Welcome to PAC Center
The Mission of the Park Avenue Community Center is to foster creativity, build connections and promote the wellbeing of the community through our inspiring programs, classes and events. We are a vibrant and welcoming intergenerational hub that harnesses the power of arts and ideas to enrich, enlighten and change lives.
Programs
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Health and Wellness
“Health is a state of being, wellness a state of living.”
From Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Yoga and Meditation, to nutrition and cooking classes, we are curating programs geared to keeping our minds, bodies and spirits engaged and cared for. Explore what the PAC Center has to offer.
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Continuing Education
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever” — Mahatma Gandhi
At the PAC Center, we aim to bring you the best of continuing education classes that are fun and informative. Whether pursuing personal interests and passions or chasing professional ambitions, lifelong learning can help us to achieve personal fulfillment and satisfaction.
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Culinary Arts
“To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art” — La Rochefoucauld
Here at PAC Center, we love to eat, and we love everything about food — from learning about it, to cooking it, to eating it. We look forward to bringing you cooking classes, food events, workshops, pop up eateries and a space for entrepreneurs to dice, slice, bake, or brew in our (coming soon) commercially-certified kitchen.
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Performing Arts
“When I was a kid…no wait, I still do that”
As part of our “take care” mantra, PAC will be offering classes, workshops and events for adults in theatre, dance, music and the spoken/written word. Staying connected to or reawakening that creative spark is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves.
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Senior Citizens
“Getting older is an extraordinaire process where you become the person you always should have been.” – David Bowie
Senior Citizens thrive at the PAC Center thanks to our Community Partner, The Swarthmore Senior Citizens Association (SSCA). Daily activities include games and crafts, Friday Friends, Lunch and Learn, Walks and Trails and SSCA Travels. Join this vibrant community today!
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Kids
“A person’s a person no matter how small” — Horton the elephant
Children flourish at the PAC Center. Creative Classes, performance opportunities, kid focused events, after school programs, tutoring and homework help. Explore our programs, let us know what you’d like to see and consider ways to share your talents with our young community.
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Teens
COMING SOON
“You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — A.A. Milne
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Summer Camps
Summer Camps are here! We’re rolling out a vibrant and exciting line up of summer camps for all ages. Come see what we’re offering.
Upcoming Events
Are you a die-hard sports fan? Showcase your knowledge at the Sports Trivia Night. Teams of up to eight sports enthusiasts prepare to battle it out in five exhilarating rounds of trivia, each round consisting of 10 questions. Geared towards adults but sports fans ages 10+ welcome.
Sound Meditation, also known as a Sound Bath, utilizes the therapeutic application of sound frequencies and vibrations to provide a powerful and gentle way to shift consciousness and enhance well-being. It is an opportunity to embrace mindful practices and reconnect with our inner selves.
This fun social dance is easy to learn with live music and professional callers teaching the moves. There's lots of swinging and lots of brisk walking and lots of smiles.
ECD is an ideal low-impact exercise that engages your body, mind, and spirit. Plus, it's a great way to socialize and make new friends. Every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.
Sliding Scale $7 - $10
Tap into the creative energy of our community and join "The Rotary Arts Conversations" a new speaker series featuring in-depth discussions with some of the most talented artists in our area. Tonight’s guest, award winning photographer, Ron Tarver
Tickets $10.
Myofascial Release relieves your tension and improve your range of motion with myofascial release! Enjoy 90 minutes of yoga, foam rolling, meditation, and extended relaxation in this workshop designed to leave your muscles and joints with a greater flexibility.
Marc Rovetti and Dara Morales, violins; Charles Abramovic, harpsichord; Amy Sue Barston, cello. Baroque chamber music with an inclusive performance of J.S. Bach’s ebullient Double Concerto, in which all members of our community who play violin, viola, or cello are invited to join in and perform alongside our featured performers.
Creativity and Mindfulness Workshops with Clair Oaks is a five part series of creativity and mindfulness workshops designed to support you on your life journey. No prior creativity experience necessary. Each workshop will include paint, paper or canvas, journaling, reflection, and guided meditation.
Featured Classes & Programs
Health and Wellness
7 Mondays
Jan 6 - Feb 24 (no class 1/20)
10 - 11 am
7 Classes - $105
Start your week with a fluid, strength-based class which energizes the body and increases flexibility. Set to music, this class inspires mindfulness through movement while offering modifications to customize your class to fit your specific needs and level of expertise.
8 Mondays
Jan 6 - Feb 24
5:45 - 6:45pm
8 classes $120
It's never too late to learn how to Tap Dance! Learn the basic steps of tap dance, including warm up routines, how to put together basic steps to make combinations, and how to create your own combinations. If you are curious about Tap Dance, this is the class for you! Dance steps taught at a slow pace, no previous experience needed.
