As the back-to-school vibes seem to be everywhere, many of us are looking to learn new skills and connect in person or virtually. From getting your body grooving and creative juices flowing, adult classes are always a fun option — and there are a ton of local offerings both in Montclair and its surrounding Essex County area. From arts and crafts to history to dance, there’s something for everyone on this list. Read on for a list of Essex County-based creative classes adults can take online or in-person.
Arts + Crafts, Painting
The Eclectic Chic Boutique (Montclair)
(Photo credit: @theeclecticchicboutique)
Let your creative spirit flourish with mobile, online, and private crafts classes.
Hammer and Stain (Montclair)
Guests can book a private workshop for 1 to 15 to create beautiful wooden home decor.
Mind Your Beads and Seeds (Montclair)
This plant lovers’ oasis offers regular Paint Pots and Sip evenings where you can BYOB and decorate a terracotta planter for your new tropical plant.
Montclair Art Museum (Montclair)
Montclair Art Museum’s Yard School of Art offers virtual and in-person classes spanning everything from art appreciation to Surface Design.
Yarnia (Montclair)
With community knit nights, classes focused on projects like socks and sweaters, instruction for all levels, and private lessons on Zoom, Yarnia is the place to get your knit on.
Read More: Your Ultimate Guide to Desserts in Montclair
Dance
Ballet With Hillary (Montclair)
(Photo credit: @balletwithhilary)
Ballet with Hilary lets you channel your inner Misty Copeland and take a virtual or in-person ballet class to explore this beautiful form.
Beyond the Boogie Dance (Montclair)
This studio features a mix of energizing virtual and in-person classes from XTreme Hip Hop to ballet to Samba.
Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire (Montclair)
For partner dance instruction from ballroom to meringue, check out Arthur Murray — or Fred Astaire in Montclair.
Sharron Miller’s Academy for the Performing Arts: SMAPA (Montclair)
SMAPA is a one-stop-shop — you’ll be able to hone your technique in classes at multiple levels including modern, jazz, tap, and ballet.
Studio Air (Montclair)
Challenge your whole body with pole dancing and aerial silks classes from fundamentals to freestyle.
Acting + Film
Montclair Film (Montclair)
(Photo credit: @montclairfilm)
From podcasting to screenwriting, Montclair Film offers interactive classes to turn your ideas into reality.
New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts (Bloomfield)
To play with your dramatic side, check out a variety of acting and improv classes on Zoom.
See More: Museums in Essex County for a Fun Day of Learning
Language
Cultural Center for Language Studies: CCLS (Newark)
Spanish at CCLS is taught individually or in group classes — which are offered in seven levels.
French Institute Alliance Française: FIAF (Montclair)
FIAF offers multiple levels of French courses in person or virtually.
The Language Institute (West Caldwell)
Languages including American Sign Language in private, semi-private, or group lessons are taught at The Language Institute.
Music
Montclair Music Studio (Montclair)
MMS offers lessons for voice or a new instrument including everything from bass to mandolin in person or online.
School of Rock (Montclair)
This performance-based instruction includes private lessons and group rehearsals in preparation for the big show.
Food + Drink
Amanti Vino (Montclair)
Learn about what you’re sipping on during these wine Zoom classes — after you’ve picked up the selected wines in store, of course.
Bar Academy 101 (Montclair)
Cocktail lovers — you can’t go wrong with bartending, sangria making, and tasting classes.
Montclair Culinary Academy (Montclair)
Guest can try their hand at whipping up something new and delicious at one of the cooking classes.
Shake & Pour (Bloomfield)
With a variety of online and in-person bartending classes in English and Spanish, you have nothing to lose by trying a free class.
Writing
The Writers Circle (Maplewood, Montclair, Morristown, South Orange, Summit)
Available on Zoom, these workshops provide insight on writing a variety of genres and getting published. A good place to start for budding writers is: Where Do I Begin?
Variety of Offerings
Montclair Institute for Lifelong Learning: MILL (Montclair)
Check out classes ranging from art appreciation and history to Broadway dance. A rollicking good time is to be had by all who partake in these classes which are now virtual.
Montclair Public Library Adult School (Montclair)
From finance and fitness to personal growth and gardening, there are many classes to expand your interests and skillset.
The South Orange-Maplewood Adult School (South Orange and Maplewood)
Explore a range of topics and sharpen new skills and practices with these offerings in-person or online.
Van Vleck House & Gardens (Montclair)
Enjoy a mental vacation without leaving Montclair by taking meditation, yoga, and gardening classes at this peaceful getaway or online.
