Creativity, Games & Movement

SPRING 2023 SCHEDULE

These courses are interactive; members are able to practice or apply what they learn in class. OLLI membership is required to enroll in these courses.

Keeping Fit Over 50

Mondays, April 3–May 22, 10am–12pm

It is commonly believed that as we age, we lose muscle mass and the ability to move as fast and fluidly as when we were younger. Wrong! We lose this ability only if we do not put effort into moving our bodies. Unless we move it, we lose it. This course focuses on techniques we can use to motivate ourselves to move more in order to increase our good health. Besides a lecture, we take walks around the block to show you techniques on how to move from a stroll to a beneficial workout. Walking briskly is something most of us can do, and with the proper technique will keep us in fantastic shape. Students must sign a waiver before participation.

REG# 390516 | INSTRUCTOR: Ellen Demsky

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 119A.

Poker Fundamentals II

Mondays, April 3–May 8, 1–3pm

Poker (and No-Limit Texas Hold 'Em in particular) has been gaining a lot of publicity lately through media such as ESPN. In this intermediate (non-beginner's) class, we expect prior knowledge of the basic rules, and then we concentrate on expanding from there. More specifically, we work on various strategy topics, such as opening charts, bet sizing, hand reading, odds, popular misconceptions, and others. We also dedicate at least an hour each week playing the game and applying the concepts in real time. The course is designed for retaking, as long as you have knowledge of the basics (rules, structure, betting, etc.)

REG# 390378 | INSTRUCTOR: Duncan Palamourdas

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 119B.

Beginning Bridge

Mondays, April 3–May 22, 1:30–3:30pm

The game of bridge combines partnership and social elements with challenging and infinitely varied mental stimulation. Scientific studies have shown the mental exercise afforded by bridge can even help ward off dementia while still being a lot of fun. This course introduces the language of bidding and the basics of card play, all with the end goal of being able to sit down in a foursome and play hands of bridge on your own. From people who have never played the game before to those interested in a refresher, this course gets you started in playing one of the most challenging and rewarding games there is.

REG# 391755 | INSTRUCTOR: Dawn Lee

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 113.

Drawing Is a Feeling, Part I: Introduction to Line, Space, and Shape

Tuesdays, April 4 - May 9, 1–3:30pm

In this course, we present line, space, and shape through elemental drawing techniques such as contour and gesture drawing. Exercises introduce the relationships between mark making and seeing. Each meeting is interactive—students draw together, discuss their individual processes, and share their drawings. Additionally, guest artists present and discuss their work in a virtual studio visit; and museum and gallery educators, curators, and directors present virtual tours of related exhibitions.

Drawing materials required: 9 in. x 12 in. drawing pad; set of drawing pencils, HB to 6B, a micron 01 black pen and micron 09 red pen.

REG# 390517 | INSTRUCTOR: Deborah Beth Cohen

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

The Butler Did It . . . Or Did He? {New Course}

Wednesdays, April 5–May 10, 1–3:30pm

Reading play scripts can be challenging, because at first, you might feel like you're reading a set of instructions. Most plays contain dialogue along with cold, calculating stage directions. Yet, a play can be a moving literary experience. In this course, we read mystery scripts aloud—some of the best whodunits ever written, starting with Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap. We then see how mysteries have evolved over the years by reading aloud and discussing Joe DiPietro’s Art of Murder. At the beginning of each class, we do vocal and physical warm-ups, as well as some improvisational games to free up our spirits and voices and hearts. And in the process of reading, we learn how to be more expressive and how an actor makes decisions concerning the creation of a character. Whether you had the lead in your high school musical or never acted before, this course will kindle or rekindle in you the joy and excitement of reading a script aloud.

REG# 390659 | INSTRUCTOR: Chris Schulte

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 119A.

Beginning Gentle Yoga

Wednesdays, April 12–May 31, 1–2:30pm

This is a slow meditative course, intended for those with little or no experience, or with physical limitations. We integrate awareness of the breath with gentle movement to facilitate a feeling of wholeness, well-being, and joy. Mats are required. Students must sign a waiver before participation.

REG# 390685 | INSTRUCTOR: Mona Wells

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

Life Stories that Stir the Soul

Wednesdays, April 12–May 31, 1–3pm

As we travel along life's path, our stories are the most precious gifts we can pass on. In this course, students are encouraged to write stories that have affected their hearts. Be they funny or sad, about good times or bad, each student has an opportunity to share a new short story every week. Write a story about the one that got away, or the one you decided to stay with. Write about the lessons you learned, the dinners you burned, or what you did when you came to a particular fork in your road.

This course has required weekly writing assignments. Students must meet weekly deadlines in order to receive instructor feedback and participate in group storytelling sessions.

REG# 390630 | INSTRUCTOR: Shelley Bonus

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.

Finding Your Movement Intelligence

Thursdays, April 13–June 15, 10–11am

The Feldenkrais Method® works slowly and systematically to build new patterns of movement. By doing very small and easy but complex movement puzzles, we learn to rewire our nervous systems to align mind with body. In this course, we become experts at knowing how our bodies work—what is possible and easy and what is more difficult or even impossible at the time. We experiment with variations in our movement patterns to build resiliency and expand our repertoire of ways to do the same movements with refinement. Anyone can benefit, since the emphasis is on learning as we once did as babies—organically. Discover the pleasure of moving painlessly and gracefully.

Students must sign a waiver before participation.

REG# 390686 | INSTRUCTOR: Stacy Barrows

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave, Room 119.

Traditional Tai Chi

Thursdays, April 13–May 18, 1:30–3pm

Tai Chi is well-known for bringing the mind, body, and spirit together to improve balance, prevent injury, and promote good health. This peaceful martial art helps to clear the mind, reduce stress, and enhance flexibility, along with promoting overall wellness. The steps are soft and the slow movements are simple. The postures and movements accord with the principles of yin and yang and build an intimate awareness with one’s natural internal and external energy, bringing a great sense of inner peace. Each week a new tai chi posture is introduced, followed by a 50-minute tai chi flow sequence. In this course, we learn how to open the body’s energy pathways and prepares for proper tai chi form training. Students must sign a waiver before participation.

REG# 391573 | INSTRUCTOR: Samuel Barnes

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

IN-PERSON: UCLA Extension Gayley Center, 1145 Gayley Ave., Room 119.

Intermediate Yoga

Thursdays, April 13–June 1, 6:30–8pm

This is a nurturing Hatha flow course intended for those with foundational experience practicing yoga. Meditation and yoga nidra will be integrated into our practice to enhance relaxation, renewal, and connecting to our true nature. Mats are required.

Students must sign a waiver before participation.

REG# 390684 | INSTRUCTOR: Mona Wells

BASIC MEMBER FEE: $80 | PLUS MEMBER FEE: $40

REMOTE: Zoom information is emailed to students two days before the course begins.