8 Mondays
Jan 6 - Feb 24
6 - 7 pm
8 classes $120
This Barre class uses basic ballet movements to tone and sculpt the body into the long sinewy lines of a ballet dancer. It will build strength as well as improve your cardiovascular fitness. Set to a pop playlist, no dance knowledge or experience necessary. Come get fit and have fun at the barre!
4 Mondays
Jan 6, 13, 20, 27
7 - 8 pm
4 classes $60
Yoga for Beginners: A four-week series for those who are new to yoga and curious about the practice, or those looking for a back-to-basics yoga refresher. In this introductory series, we will explore connecting movement to our breath while we move through slower-paced, mat-based practice.
8 Mondays
Jan 6 - Feb 24 + Showcase on Mar 3!
7:00 - 9:00 pm
8 Classes + Showcase - $240 flat rate/No Drop-Ins
Taught by long time actress, Susan Wefel, this class will follow the Hedgerow Theatre training of “humility, industry and an aptitude for learning.” This class offers collaboration, confidence building, improvisation, and some scene study for a showcase of scenes of classics by various playwriters: Neil Simon, A.R. Gurney, David Ives, and Thornton Wilder.
8 Tuesdays
Jan 7 - Feb 25
9:30 - 10:30am
8 Classes - $120
Let the music move you and you’ll forget you’re working out! This artful blend of music and dance styles (contemporary, jazz, lyrical, ballet) and conditioning exercises will strengthen your whole body and soul! No previous dance experience required.
8 Tuesdays
Jan 7 - Feb 25
11 - 12 pm
8 classes $120
We use a chair for seated postures and for support in standing and balance poses. A gentle form of yoga, Chair Yoga offers an inclusive and inviting yoga environment in which we explore with an inward focus, honoring our individual bodies, with mindfulness and compassion.
8 Tuesdays
Jan 7 - Feb 25
12:15 - 1:15 pm
8 classes $120
Qi Yoga for Self-Care is a deeply relaxing mix of mindful movement and stillness-based practices drawn from the energy healing arts of Yoga and Traditional Chinese Medicine. This class weaves together restorative poses, somatic movement, acupressure, self-massage, and qigong to enhance a release of tension deeply held in the body, reduce stress, and encourage a smooth flow of life giving force energy.
8 Tuesdays
Jan 7 - Feb 25
5:30 - 6:30pm
8 classes $120
Level 3 Tap Dance is for those with 3+ years of tap experience. Expect a little bit of everything. Rhythm tap technique, warm up routines and choreography. Come sharpen your skills and make some noise with us! Dance steps taught at a medium to fast pace.
8 Tuesdays
Jan 7 - Feb 25
6 - 7 pm
8 Classes - $120
Vinyasa yoga involves a continuous flow of yoga poses, moving to the rhythm of our breath. From week to week we focus on a unique class theme, building strength, flexibility, balance and mindfulness through standing, seated and balance poses.
8 Tuesdays
Jan 7 - Feb 25
7:00 - 8:00pm
8 classes $120
Level 2 Tap Dance is for the Adv. Beginner with 1-2 years previous tap experience. We will be working on technique, times steps, basic warm up routines and some choreography. With and without music, learning how to count the steps. Dance steps taught at a slow to medium pace.
8 Wednesdays
Jan 8 - Feb 26
9:30 - 10:30 am
8 classes $120
This Barre class uses basic ballet movements to tone and sculpt the body into the long sinewy lines of a ballet dancer. It will build strength as well as improve your cardiovascular fitness. Set to a pop playlist, no dance knowledge or experience necessary. Come get fit and have fun at the barre!
8 Wednesdays
Jan 8 - Feb 26
11:00 - 12:15pm
8 Classes - $120
In Gentle Yoga, we gradually move in and out of poses, mindful of our bodies and breath. The movements are slow, linked with breath, and postures entered into gently. We end class with a resting pose, to prepare us for the rest of the day. Come and enjoy a practice that is gentle, mindful and conscious, while receiving the abundant benefits of yoga.
8 Wednesdays
Jan 8 - Feb 26
1:30 - 2:45 pm
8 Classes - $120
Got stress? Experience Tai Chi Chih! This ‘user friendly’ moving meditation has just 19 moves, doesn’t require physical fitness or coordination, and can be adapted to be done seated or for physical limitations.
4 Wednesdays & 4 Fridays
Jan 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31
6:00 - 7:00 pm
8 Classes - $100, or DROP IN for $15 per
Have you ever found yourself in a social setting where you wanted to get on the dance floor and “strut your stuff” without inhibition? In this class we will learn a variety of partner dances from the Charleston, swing, polka, waltz, fox trot, to salsa, bachata, and cha-cha, and of course the late 20th century American party dances! All are welcome, with or without a dance partner.
