativity and make new friends. As students arrive with their favorite drinks in tow, they settle in amid lime-green walls dotted with finished paintings. Local artists pass out all necessary supplies—such as acrylic paints, brushes, canvases, and easels—and begin a lesson on a particular painting while offering tips as pupils complete their masterpieces. In addition to their instructed sessions, Vino's also offers open paint sessions, classes for kids, and private parties for brides-to-be and spies who just want to learn about painting. While artists wait for their paint to dry, they can peruse the Starving Artist's gallery and bar, where limited production wine and craft beers bask in the glow of paintings produced by local artists. Students are welcome to purchase gifts, stock up on supplies, or lounge on the patio with a glass of wine and enjoy the free WiFi.