Dance Your Angst Off

Spending time on a hobby can be a great escape from daily stress. If you've been thinking about taking up a new activity, the Arroyo Vista Recreation Center in Moorpark might have something for you. Registration is already under way for spring programs, and some of the activities provide wonderful ways for parents to get a little “me time.”

One possibility is a beginning guitar class for those 18 and older. (There is also a class offered for kids age 12 to 17.) It will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. Mondays from March 21 through May 16 at the center’s Sycamore Room. The cost of the class is $85 and the registration code is 2241.211. A $20 lab fee is payable to the instructor at the first class for a book, CD and DVD. Students are asked to bring their own guitars. For guitar-related questions, e-mail instructor Jim Swing at jimswingguitar@hotmail.com.

You can bring a partner or go solo to either of two ballroom dance classes, to be held in the center's Jacaranda Room.

One is the ballroom sampler program. Students will be taught the dance basics and some variations in four styles: waltz, rumba, salsa and nightclub two-step. The class will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays from March 28 through May 16. The cost of the program is $57 and the registration code for this program is 2155.211.

The other class is an introduction to ballroom dancing, in which students will learn the basics and some variations of foxtrot, American-style tango, cha-cha and East Coast swing. The class will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays from March 28 through May 16. The cost of the program is $57. The registration code is 2156.211.

Both ballroom dancing classes will be taught by Janet Snyder. No previous dance experience or partner is required. If you have any dance-related questions, contact Snyder with Dance Ten at 818-634-5881.

The center's Parents Nite Out program gives moms and dads a night to themselves while their children are busy with crafts, games and more. Each session costs $30, with a $5 lab fee payable to the instructor for materials. There is a $10 discount for parents who enroll a second child. Classes are for children age 2 to 7.

Parents Nite Out is offered from 6 to 9 p.m. March 18 (registration code 5207.211), April 15 (5208.211) and May 20 (5206.2110) at the center.

Looking farther ahead will be Spring Camp Moorpark—Gardening Galore for kids, April 25-29. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Extended care is available from 7 to 9 a.m. and from 3 to 6 p.m. This day-camp program is offered for children age 5 to 12 and will be held at the Arroyo Vista Recreation Center & Community Park.

Activities will include sports, games, arts and crafts, special guests, theme events, parties, movies and more. The schedule is as follow: April 25, Spring Snack Attack; April 26, Movie Day with James and the Giant Peach; April 27, Spring Festival; April 28, Gardening Party; and April 29, walking trip to Tierra Rejada Park for a picnic.

Parents can check the Spring Camp Moorpark packet for rates. Pick up camp packets and enrollment forms at the Arroyo Vista Recreation Center, get it online or request a packet by mail by calling 805-517-6300.

To see more program offerings at the center, check out the Spring 2011 Recreation Guide online.

You may sign up for programs in person at the Arroyo Vista Recreation Center, or by mail, fax or online. Find registration details on the center's Web site.