Words and photos by Olivia Bauso

Each February, we feel the pressure to plan the perfect Valentine’s Day for our significant other-- or distract ourselves if we’re single. In reality, celebrating romantic or platonic love can happen any day of the week, and should! This year, take a load off your shoulders and jump into one (or more!) of these classes throughout the month of February, whether it’s a date night or a friends night out.

Fun For You and A Friend

Comedy Improvisation: Character Workshop | February 3rd

Kick off your month of love with a little bit of comedy! In this class, you and your pals will learn how to get out of your own head and into the minds of unique characters you create on the spot. By exploring different physical, emotional, and vocal choices, you will learn how to develop and maintain strong and memorable characters for your scenes. Play warm-up games, engage in improv exercises, and create short scenes that will boost your confidence on stage-- and IRL. You will learn how to make strong initiations, trust your instincts and take risks with your characters and ideas all under the guidance of Megan Mack. Open to all levels of experience.  

Megan Mack is a graduate of the Conservatory and Writing programs at The Second City Training Centre in Toronto, and has studied with Jimmy Carrane, Armando Diaz, Susan Messing, and T.J. Jagodowski and David Pasquesi. Megan performs with the sketch comedy troupe Thank You Kiss and with the long form improv teams Two Fat Ladies and Monstrosity. She has coached Left for Dead, an improv team of performers ages 50+, since 2011.

Photo of Kristin + Kiersten in Village Gate

Master Your Brows | February 19

If you don’t know by now, brows can make or break your look. Learn how to get fierce for your GNO and expand your makeup knowledge in this in-depth makeup tutorial. Teachers Kristin Flann (American Board Certified Hair Colorist) and Kiersten Koetter (Licensed Barber and Cosmetologist) will detail how to select correct products and color, apply product correctly and maintain natural looking brows during this class. They will also cover common mistakes made while getting ready in the morning.

Kristin and Kiersten currently work out of mb Studio Salon on University Ave and have plans to open their own place this summer. Kris&Kierst aim to “inspire and cultivate authenticity by delivering high quality beauty services and education, with compassion and an open ear, in an uplifting judgement free environment.”

Wine Glass Painting | February 20th

Leave those boring wine glasses behind and run down to Nox for a night of painting and cocktails! A level up from paint and sip, this class will take you step-by-step through painting a wine glass with colorful peacock feathers-- lead by The Flower City Bitties. All ability levels will be able to take part in this craft and leave with a product you can use again.  The cost of this class includes all class supplies and one happy hour drink or a non-alcoholic drink of your choice.

The Flower City Bitties: Creativity Consultants brand was established in 2015. Their love and passion for crafting, along with their desire to craft in a social setting, inspired them to begin this creative journey helping others be "crafty" with friends and family. They specialize in crafting parties, party planning, and DIY crafts for all ages and ability levels.

Photo of Nox Cocktail Lounge

Double Wrap Bracelet | February 20th

If painting isn’t your crew’s cup of tea, grab your gals and your creativity and learn to make a colorful double-wrap bracelet. You'll use glass seed beads, jump rings, leather and a button clasp to make your own creation. And, you’ll get to take your new favorite piece of jewelry home that same night!

Teacher Valerie Bubb has been beading her own jewelry since 2009. She works at Bead Breakout, a small business located in Brighton, NY where owner Andrea Taylor and her staff specialize in selling quality beads, gemstones, and crystals, along with all the materials to make beautiful handcrafted jewelry.

For Your Romantic Night Out

Laughter Yoga | February 8th

Unwind with your partner with a night of peace and laughter! Laughter Yoga is a unique concept developed by Dr. Madan Kataria, a medical doctor from India. The practice is based on the philosophy of “acting happiness,” tell your body what to do and your mind will follow. Laughter Yoga follows a series of simple, yet structured laughter and yogic breathing techniques, combined with simple stretching. Decreases stress, strengthen your immune system, and trigger those “feel good” chemicals in your brain alongside teacher Joellen Kuhl-- no prior yoga experience necessary. 

Joellen "Jo" Kuhl's mission is life is to help people and animals be happy. In 2007, Jo Kuhl trained with Dr. Kataria in Niagara Falls to become a Laughter Yoga Teacher, enabling her to train Laughter Yoga Leaders. Since then she and Dale Heffer have been leading Laughter Yoga sessions for various organizations, including Employee trainings, nursing homes, adult education classes, to name a few.

Photo of Joellen + Dale at Ashford Dance Studio

Got Your Goat | February 21st

There’s arguably no better way to celebrate love than with food. Kick “dinner date” up a notch with a cheese tasting class! New artisan cheeses enter the marketplace everyday. In this class, cheese educator Ann Duckett will teach all about goat milk cheeses, and offer tastings of five different varieties. By the end of class, you’ll be able to pair and plate the perfect dish for a future celebration or night in.

Ann Duckett, proprietor of Little Bleu Catering & Events, devotes her time to educating and helping others find their cheese bliss through classes, presentations, special events and cheese catering. She is a graduate of the Vermont Institute for Artisan Cheese at the University of Vermont, and has earned the Level II Award in Wine & Spirits from the Wine and Spirit Educational Trust.

Vision Board Workshop- February 26th

Many of us are visual thinkers and learners. What better way to begin the year with your partner than to create vision boards together? Work together this Valentine’s day to keep your dreams and aspirations in plain sight. This workshop, lead by Jenn Peterson, will include exercises in identifying self-limitations, clearing mental clutter, and realizing possibilities ahead. The bulk of your time will be spent creating a visual representation of your personalized 2018 goals.

Jenn Peterson holds a Masters in Public Health and a PhD in Epidemiology.  She recently founded the Clarity Wellness Project, a wellness blog and program that offers teaching tools to help discover true joy, unlimited abundance and overall health.

Photo of Fresh Pour Over at Joe Bean

Brew Your Best Pour Over | February 27th

There’s usually one person in a couple that becomes the designated coffee maker. After this class with Joe Bean’s Katie Hagstrom, you’ll both be able to make a delicious cup! In one night, you'll learn basic understanding of coffee varietals, the science of taste, and the techniques you need to hand brew coffee. Students will have the opportunity to brew and taste coffee and will take away a bag of coffee to continue practicing at home, so no matter who brews the coffee, it tastes as good as it can.

Katie Hagstrom has worked in the coffee industry for over 9 years, including 6 years with Joe Bean Coffee Roasters. She is a Level 1 Certified Barista under the Specialty Coffee Association of America.

Print our February class calendar for your fridge and don’t let the celebration of love end there! A complete list of our March classes is online now, too!