Building a better man
There are all kinds of ways to improve and have fun at the same time
By Bobby Pollier , Carl Kozlowski 06/18/2009
Guys, are you feeling lonesome? Before rushing into the unpredictable fray of the dating scene, take a step back and get to know yourself. Instead of fretting over finding that significant other, try picking up a hobby or two and making yourself a better man. The time is now to let Pasadena and all it has to offer take you in and guide you on a solo journey of the soul.
Never mind Cupid’s arrow. Pick up your own bow and arrow over at Roving Archers in Pasadena. Operating out of Pasadena’s scenic Lower Arroyo Seco Park, this hearty band of archers has been providing a home for everyone from total beginners to international champions since 1935. Be sure to take advantage of their free Saturday morning class from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., which gives you the opportunity to learn the sport on a novice level.
Have a son or daughter you want to bond with? No worries. Feel free to take him or her as long as they are 10 or older. If you have any questions, feel free to drop by and speak to one of their members or club officers from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays or 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays. You can also email your questions to pro@lidar.com or visit Rovingarchers.com.
Want to learn how to make moves in any situation with smoothness and authority? Head over to the Chinese Villa at the Pacific Asia Museum (46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena) and learn the ancient practice of Tai Chi. Thought of as a mobile form of yoga and meditation (but also derived from a martial art), Tai Chi can help you reap the benefits of self-discipline and a tranquil mind. This magical museum of Eastern and Western art offers classes from 8 to 9:30 a.m. every Saturday morning. Classes are $10. For more information,call (626) 449-2742 or visit pacificasiamuseum.com.
Every woman loves a guy who can dance, and Pasadena has plenty of places to show you how. Groove with God at the First Baptist Church (75 N. Marengo Ave., Pasadena). Cut the holy rug to some swing dancing that ranges from the Lindy Hop to Jitterbug style. Also, experience their holy grail of entertainment as some of swing’s finest bands perform live. They offer both beginning and advanced classes in ballroom dance each Saturday from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Is swing not your thing? Make the trek over to Caltech for some tenacious tango. The renowned scientific institute’s Caltech Tangueros club offers tango classes throughout each month by some of the finest instructors around, and this technique-heavy dance program is free for the Caltech student. For non-students prices vary from a measly $5 to $8, with classes for all at Winnett Lounge on the campus located at 1200 E. California Blvd., Pasadena. For further details and class schedules, log onto tango.caltech.edu.
In need of some Latin American/Asian edge to complement your new hip-shaking moves? Check out Vive Lounge in Old Pasadena (61 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena). Great menu aside, this upscale fusion-themed restaurant serves you up some spicy lessons in the art of salsa dancing most Sunday nights for just $5 per class. Contact them at (626) 583-8483 for more info about the next round of classes, which start in July.
If you’re looking for an even bigger physical challenge, hop on a bike and head down to the Rose Bowl to ride in peloton formation on the three-mile path around the legendary landmark. Twice weekly each summer, from 5:55 to 7:05 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday, up to 150 riders meet up to race four abreast in hopes of reducing wind resistance and gaining greater speeds. At various points in the ride, groups of riders move forward and backward to assume the lead responsibility or take a slight breather. You’re going to need to ride fast and with confidence or risk getting mowed down like road kill, but life’s meant for adventure, right?
Finally, many people find public speaking to be their greatest challenge. You can conquer fears and inhibitions and sound great in any formal situation by joining the Pasadena Toastmasters Club 6, which meets from 7 to 9 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at the Hastings Ranch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena. The costs are low and can be found, along with other information, at pasadenatm.freetoasthost.com or by calling either (847) 363-6611 or (562) 217-0283.
Finally, for those who want to learn how to be funny in front of a crowd, there’s no better place in town than Bobbie Oliver’s Standup Academy, which offers eight-week class sessions for $350 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sundays or from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Mondays on the main stage of the Ice House, located at 24 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena. As a 20-year veteran standup comic herself, Oliver knows how to pick out the weak spots of anyone’s act and transform them into hilarious jokes that can lead to a genuinely successful comedy career. For more info, visit the Web site, bobbieoliver.net.
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