Free Piano Lessons. In celebration of National Piano Month, Jordan Kitts's Music, 47100 Leesburg Pike, Suite 102, Sterling, is offering free piano lessons to adults and children. The free lesson program provides a risk-free way for parents to gauge their children's interest in learning before making a commitment to the piano. Call 1-800-968-4807 to make an appointment.
Dance Lessons. West Coast Dances with Kenny Roesel on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. Workshops and dance from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Cost is $15 for whole evening; $10 for just the dance. Everyone is welcome. Drop-in workshops every Wednesday night for intermediate dancers from 8:20-9 p.m. Call 703-444-3061. Visit www.dancewithme.net.
Food Safety Course. Virginia Cooperative Extension class for certification, Nov. 5 and 12. Cost for text, examination and certification is $104. Call 703-777-0373.
Prenatal Education. Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Parkway, Leesburg, presents workshops for expectant parents. Admission is free, but registration is required. Call 703-779-2694.
La Leche League of Sterling. Meetings emphasize the rewards of breastfeeding while informing and encouraging mothers who wish to nurse their babies. Discussions include the latest medical research as well as mothers' personal experiences. The group meets on the third Friday of each month at 10:15 a.m. Mothers with their nursing babies and mothers-to-be are welcome. For directions to the meetings or for more information, call Elizabeth at 703-689-0811, Christine at 703-404-0121 or Meg at 703-467-8341.
'Handwriting without Tears.' The Sterling Annex Community Center, 1115 W. Church Road, Sterling, offers classes for children ages 4-6 to help them focus on the beginning techniques for handwriting in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Call for fees and to register at 703-430-6673.
English as a Second Language. Classes are offered by Hogar Hispano of Catholic Charities at 24 sites around Northern Virginia. Cost is $35 per semester. Call 703-534-9805, Ext. 222. Se habla español.
Tiny Tots Classes for Twos. Katydid, Inc. at Ashburn Ice House. Activities, songs, crafts for 2-3 year-olds and their parents. Weekly themes. Choose Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, at 9:30 or 10:45 a.m. Call 703-481-9444 or e-mail KTdidInc@aol.com.
Seniors. Computer Classes are offered to individuals 55 and older at the Loudoun County Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace in Sterling. Call to confirm dates and times and register with payment at the Senior Center. Other classes at the Center include tai chi, gentle yoga, jazzercise lite and others. Call to register at 703-430-2397.
Homeowner Workshops. Loudoun County Housing Services provides Homeownership Educational Workshops to assist potential first time homebuyers in understanding the entire home buying process. Topics covered include budgeting, credit, working with Realtors, the mortgage process and what to expect at settlement. Persons with questions, or who are interested in registering for this workshop, can contact Chris Vogel or Stuart Shatz, Housing Services at 703-777-0389.
Counseling Programs. The following classes are offered by Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS):
Coping in Stressful Times. Learn how to develop practical skills for reducing stress, complete a personal plan and receive information about the warning signs of serious stress. Workshop for men and women. Mature teens are welcome to attend. Not a therapy group or intended as treatment for depression, anxiety or other disorders. Call Beth Spring at 703-533-2562.
Equipping Teens. Group therapy program for adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 who chronically get in trouble due to poor impulse control. Participants discuss video clips and try out new skills. Each session includes an opportunity for advice and feedback. Call Beth Spring at 703-533-2562.
Adult Group Psychotherapy. Individuals learn how to copy with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, sustaining relationships, family crises and other life transitions. Call Bill Gimblett at 703-533-2559.
Adult Anger Management. Adults will learn new skills in dealing with anger in an eight-week psycho-educational group. Call the Intake Line at 703-533-2563.
Classroom of Discovery. A new preschool program in Sterling that combines creative expression, imaginative play, storytelling and physical fitness. The core philosophy of the program is to "honor the creative genius in each child by providing a child-directed environment that enriches the whole child." The Classroom of Discovery offers a 2- or 3-day/week program for ages 2 1/2 to 5. A 1-day/week adult-child introductory program for ages 18-36 months is also available. The not-for-profit school meets at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church. For more information, or to arrange a tour, call director Sheri Brown at 703-450-5456 or 703-927-3333.
Dance Aerobics. No experience is necessary. A new routine is added each week. Classes are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Cost is $55 for 12 sessions. Call Sterling Community Center at 703-430-9480 for more information and to register.
The Growing Stage Theatre Company. Classes and workshops for all ages. Visit www.growingstage.org, or call 540-338-5367.
NotJustShakespeare. NotJustShakespeare, an amateur theater group based in Leesburg, was founded for the purpose of "bringing the beauty and majesty of Shakespeare to audiences near and far, performed in an Elizabethan setting." Individuals are invited to attend workshops on any Saturday, from 10 a.m.-noon, or contact either of the following two people to discuss possibilities for participation: Tim Jon at 703-777-4747, Ext. 24, or 703-777-1452; or Jeff Freeman at 202-268-2922 or 540-668-6967.
Weekly Salsa Lessons. Offered by Kinetic Arts, from 8-9 p.m. Cost is $10. Once a month, the group visits salsa clubs in the area. To learn more, visit Kinetic Arts in the Countryside Shopping Center, 36 Pigeon Hill Drive, Sterling, or call 703-444-0994.
Pregnancy Yoga. Feel more comfortable, while helping the mind and spirit to be "courageous, uplifted and self-confident," every Friday, from 7-8:30 p.m., at the Yoga Center, 6 Export Drive, Suite A, Sterling. Call Darshan Kaur for more information and to register at 703-742-0711.