TIME TO MAKE A CHANGE
LEARN A NEW SKILL – ADULT LEARNING GENEVA
by Vivian Holding
How are your New Year’s resolutions holding up?
Whether you’d like to get yourself in shape and take up a new sport, learn a new skill, change direction in your career or finally conquer your fear of speaking French – our round-up of classes will hopefully give you that kick-start you’re looking for.
PLEASE NOTE: This list has been compiled with non-french speakers in mind and are either run in English or taught by someone who has a good level of English to help. It will be updated as and when we hear of anything new. If you’d like to add anything, please do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
LEARN A NEW SPORT
Have you chosen the good old get fitter resolution in 2018, but can’t face joining a gym? How about taking up a different kind of sport?
BASKETBALL
The International Basketball Club Geneva is open to both men and women basketball players (18 years plus) who live in Geneva, Vaud or neighbouring France. They are a multi-lingual and multi-cultural club with members from more than 30 countries. Training takes place three nights a week at the Collège Sismondi from September to mid-June and at the Varembé stadium from mid-June to the end of August and new players may join at any time. Click here for further information.
BOXING CLASSES AT GENEVA BOXING
A great way of meeting other people who share the same passion as you. Taking a class at Geneva Boxing can benefit you in many ways – helping you combat stress and aid relaxation, improving your concentration and strategic thinking, giving you a better overall condition and better stamina, as well as giving you a more positive attitude and great self-confidence. All fitness classes are taught in English – although German, Polish and basic Russian are also spoken.
Click here for further information.
NETBALL
Ladies and girls (16 years+) of all abilities are welcome to join the Lancy Ladies netball group. Meeting every Tuesday evening, from 8.15pm until 10pm, at the new gym at the Institut International de Lancy, you’ll find it a great way to keep fit, whilst having lots of fun. For further information click here.
UNDERWATER HOCKEY
An underwater hockey team exists in the area, although not based in Geneva but in Annemasse. 40% of the team are Swiss residents and at present they have French, Swiss, South African, Spanish, Greek and Slovenian team members. Always on the look out for new members, their trainings are in both French and English and take place at the Chateau Bleu pool every Wednesday from 8.15pm-9.15pm.
If you’ve never experienced underwater hockey before, click here to see a YouTube video.
Click here for their website. Click here for their Facebook page. Contact Cyril (in french or english) at cyrilkergadallan@gmail.com.
KICKASS SPINNING
Sick of all the boring spinning classes in town, tired of having to pay full fitness memberships just to spin?
This new cycling studio promises to revolutionise indoor cycling by offering the ultimate riding experience, kickass coaches, awesome music and unique tech features.
No joining fees or longterm contracts. Book on your mobile, pick your bike, pre-order deliciously fresh food for after and you’re all set.
Click here for their website. Click here to follow them on Facebook.
DANCE YOURSELF FIT
A great way to have fun whilst keeping fit – how about trying out one of these classes:
BOLLYWOOD DANCING
Love the thought of learning to dance like they do in Bollywood films?
Bollywood Dance – Rafaela Tanner is passionate about all things Indian and has been running her dance school – the first ever dance school in Geneva teaching Indian style dancing, since 1993. Teaching an Indian style dance she calls “Bollywood Dance”, she also teaches hip-hop dancing and classical ballet. Rafaela also organises a yearly show – this year taking place at the Casino-Théâtre on Saturday 2nd June 2018.
For further information click here or email infos@bollywood-dance.com.
Bollyshake Geneva – A new dance class starts in early February 2018 for men, women, teenagers or children in Plainpalais. For more information check their Facebook page here.
POLE DANCING FITNESS
A great way to have fun which is both sporty and artistic. Pole dancing mixes acrobatics, dance, suppleness and sensuality all in one.
Urban Shape Studio
Learn how to pole dance and use an aerial hoop as a beginner or take a dance or stretching class (available for all levels). Classes are given in French, but all teachers speak English and will be happy to help – just let them know). Their street jazz class is given in English.
Their small and friendly studio is located very conveniently by the train station. Register on-line and try out your first class for free. Click here for further information.
Pole & Fit Geneva
Pole & Fit is a fantastic studio – really great fun and very friendly. Most of the instructors are bi-lingual, so any English-speaking clients will be fine in any of the classes – especially those run by Valeria, Anisa, Osama, Nadia. The studio can also organise special parties for small groups, with English-language instructors, if required. Click here for further information.
