Things To Do In Southbury

At Steve DeMasco's Shaolin Studios, Grandmaster DeMasco and his staff of instructors illuminate students of all ages in the nuances of Martial Arts. Himself a vastly experienced practitioner of Martial Arts, DeMasco specializes in kung fu and teaches his pupils not only the fundamentals of the sport, but also the importance of self-respect, discipline, and not just learning from old kung fu movies. Each instructor here also brings their own high level of cred to their classes. As practitioners of Shaolin martial arts—the ancient predecessor of all martial arts—they're all internationally certified by the Shaolin Temple in China.

Cannon Ridge is a place where students can practice the deadly hand-to-hand combat maneuvers of krav maga in both morning and evening classes with executive protection specialist Chris Petitti. Within this 6,000-square-foot facility, an eclectic crew of trained professionals lead a well-rounded selection of self-defense and fitness classes such as basic and advanced krav maga, cardio, and weapon defense.

Western Connecticut Baseball Academy trains any level of ball player, from bench warmer to bench destroyer, adults and children, providing anything from an introduction to the game to advanced nuances of the stitched sphere. Instructors with college and professional playing and coaching under their belts, or in their pockets (whichever is more convenient), can convert a glove fumbling for grounders into a double-play-making giant leather hand of success. A bat that yearns for the delicious taste of the screaming fastball suddenly halted, quieted, and sent hurtling back in the opposite direction, can learn to feast upon its leather-clad prey, rather than retiring inning after inning hungry, wanting. Pitches that fail to enter the zone without getting picked off by any goon with a stick can be groomed to gain speed, confidence, and the ability to whisper little facts about historical architecture as they whiz by confused batters’ faces.

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.

Certified personal trainer Fabrice DeCola founded Body Physics in 2006, and it is his current professional outlet for his ongoing passion for fitness. His experience in the industry covers more than 22 years, going all the way back to a collegiate period when he was nationally recognized for his skill on the wrestling mat. His father, a professional soccer player in Italy, inspired him to succeed at other sports, and a career in business management gave him the market savvy to put his training certifications—earned from NFPT, NASM and AFAA—to use at his own facility. There, he adheres to the Egosque method, which focuses on dispelling imbalances in the muscular and skeletal system. His expertise in yoga, Pilates, and tai chi augments programs to improve posture, and an emphasis on mobility over strength ensures that his clients do not lift cows without first being able to outrun them. Fabrice's highly qualified staff of fellow trainers all contribute to the studio's roster of personalized services. Lessons center on each client's dictated goals and can lead to results such as weight loss or better sports performance. Most regimens incorporate a mix of resistance work, cardio drills, and nutrition advice for a more holistic approach to health than eating your doctor. Group classes can inject camaraderie into calorie-burning workouts, and specialized exercises prep prenatal, postpartum, and injured physiques for rehabilitation.

Southbury School of Performing Arts' staff touch upon every aspect of dance. The seasoned dance instructors lead ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, creative movement, and lyrical classes for youngsters—creative movement even welcomes pupils as young as age 3. The other end of the performance spectrum is tended to by a vocal coach, who leads classes in singing and musical theater.