Education & Classes in Speedway

Intricate tiles in alternating colors stretch up the walls of Saffron Cafe’s cozy space, as imported Moroccan chandeliers hang from the ceiling and slender vases on each table hold fresh flowers. Amid this authentic atmosphere, head chef Anass Sentissi crafts equally genuine Moroccan cuisine that has earned praise from such publications as NUVO. Entrees such as slow-roasted and spiced leg of lamb steam beside sides of saffron rice, and plates of fluffy couscous cohabit with veggies alongside one of several wines imported from Morocco. Tagines, rich aromatic stews of chicken, lamb, or beef, arrive in glazed earthenware pots that protect their innards and keep food steamy with ornately painted conical lids.

A native of Morocco, Chef Sentissi made strides in the world of Andalusian and Middle Eastern music before opening Saffron Cafe, learning percussion and co-founding a classical music orchestra in Bloomington. He continues to weave music into Saffron Cafe’s ambiance, inviting live lute players to serenade diners every Saturday. Chef Sentissi also shares his knowledge of Moroccan cuisine by leading regular cooking classes that include a background on Moroccan history, an in-depth look at spices, and a tasting of various Moroccan wines.

Chi Chi Randolph has choreographed routines for hip-hop artists including Nelly and the Black Eyed Peas. Kari Lehman has 15 years of ballet training experience. Viviane Bressan turned her love of belly dance into a career, traversing the globe while teaching and performing the ancient art. At Dance Austin Studio, these three number among more than a dozen dance instructors whose dazzlingly diverse backgrounds enable an array of classes for everyone from preschoolers to grownups and fitness buffs to serious students of dance.

Zumba combines fast-paced cardio choreography with dynamic Latin rhythms, and the 18-and-older Sexy Stiletto Fit class uses high heels to tone calves and build confidence. Students can choose to learn fundamental positions, steps, and vocabulary during structured ballet, lyrical, and jazz programs, or they can develop video-ready swagger during hip-hop classes. The studio’s sense of fun occasionally spills out into the community—it recently teamed up with the city’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to spark a flash mob at city hall, held to raise awareness of emergency preparedness and help officials practice what to do if invaded by dancing aliens.

“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.

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.

Jon E. Gee knows a lot of famous musicians. In fact, he's one of them. The accomplished bass player, dubbed a "consummate professional" by his John Mellencamp Band colleague Mike Wanchic and praised for being "always positive" by lead guitarist Andy York, has toured the world, laying down reverberating bass lines for artists such as Billy Joel, Mick Jagger, and Melissa Etheridge.

Back home in Indiana, Gee leads students toward their personal and professional musical goals at his unassuming studio. Sharing his hard-earned performance techniques, such as how to use small magnets to connect with an audience, Gee instills charisma and confidence in his students, prompting Wanchic to proclaim, "I don't think you could find a better person to be mentored through than Jon."

Latin Expressions Dance Company imparts dancers of all skill levels with sensuous Latin styles such as salsa, bachata, merengue, and cha-cha, but it's especially keen on introducing beginners to the benefits of boogieing. Under the graceful guidance of founders Kyle Culmann and Nadia Alvarado, the company’s classes pound out rhythms on 2,150 square feet of hardwood dance floor at its new location, Riolo Dance Studio. When not teaching official classes, the instructors contribute to offsite events, spearheading solo or group performances, spicing up parties with dance lessons for beginners, or choreographing routines for events such as quinceañeras, weddings, and Supreme Court rulings.