SWING DANCING
Geneva Swing
Swing dancing developed between the 1920s and 40s, in response to the swing jazz music movement. Jerome Cadoret set up Geneva Swing back in 2011 and has grown to over 200 members, who attend classes, social evenings and workshops with instructors from around the World. Read our article here on Swing Dancing in Geneva. Geneva Swing is about to start a new round of classes of their vintage swing dance, so sign up asap! Click here for their website.
Balboa Classes
Love the feel of tango, but prefer the music of swing? Check out Amy and Alex’s Balboa classes at Geneva Swing. A beginners class starts on 19th February 2018 on Mondays from 7pm-8pm or a class for experienced students from 8pm-9pm. Click here for details of how to sign up.
OTHER FITNESS CLASSES
ZIMFIT
Australian born Kathy Zimmerman’s ZimFit sessions are sociable, fun, and take full advantage of the stunning setting of the Lake Geneva region. Sessions include bootcamp-style fitness sessions, cross-country skiing lessons, snowshoeing and stand up paddle. Operating in Geneva and Versoix, Kathy is a qualified and registered fitness trainer, MTB level 2 instructor and swimming teacher. To find out more click here.
YOGA
Improved muscle strength and flexibility, better posture, more energy and vitality, a calmer mind and building inner strength. Just some of the benefits associated with a regular yoga practice. What is there not to like? Read our article on the benefits of yoga, what to look out for in a teacher and yoga studios in Geneva.
And if you’re keen to deepen your yoga or become a yoga teacher, both Innercity Yoga in Geneva and Yogamoves in Nyon both offer 200 hours teacher training courses in 2018.
IMPROVE YOUR WRITING SKILLS
GENEVA WRITERS GROUP
Maybe you’ve got a half-written novel in a drawer, perhaps you enjoy penning poems or you’d love to write a children’s book. Whatever your genre or level, if you’ve got a passion for words, the Geneva Writers’ Group is one of the liveliest, most productive and inspiring writing groups. Join for a reasonable fee and attend their monthly workshops and the very inspiring bi-annual conference in March 2018. Read our article about the GWG here.
WRITE YOUR NOVEL WORKSHOPS WITH DEBRA MOFFITT
January’s a great time to kick-start your writing project – or restart one that you’ve put aside. “Just Write Your Project!” is designed to help you to take bold steps in 2018 to make your writing dreams a reality. Use the “Just Write!” technique with a guided approach to discover details about your book project that will leave you amazed. Writers of all levels love the intuitive and easy approach to discovering what wants to come through them and onto the page.
Find out more about the workshops taking place on 17th February, 17th March, 28th April and May 19th 2018 from 9.30am-12.30pm here.
RE-TRAIN FOR A NEW CAREER
Feel like a new challenge or a change in career? Why not consider re-training as a teacher?
PGCE (TEACHER TRAINING FOR POST-GRADS)
A post-graduate teacher training course is offered every year (starts in September 2018) at the International School of Geneva in partnership with Durham University. Courses start in September 2018 and last one year. An information session for the 2018/19 programme takes place at the Campus des Nations on the 15th January from 4pm-5pm. For further information contact lisa.parker@ecolint.ch.
LEARN TO COOK
Why keep eating take-out or ready meals when you can learn the skills to master the basics of cooking? Why not upgrade your existing cooking skills by learning a new type of cuisine?
INDIAN CUISINE
Want to know the secret of how to cook a great curry? Urvashi shares her secrets and recipes with you in a private group cookery class that we can highly recommend. Read our review of her course here. Contact her directly on: 079 32 12 307.
COMBINED COOKERY/WINE TASTING CLASSES
How about trying out a combined wine and cookery class with wiine.me? During the 3½ hour class, you’ll not only learn how to create a delicious three course meal with a chef but you’ll get to taste and learn about 6 different wines with a sommelier. To find out more click here or see their Facebook page here.
LEARN ABOUT WINE
Do you struggle to choose the right wine for the right occasion? Does the thought of facing a sommelier fill you with dread every time you’re in a restaurant? One of these classes will change all that.
WIINE.ME
Learn about wine without the snobbery at one of wiine.me’s regular wine tasting courses or organise your own private event for a minimum of 8 people.
