Adult Classes
Register for classes at the Park Office (250 Pine Lake Ave.) or by phone at 219-326-9600. Visa/MasterCard are accepted.
Ballroom Dancing
Includes smooth dances such as Foxtrot and Waltz, as well as rhythm dances such as Swing, Hustle, Cha-Cha, and Night Club 2 Step. Meet new people, stay active, reduce stress, and develop body awareness with this fun class. Go to your next big event and actually be able to get up and DANCE! Class held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Civic Auditorium (use the front main doors to enter). The cost is $70 per couple. Pre-registration is required.
Ceramics
If you are looking for a fun, creative outlet, try one of our ceramic classes. It provides a great way to get away and meet friends, all while making some unique projects for yourself or gifts for others. We offer pre-registered specialty classes as well as open classes, held in the Ceramics Room at the Civic Auditorium. The fee of the specialty classes varies per project and includes everything necessary to complete the project. The cost is $6 per class during the open classes. Also offering group classes for birthday parties, youth groups, or other organizations. Contact Recreation Director Pam Carroll at pcarroll@cityoflaportein.gov to schedule your group class. Check back in 2021 for a new list of classes.
Fundamental Drawing - RETURNING FALL OF 2021
Learning how to draw what you see is a wonderful, rewarding activity. It can be done basically anywhere with a few simple tools. In this series, you will learn how to see and how to record what you see using different drawing techniques. The emphasis is on FUN and exploration in a no-stress atmosphere. In each class, you will be introduced to new art material and opportunities to use it to draw. You will build on your skills in a logical step-by-step method. You will start with black and white drawings and move into color drawings. This is a small group setting so you will have a lot of one on one instruction. Masks will be required and social distancing will be observed. Pre-registration is required by calling 219-326-9600 with your credit card.
Art instructor, Laura Krentz, is an experienced teacher of all ages. She taught Drawing, Painting, Calligraphy, and Visual Communication at La Porte High School for 18 years. She is an active member of the Duneland Plein Air Painters, the Land of Lakes Art Alliance, and the Lubeznik Center for Art. She has exhibited her work at the Chesterton Art Center, the Box Factory of Arts in St. Joseph, Michigan, the Southern Shore Gallery in Michigan City, the Art Barn in Valparaiso, and the Thaddeus C. Gallery in La Porte.
Painting - Parties on the Gogh
We are thrilled to collaborate with Parties on the Gogh's owner Kristi Chadderdon for a variety of new inspiring classes! Let your artistic abilities shine by attending one of these new classes. Classes will change monthly, so keep an eye on this page! Classes have included painting, string art, Cricut® instruction, wood wall hangings. All adult instruction and supplies are provided in the registration fee of $40. Youth specialty classes are offered throughout the year with varying fees based on the project. Minimum and maximum class size requirements. The class will be held in the lower level of the Civic Auditorium in the Ceramic's Room (please use the Ceramic's outside steps at the intersection of Plain and Woodward streets to enter the building). Masks and social distancing are required. Pre-registration is required by calling 219-326-9600 with your credit card.
Photography Class
Explore, capture, create. Want to learn the fundamentals of photography? Have questions about your camera? Learn how to shoot photos like a professional. The cost for the three-week class is $30. Bring your own camera (any type) and film (if not digital). Pre-registration is required. Check back for upcoming class dates.
​Pilates Class (Beginners)
Pilates is a method of exercise that consists of low-impact flexibility and muscular strength and endurance movements. Pilates emphasizes proper postural alignment, core strength and muscle balance. Join our instructor Becca Masters for this 5-week class for a new healthier you! Classes are held Fridays from 9:15-10 a.m. in the lower level of the Civic Auditorium (use the ramp at the Plain Street entrance). The fee for the class is $30. Pre-registration is required and may be completed by calling the Park Office or by visiting our office at 250 Pine Lake Avenue. The fee for walk-in participants is $8. Check back for upcoming class dates.
Pottery - Wheel Throwing
The art of wheel throwing is both a therapeutic and expressive way to create pottery. This class focuses solely on techniques in throwing clay forms on a pottery wheel. During the seven-week class, students will learn to apply aesthetics, proper thickness, and craftsmanship needed to make functional pottery. You'll be guided by local artist Alayna Bublitz who has a Bachelor's degree in Studio Art with a concentration in ceramics. Learn the process of making, decorating, and glazing your work. A class for all skill levels. The fee for the program is $81. We offer adult classes (ages 16 and up) on Mondays from 6-8 p.m. and on Fridays from 3-5 p.m. All classes are held in the Ceramics Room in the lower level of the Civic Auditorium (use the ramp at the Plain Street entrance). Pre-registration is required with class size requirements.
Pottery - Hand Building
Learn about traditional methods of hand building including pinching, coiling, and slab techniques. You'll be guided by local artist Alayna Bublitz who has a bachelor's degree in Studio Art with a concentration in ceramics. Learn the process of making, decorating and glazing your work. A class for all skill levels! The fee for the program is $81. We offer adult classes (ages 16 and up). All classes are held in the Ceramics Room in the lower level of the Civic Auditorium (use the ramp at the Plain Street entrance). Pre-registration is required with class size requirements. Watch for new dates for 2021.
Stained Glass
Learn the art of stained glass, including all of the techniques involved in this beautiful experience. Class sizes are small to ensure individual instruction. The three-week class is held from 6-9 p.m. Wednesdays at Cummings Lodge. The cost is $29 plus $75 for supplies and tools (except glass). Pre-registration is required with class size requirements. A beginner's pattern may be viewed at the Park and Recreation Office on weekdays from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Check back in 2021 for new classes.
Tai Chi Easy™
Learn Tai Chi Easy™ with Integral Qigong to activate your "healer within". Taught by a certified instructor, Kristy Putnam, this slow-flowing method utilizes a carefully developed combination of Qigong and health-enhancing Tai Chi to provide benefits in a simple, fun manner.
Taught as mindfulness you will learn an evidence-based health practice that incorporates posture, breath, self-applied massage, and gentle movements. The techniques are easy to learn; no special knowledge or skill; and no expensive equipment or clothing is needed. This class can be done standing or seated.
We schedule free classes, six-week sessions, and workshops. Check back in 2021 for a new schedule of classes.
Yoga at the Civic
Yoga at the Civic classes has been postponed and will resume in 2021. Please check back for an updated schedule. Yoga can help soothe the mind and lower stress levels by focusing the mind on the moment and movements rather than on external distractions. Yoga combines flexibility, strength training, and balance to create a mind and body activity that's a perfect addition to any fitness regimen. Certified Instructor Becca Masters holds classes from 8-9 a.m. Mondays at the La Porte Civic Auditorium (1001 Ridge Street). The cost is $5 per class (purchase a $25 punch card in advance at the Park Office or pay at class).
Yoga on the Beach
All of the benefits of yoga but with the added tranquility of the beach. Join Certified Instructor Becca Masters for classes from 8-9 a.m. Fridays at Stone Lake Beach beginning in June and returns to the Civic Auditorium in August on Monday mornings. The cost is $5 per class (purchase a $25 punch card in advance or pay at class).
