Community Classes
Welcome to our Community Classes Page!
At Riverdale Neighborhood House, we believe in the importance of connection. Our community classes are great opportunities to meet people around the neighborhood. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill or need a regular way to stay active, we have something for you! Check out our current offerings:
Art
Sculpture
This hands-on class introduces students to the fundamentals of hand building using paper clay. Participants will learn essential techniques while creating their own sculptural forms. The course emphasizes both technical skill and creative exploration, encouraging students to develop personal ideas through sketching and making. Students will refine and paint their sculptures, finishing with a group critique and presentation. Suitable for beginners and those looking to expand their experience with clay.
Saturday May 17th and Saturday May 31st 10am-12pm
$80/course
Taught by Hoor Imad Sherpao
Photography
Bring the power of your vision to a class for all camera types and skill levels. In this class, you will explore how to use a camera to capture your everyday reality; be it your neighborhood, your family, or yourself. We will go over some of the techniques of photography and editing, and look at the work of great photographers. Each week you will have the opportunity to show and discuss your work. Open to ages 16+
Thursdays 6:30-8pm, May 28th-July 2nd
$200/course
Taught by Bonnie Geller-Geld
Cooking
Bread Making with Arnie Adler
Join The Bread Baker of Riverdale in his class on sourdough bread baking. Arnie will walk you through the 36 hour process of making a loaf of bread in just 2 hours.
Thursday May 14th 6:30 pm
Thursday June 18th 6:30 pm
$50/class
Taught by Arnie Adler
Fitness
Belly Dance
Belly dance is a group improvised style with deep folkloric roots. This class is designed for individuals of all movement abilities and it focuses on restorative movement that will increase mobility. The teacher’s approach focuses on cultural literacy, as well as empowering students to take the risk of trying a new experience for the first time. Open to ages 13 and up.
Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 pm May 6th-June 10th
$120/course or $25/class
Taught by Tahereh Safavi
Jiu Jitsu
Interested in our Jiu Jitsu program? Learn fundamental movements in a supportive setting, no experience needed. Participants start with an individual introduction before joining a group class. Participants must be 16+.
Saturdays 11 am and Tuesdays 8 pm
$30/intro lesson, 5 pack of classes/$150, 10 pack/$275
Taught by Tyler Phillips
Stretch and Strengthen
Join us for Stretch and Strengthen, a morning community offering for adults that provides a place for light movement and a chance to connect and socialize with community members. Participants will stretch and strengthen their bodies with seated and standing yoga-like movements (no mat required). Afterwards, we welcome all participants to stick around for a social hour with refreshments.
Wednesdays at 10 AM
$10/session
Taught by Neem Dewji
Pickup Basketball (Ages 16+)
Spend Monday evenings playing in our Adult Pick-Up Basketball League. Games are played indoors or outdoors, weather permitting.
Mondays, 8:00pm
$15/session
BalletFit
Ballet Fit® is a training program that combines ballet exercises with fitness exercises. The class is designed for individuals of all movement abilities and participants will work on toning and strengthening, coordination, balance, and flexibility. Participants should wear comfortable clothes and footwear. Open to ages 13+
Tuesdays 6:30-7:30 pm May 12th-June 16th
$120/course or $25/class
Taught by Azucena Rollen Mas
Pilates
Join our pilates class for a full body workout while building your core strength, and flexibility. Sign up for a single session or receive a discount when you register for the series.
Sundays 9:30 am
$145/series or $19/session
On Saturday May 16th, we are launching a pilot Pilates for New Moms. This new 50 minute class is designed to support postpartum recovery with a focus on pelvic floor strength, core reconnection, and diastasis-friendly movement. This class will offer a safe, supportive, and effective way to rebuild strength and feel more connected to your body. Saturday 5/16 9:30 am, $20/class
Taught by Kiki Georgiadou
Pickleball League (Ages 16+)
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the US— an easy to learn racket sport that is suitable for all ages. The league is open to all levels of experience.