We love the sound of their Champagne Tasting Course which takes place on 25th January 2018 from 7pm. If you love champagne and would like to improve your knowledge of its origins, its grapes and its unique production, this is the perfect course for you!
To find out more, click here to see their Facebook event.
LE VERRE EN CAVE
Le Verre en Cave run relaxed and fun courses at their Eaux-Vives shop. Join an introductory course for complete beginners or a more in-depth course on a specific topic such as Great French, Italian, Spanish or New World Wines, Understanding Organic and Natural Wines, Major Red Grape Varieties or Champagne Tasting. Private classes can also be arranged for a minimum of five people. Click here to find out more or contact them on info@verreencave.ch or telephone 022 736 51 00.
LEARN A NEW SKILL
GARDENING WITH THE SWISS GARDENING SCHOOL
The Swiss Gardening School offer one-hour Saturday morning pop-up sessions covering topics such as how to create Winter Containers, how to get the best from your lawn, learn how to get the best from your fruit trees, how to prune successfully, as well as how to grow your own edible garden. Click here for further information.
IMPROVISATION WITH THE RENEGADE SAINTS
Join one of their fun improvisation classes with a group of people who have a go-getting and positive attitude to life – challenge yourself creatively, build up your confidence, keep yourself on your toes and push yourself out of your comfort zone. If you’ve never experienced improvisation before, check out their regular shows at Mr.Pickwick’s. Click here for their Facebook page or here for their website to find out more about their classes.
INTERIOR DESIGN COURSES
Designsister
Join Kate Sandford of Designsister in Nyon on one of her Furniture Painting for beginners courses. A perfect introduction on how to use Chalk Paint to transform an old piece of furniture into something special. During her 3 hour course she will teach you the key techniques of painting using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, which tools and products you need, how to prep, and how to apply the paint properly for the best effect. Book your place by emailing Kate at Designsister@hotmail.com. Click here to see her Facebook page. Read our article on Designsister here.
Sophia Kelly Home Design
Sophia Kelly Home Design in Nyon offers workshops that provide the perfect insight to the world of interior design. If you enjoy the subject, are training to work within the design industry or are a working professional, these practical workshops will inspire you. To find out more details on the individual workshops, please click here.
PAINTING WITH LIFE OF ART
Life of Art is a space where beginner, amateur or professional artists can feel at home – as they aim to inspire you and in turn for you to inspire others around you. A warm and welcoming environment which includes state of the art “natural day light imitation” lighting, trending music paying in the background, and lovely burning incense to stimulate all of your senses. Join one of their workshops and discover the art of sketching, oil painting, acrylic painting, watercolours, mixed media and more in a 2-hour session with all your equipment provided: canvas, paint, brushes, etc.
How about joining one of their Art Jamming Classes? A new way to get creative whilst drinking and socialising with friends on a Friday night. In a group of 10-15 people, their in-house artist/teacher creates a painting in front of you, guiding you step by step through the different stages and techniques so that you can follow at the same time on your own canvas. Two drinks per person are included in the price as well as all materials supplied during the 2 hour class (and you get to take home your canvas). Beginners are more than welcome. Click here for their website. Click here for their Facebook page.
PHOTOGRAPHY WITH THE GENEVA PHOTO CLUB
The Geneva Photo Club offer digital photography courses and workshops for all levels, from beginners to intermediate as well as Adobe Photoshop courses and mobile photography. There’s a course to suit anyone from half day, one day, intensive, evening, weekday courses as well as one on one private tuition from a great group of passionate and qualified team of photographers. Click here for further information.
WOODWORKING WITH KNOCK ON WOOD
Knock on Wood is the perfect place for anyone interested in woodworking. Help them create a community and urban wood workshop in Geneva by hammering, drilling and creating something beautiful in wood with them. Click here for their website. Click here for their Facebook page.
CONQUER THE FRENCH LANGUAGE
Yes finally! How about trying out something different with Prêt à Parler? Isabel Nicolas-Johnson, the founder of the company is ready to give you the right tools to boost your confidence and get you speaking French.
Their French Friday is a structured, yet relaxed conversation event where you can dare to speak French while having fun. Taking place at the Hôtel Eastwest over lunch on Fridays it lasts for up to two and a half hours. For further information click here or email on info@pretaparler.ch or call 076 368 42 52.
