Spotlight | Personal Growth and New Beginnings

Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. It’s the beginning to another year and time to embrace new opportunities. This week we share some ways to expand your horizons!

The new year brings a sense of renewal to all things. You don’t need to look beyond the city limits for great personal growth opportunities. Here are a few ideas on how you can develop and add to your growing sense of you!

Are you interested in exploring other cultures but feel like you are on the outside looking in? Well, look no further than the City College of New York (CCNY) for your passport to a new horizon. 

CCNY’s Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures offers courses in thirteen different languages. In addition, the Department has a French language and cultural center, a French club, an Italian Club, a Spanish club, and a Classics club. It also sponsors scholarly talks and other events throughout the year. Take the first step in a grand adventure by calling their office at 212.650.6731 or by emailing cmll@ccny.cuny.edu

Perhaps you are interested in developing and exploring self-expression, in which case you might consider learning to paint. If that is the case, Eckford Street Studios is the place to go whether you are new to art making or an experienced creator looking for fresh inspiration. Their instructors are working artists with strong teaching backgrounds, bringing their interests and ideas to the studio while helping you find your inspiration! Sign up for a Weekend Intensive Workshop or Weekly Evening Series, or drop in for Figure Drawing Tuesday. Future classes include Linocut and Soft Sculpture, ‘From Looking to Making,’ and Essentials of Acrylic Painting.’ contact them at info@esscp.org or follow them on Instagram and Facebook for more information.

Are you a foodie who yearns to let your creative juices flow? Why not let Chef Nigel T. Hinckson help you create something as joyous to create and as it is to eat! Located on Staten Island, Chef Nigel is one of New York City’s premier personal chefs and caterers. He can help you create a masterfully crafted selection of appetizers or a thoughtfully curated dinner that will blow you and your guests away! Check out his website for his offering and more information about cooking classes. And stay up-to-date about all his services and products on Instagram and Facebook.

If you are in Greenpoint, don’t miss out on one of the neighborhood’s best resources, the Greenpoint YMCA. They are more than just a gym featuring state-of-the-art exercise equipment and an indoor pool. Their family programs, education classes, and comprehensive childcare create a community committed to helping you achieve your goals. You can see more about programs and classes online and stay informed by following them on Facebook and Instagram. And the YMCA has 24 locations across NYC with equally beneficial programs and classes. Check them out today!

Finally, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention 92NY. Formerly known as the 92nd Street Y,  92NY is a world-class cultural and community center where people all over the world connect through culture, arts, entertainment, and conversation. As a proudly Jewish organization, 92NY enthusiastically welcomes and reaches out to people of all ages, races, faiths, and backgrounds while embracing Jewish values.

In addition to presenting performing arts programs (classical, jazz, and popular music as well as dance performances), it offers a series of talks and conversations; literary readings; film screenings; adult education; schools for music, art, and dance for children and adults; professional development programs (early childhood, dance, business, and fashion); family, parenting and children’s activities and classes. The list of classes they provide is long and diverse. So, take a moment to peruse their offerings online. We are sure you will find more than a few things that interest you. And since 92NY always has a dynamic schedule, keep an eye on their Instagram and Facebook feeds!

Whether you are finding ways to express yourself, explore a new culture, or explore the joy of movement, Broadway Stages encourages you to take advantage of all that our NYC neighborhoods have to offer! Happy New Year!