Mondays, 6-8pm
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm
Saturdays , 9:30-11:30am
Registration is available on a monthly basis. Sign up for a month of access for $40.
Evening Yoga with Berto
This open level Hatha yoga class will help you ease into the body with low-impact, stress releasing movements. Spine lengthening stretches with slow, thoughtful transitions and breath-work gradually build flexibility, strength, and calm. A class for all students, including beginners. Adaptations are available so that everyone can feel comfortable in their own bodies. Please bring your own mat
Tuesdays, 7:00pm
$18/class or $60/4 class package
Taught by Gilbert Rodriguez, from Yoga for Bliss
Hatha Yoga Level 1
A lovely, gentle yet active class, centered in traditional yoga poses and principles, designed to connect mind and body, and focus within. The class includes breath work, classic asana sequences, mindful movements, and deep relaxation. Please bring your own mat.
Saturdays, 10:00am
$18/class, or $60/4 class package
Taught by Patricia Villate, from Yoga for Bliss
Music
Sing Like a Star
This singing workshop will introduce participants to vocal techniques such as breathing, posture, tone, and singing on key. Students will learn basic music theory, vocal warm-ups, expanding vocal range, and developing stage presence. They will sing both acapella and accompanied by live instruments. Taught by Mike Flanagan, a musician and singer with over 40 years of experience, the workshop is open to anyone over the age of 15, and is designed for all levels.
Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 pm, April 22ndth-June 10th
$160/course
Taught by Mike Flanagan
Keyboard for Kids
Joyful introduction to piano/keyboard in a fun and supportive group setting for ages 8 - 11. Students will learn 1) keyboard basics and hand position 2) beginning note reading and rhythm 3) fingerings, and 4) fun tunes. Each student is provided a keyboard and headphones for class use. Individual attention is given to each student in addition to the group work.
Mondays 5-6pm, February 2nd-April 20th (Note: no class on February 16th or April 6th)
$175/course
Taught by Lynn Cushman
Registration for this class is currently closed. Check back soon for more dates
Beginner/Intermediate Piano
Learn to play piano! Designed for teens and adults, this class will focus on building a solid piano technique, focusing on hand position and various keyboard touches (legato, staccato and others). Student will work on scales, ear training and basic music theory. The course material is applicable to classical, popular and rock music. The instructor and student will choose appropriate songs, pieces and exercises for the skill levels of the students. Individual attention will be given to each student in addition to the group work.
Mondays 6:30-8pm, February 2nd-April 20th (Note: no class on February 16th or April 6th)
$250/course
Taught by Lynn Cushman
Registration is closed. Check back soon for new dates.
Guitar
Learn to play guitar from an instructor with over 35 years of teaching experience. Classes are available for both beginners and intermediate guitar players of any age, from children or adults. You will learn chords and scales, play songs, write and record original music, and understand music theory.
Mondays 6:30-7:30pm, May 4th-July 13th
$245/course
Taught by Mike Flanagan
Test Prep
SHSAT
Beginning with the Fall 2026 administration, the SHSAT is transitioning to a computer-adaptive test. This virtual course for current 7th graders will focus on improving math and verbal skills to help students navigate both intellectual problem solving and the new test format. The course will include instruction and practice for the new technology-enhanced test.
Wednesdays 6:30-8:30pm, April 29th-June 10th
$375/course
Taught by Robin Schwartz and Fabio Puello
Writing
Creative Nonfiction: Who Have I Been So Far? Writing to (Re) Discover Your Life
Ready to unlock the power of your words? Taught by Anna Purves, a local writer and professor, this creative nonfiction workshop will give you the tools to craft rich and impactful writing that captures your story. Open to anyone over the age of 18, this workshop is the perfect place to refine your voice and explore your experiences. Join us to develop your writing, express yourself in your voice, and connect with others in a creative environment!
Thursdays 6:30-8pm, April 9th-May 21st, no class April 30th
$185/course
Taught by Anna Purves
Registration is closed. Check back soon for new course dates.
Questions?
Email Lidia Torres, our Director of Community Strengthening, ltorres@riverdaleonline.org.