From art to theater to yoga, there’s plenty to do
Staff Writer
Over the summer there is plenty to do and see at the Riverside Arts Center in Ypsilanti. Between the Theater, Gallery, Russian Ballet Studio and Yes Yoga there should be plenty of drama, moving, stretching and dancing through the summer.
The Explorers Youth Drama Club will be performing the classic, “Arsenic and Old Lace.” Three other plays also will be performed over the summer.
Through May 26, the Art Gallery will be exhibiting “Through Women’s Eyes.” The collected art works of the University of Michigan’s Faculty Women’s Club, covering a large variety of styles and media.
If dance is something that moves you, then Kathy Scharp’s Russian Ballet class will keep you on your toes. Scharp has been teaching ballet for more than 30 years. She teaches children as young as 4 years old to adults in their 60s, beginner to advanced. No knowledge of ballet is required. Students will learn group participation, ballet terms, musical counts, body positions, stretching and simple steps to music.
“Ballet incorporates all the elements, requires your focus, memorization, paying attention, and physical,” Scharp said. “The more you open up to it the more it engages you with all the elements, mental, physical, emotional and spiritual.”
For more details on upcoming classes, visit http://riversidearts.org.
Gallery
• Through Women’s Eyes, May 3-26
• Works of Karen Gallup, May 31 – June 30, June 9, 5-7 p.m.
• Ann Arbor Women’s Artists Summer Juried Exhibit, July 5 – 28, July 7, 5-7 p.m.
• Chelsea Painters, September 6 – 29
Theater
• Arsenic and Old Lace, May 24-26, $8 in advance, $10 at door
• Proof, May 31- June 3, $18 for adults, $15 for students
• Red, White and Tuna, June 14-17 & 21-23, Call: (734) 663-7167
• Yankee Tavern, June 28 – July 1, Call: (734) 663-7167
Saying Yes to Yoga
Yes Yoga can help you relax, learn to breathe better and become more mindful of your body, mind and spirit connection. The first few minutes of Yes Yoga is about practicing to breathe better.
“We don’t breathe enough, after the first 5 to 10 minutes, students are feeling high,” said Tatiana Knight, 44, yoga instructor.
Everybody is different, and if they have injuries, the students will be asked to assess how they feel in the middle of the class and adapt.
“I was happy when the New York Times ran the story, ‘How Yoga Can Wreck Your Body,’” Knight said. “I don’t believe in pretzel yoga, and it is not a religion. No deities in my class,” Knight said.
Her students seemed to enjoy the experience.
“It is a nice break from the outside world. Good for the mind, you have to focus,” said Alex, 36, of Ypsilanti.
“Yoga made me happier,” said Michelle, 37, of Belleville. “It helped me overcome anxiety and depression.”
For more information on Yes Yoga, phone (734) 985-0543, or visit: y2yesyoga.com.
