Learning a New Skill Has Never Been Like This:Fun Classes in Woodland Hills

In our continuing series of “sticking to your new year’s resolution”-themed articles, Woodland Hills Magazine turns the spotlight on fun places in Woodland Hills to take a class and learn something new. How exactly does this fit into our resolution-keeping editorial program? As part of a new year’s resolution, you can consider taking the time to learn something new…we’ve already covered creative ways to carve out more family time in addition to treating yourself to a personal pampering, and now we’d like to suggest broadening your horizons and learning a new skill.

The following venues – from those offering cooking classes to jewelry-making courses and seemingly everything in-between – represent some of the most inventive spots in town when taking up a new skill.

Lemon & Herb, located at 6464 Ellenview Avenue in West Hills, offers intimate cooking classes designed to enhance your skills in the kitchen while learning new recipes. Courses are created and instructed by Anessa Pike, a graduate of the coveted Culinary School at The Art Institute of Santa Monica, who is credited with owning a catering business, working for fine dining venues within the West Los Angeles area and being an Associated Students Special Events Catering Manager at UCLA. Upcoming classes at Lemon & Herb include Italian Cuisine (on January 15), Asian Twist (on January 20), Indian Cuisine (on January 22), French Eclairs (on January 29) and Brunch (on January 31).

Bitter Root Pottery, with a Woodland Hills location at 6321 Topanga Canyon Boulevard Suite 1630 at The Village at Westfield, is committed to providing the very best workspace for all pottery students that attend classes with the school. From numerous pottery wheels for throwing and ample space for hand building, Bitter Root supplies everything that’s needed to engage in “the ultimate clay experience,” even going so far as to provide a top-of-the-line slab roller and extruder for all members as well as several different clay bodies and a wide selection of in-house studio glazes.

The Actors Space West, with a convenient West Valley location at 22747-1/2 Ventura Boulevard, offers professional acting classes for both film and television interests, and is lorded over by the famed Sara Wood. An acclaimed acting coach and teacher, Sara has been involved in the craft and business of acting for over 35 years, beginning with her career in live theater in which she worked extensively in summer stock, regional theatre and repertory companies, going on to star in over 150 stage productions. The classes at The Actors Space West range from On-Camera and Auditioning, Working Technique, Scene Study and Actors Co-Op for adults to Elementary, Middle and Upper studies for kids.

One of the most recognized names in the business, Arthur Murray Dance Centers, boasting a Woodland Hills location at 6100 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, offers daily dance lessons in all styles, all levels and for all people. For more than 100 years, Arthur Murray has been ensuring its professional instructors provide personal attention and a great time with every lesson, whether it’s for a couple looking to grind the night away at their upcoming wedding or someone just looking for a fun way to stay fit. Discover your inner dancer at Arthur Murray while attending one of the hottest classes in Woodland Hills!

The Bead Lounge, located at 4873 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, is an independent jewelry boutique that has been taking the Woodland Hills community by storm with its variety of jewelry-making classes such as Bead Stringing Basics, Crochet, Macramé, Beaded Hoop Earrings, Wire Ring, Leather Weaving, Bead Knotting Basics and Wire Wrapping. Learn the basics of bead stringing while designing your own necklace or bracelet, or learn how to crochet beads in silk and cord to make beautiful pieces of neck or arm jewelry…at The Bead Lounge, anything is possible. Perhaps best of all, extreme affordability has been The Bead Lounge’s calling card since its inception, offering classes that range from $30 to $50.

There is absolutely no excuse for you not to master a new skill, expand your knowledge or even perhaps boost your own career. With the classes in Woodland Hills we’ve outlined above, it’s hard to imagine how much easier it can possibly be, depending on what you’re looking to accomplish. Honestly, what are you waiting for?