Our Life Skills Classes for 2023-2024 will open with one of the most popular classes we’ve had: international folk dancing.

International folk dance can be any of the ethnic dance genres that people dance for fun. The dances come from all regions of the world and are a wonderful illustration of what it means to be different. A dance from Western Europe will be different than one from sub-Saharan Africa, which will be different yet again from a dance from Asia. Our instructor, Donice Kaufman Stewart, says tonight’s class will likely begin with zener atik, an Israeli dance (which literally means “ancient songs”). It involves walking, clapping and counting, and when done to music also reflects Israel’s culture, teaching us what we might have in common with Israel, and what might be different. Donice Kaufman Stewart volunteers hundreds of hours each year, primarily in the disability community, with a focus on those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Class meets at the Easley Community Center, 1000 Edgehill Avenue, from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm. For more information, contact Jordan Collins. Due to the nature of this class, we will unfortunately not be broadcasting on Zoom. Future classes will be available on zoom for those who are joining out of town.

Our life skills classes are free for Friendship House residents and individuals on our waiting list. Others In the disability community are welcome to join us at a cost of $75/semester with an average of 15 classes per semester. Contact Carolyn Naifeh regarding pricing.