Things to Do in Torrington

The teachers at Sanctuary Power Yoga advocate a regular yoga practice as a way to bring greater peace and balance into everyday life. Because of the perspective shifts they’ve each experienced through yoga, they are eager to ease beginners into what may seem like a foreign or strange type of exercise. They teach basic poses in a beginner series, and their heated power-yoga classes suit all levels, emphasizing a flowing sequence that promotes moving meditation. Unheated slow flow allows students to learn proper alignment, and the gently held poses of restorative yoga relieve tension built up from carrying children to school everyday. The studio also holds workshops and events such as reiki sessions and card readings.

The consortium of professional instructors at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, 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.

Beginning with two brothers, a neighborhood full of spectators, and a helium-neon laser, Mad Science today deploys entertaining educators around the world to inject hands-on science programs with an element of fun. Nearly five million children annually enjoy accessible lessons, which may take the form of a weeklong summer day program or a birthday party that explains the physics of the Earth's revolution around the guest of honor. Schools host afterschool programs every year, which may include a NASA-approved astronomy series, a Rube Goldbergian introduction to simple machines, or an exploration into the science of toys. Living up to their promise of melding education and entertainment, Mad Science's experts have teamed up with scientists of screens large and small to produce live stage shows such as Star Trek Live, CSI: Live, and Movie Magic.