Things to Do in South Pasadena

Loose-hipped leads Francisco and Stacey Martinez have 30 years of dancing instruction experience between them and 14 years of success with The Dance Family Studio. Alongside their years of experience, the couple released their own beginner's guide to salsa dancing video series and starred in just about every commercial that required comely individuals to swirl about the screen. They and their skilled staff will impart the fundamentals of the groove of your choice, helping to banish insecurity from flowing feet.

Nestled in the historic Rancho Santa Anita—a homestead originally inhabited by the Gabrieleno Tongva tribe—Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden houses wildlife and plants from all over the globe on 127 acres. Its creators opened the Arboretum in 1947 to promote environmental awareness in a sanctuary that reflects the distinct history, flora, and culture of southern California. The grounds reflect the founders' aim—hummingbirds flutter among the colorful blooms in the Grace Kallam Perennial Garden, and wildflowers, herbs, and veggies spring to life at the hands of community volunteers in the educational Garden for All Seasons. Tropical and temperate blossoms embellish the Meyberg waterfall's sun-drenched stone face and blue-gum trees stand guard in front of the Queen Anne cottage, one of several historic sites that was constructed in 1885 to encapsulate Victorian opulence. Peacocks and great egrets strut among living plant collections, which explode into flowery canopies whenever the right garden sprites are available to aid in pollination.

Members often gain exclusive access to the Arboretum's slate of events, which includes workshops, tours, and Yoga in the Garden. Summer camps reawaken brains that usually hibernate until September, and Bookworms Story Time captures attention year-round.

During a video feature for Warp Factor 2, Vanessa Giorgio summed up the problem that led to her studio's creation: "I couldn't get my spinners to calm down, and I couldn't get my yoga students to hype up." The personal trainer founded Lotus Kitty Yoga and Power Cycling to hybridize the two workouts, thereby creating a rounded fitness regimen for the body and mind.

Inside the studio, her power-cycling instructors contribute vigorous cardio work during their 45-minute classes. They prompt riders to pedal at varying resistances, which mimic outdoor conditions such as hills and fields full of prairie-dog holes, then end each lesson with sit-ups and pushups. Yoga teachers lead posing sequences that change weekly to prevent muscle boredom. They are often designed to address the tightness and stress that accompany power cycling.

Students can merge 30-minute stretches of the two routines into power cycling/yoga classes or learn Pilates and barre techniques in the second half of power cycling/total body. In addition to its group curriculum, the studio hosts private training sessions and six-week Kat Camps.

Cynthia Harvey has been designing fashion-forward ensembles since she was a kid. “At 9 years old I literally and figuratively looked up to my aunt, a professional model who made most of her clothes. She encouraged me to use the scraps of fabric to make my Barbie doll clothes and eventually my own clothes," says Harvey. Her interest in current trends led Cynthia to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in LA, where she studied and eventually ascended to the post of professor. Though she's spent her time doling out fashion tips to the likes of Janet Jackson and George Clooney, it was her time as an educator that inspired Cynthia to cofound The Sewing Studio. She aimed to counteract a decline in local arts programs, due largely to the great popsicle-stick and glitter fire of 1996. She explains, “I wanted to offer fashion sewing classes that are fun and affordable, with an emphasis on looks inspired by current fashion designers."

Her classes, which cater to the novice seamstress and advanced sewing student alike, achieve that aim. Led by Cynthia and other experienced teachers, including a design professional from England, the sessions range from introductory classes where pupils learn basics and stitch together totes or dresses to fashion design and sewing programs for kids. Camps, workshops, and other learning sessions culminate in handcrafted apparel and accessories that students can take home and incorporate into regular wardrobe rotations.

When Sunny Williamson’s son couldn’t find a satisfactory airsoft facility, his father decided to create one for him. Opened in 2006, Tac City Airsoft has since expanded to two indoor airsoft facilities totaling more than 60,000-square feet. Under the watchful eye of refs, players duke it out in the Fullerton field’s fully enclosed quarters filled with wooden walls and labyrinthine hallways or the semi-outdoor space in El Monte littered with barrels and haystacks. Personnel update the fields every few months to keep repeat guests on their toes as they compete in scenarios such as capture the flag and follow-up games of set the flag free. In lieu of combatting with Tac City Airsoft’s fully automatic M4 rentals, visitors can purchase their own weapons and gear at the pro-shop.