8 Wednesdays
Jan 8 - Feb 26
6:15 - 7:15 pm
8 Classes - $120
Flow through a full body yoga sequence, building strength and resilience as you relax the body and calm the mind at the end of the day. Stretch the areas that accumulate tension from the day, and leave prepared to enter into a peaceful rest of the evening.
6 Wednesdays
Jan 22 - Feb 26
6:15 pm - 7:15 pm
6 Classes - $90
Women and Weights is a comprehensive full-body weight lifting class to add strength and stability to your workout routines. We will use classic weight lifting techniques with dumbbells to build lean muscle mass to create more durable bodies as we age. All fitness levels welcome!
8 Thursdays
Jan 9 - Feb 27
9:30 - 10:30 am
8 Classes - $120
Jump start your morning with a strength-based class which energizes the body, increases flexibility and balance. Set to music, this class prepares us to embrace the day ahead with energy and focus.
8 Thursdays
Jan 9 - Feb 27
11 - 12 pm
8 Classes - $120
This class is designed for age 50+ active adults wanting to keep doing the things we love! With a focus on balance, strength and flexibility, this class uses yoga as a life-long practice to support healthy aging with mindfulness, helping us to enjoy the activities we love for years to come.
8 Thursdays
Jan 9 - Feb 27
6 - 7 pm
8 Classes - $120
This dance format is easy enough for beginners to build confidence with more difficult choreography layered in to challenge for the advanced dancer. All set to your favorite dance music, this exhilarating and liberating dance is a calorie burning dance party that will have you addicted from the first beat! Exercise is disguised by all the fun you will have!
6 Fridays
Jan 24- Feb 28
6:30am - 7:15am
6 Classes - $90
Women and Weights is a comprehensive full-body weight lifting class to add strength and stability to your workout routines. We will use classic weight lifting techniques with dumbbells to build lean muscle mass to create more durable bodies as we age. All fitness levels welcome!
8 Fridays
Jan 10- Feb 28
9:00am - 10:00am
8 Classes - $120
Core and More is designed to build power in the core, helping us to improve posture and body alignment. Using therapeutic exercise techniques, yoga and Pilates variations, we will improve trunk strength and postural habits. Jane will share tools and reminders so we can continue our strengthening practice outside of class.
7 Fridays
Jan 10 - Feb 28 (no class 1/24)
10:00 - 10:45 am
7 Classes - $105
This gentle guided stretching and balance class will use basic stretches and balance skills to better support us in our daily routines. Maintaining and increasing flexibility and balance are essential for healthy aging as well as for injury prevention for athletes.
7 Saturdays
Jan 11 - Mar 1 (no class 1/25)
8:30 - 9:30 am
7 Classes - $105
Join Ibrahim for a vibrant morning Power Yoga class to wake you up and get you started on your day! Power Yoga is an energetic class, stemming from a Vinyasa-based background. Power Yoga focuses on building strength and endurance while moving through a fast-paced flow. The poses are challenging; moving quickly from one asana to the next with connected breath work.
6 Saturdays
Jan 11 - Mar 1 (no class 1/25 and 2/22)
10:00 - 11:00 am
6 Classes - $90
Inspired by yoga and Pilates, this athletic full body workout from BODi/Beachbody builds strength, endurance, and flexibility while moving to great music. We’ll warm-up with a series of sun salutations, progress through a dynamic blend of yoga poses, lunges, squats, push-ups, and planks, and finish with a beautiful extended flow. No previous experience necessary, just a desire to work hard and have fun!
7 Fridays
Nov 1 - Dec 20 (no class 11/29)
9:00 - 10:00 am
7 Classes - $105
Using therapeutic exercise techniques, yoga and Pilates variations, we will improve trunk strength and postural habits. Jane will share tools and reminders so we can continue our strengthening practice outside of class. This class is suitable for all fitness levels. Modifications will be tailored to the individual.
7 Fridays
Nov 1 - Dec 20 (no class 11/29)
10:00 - 10:45 am
7 Classes - $105
This gentle guided stretching and balance class will use basic stretches and balance skills to better support us in our daily routines. Maintaining and increasing flexibility and balance are essential for healthy aging as well as for injury prevention for athletes.
2nd & 4th Tuesdays
Aug 27 - Dec 10
10:00 am - 11:30 am
FREE
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Allison Garfinkel, RN, provides free drop-in support for breastfeeding mothers in the community.
KIDS
Mondays
Jan 6 - Apr 7 (no class 1/20 and 2/17)
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
12 Classes - $300
Dig, Stomp, Stamp, Shuffle.... Learn the basic steps of tap dance, including warm up routines, how to put together basic steps to make combinations, and how to create your own combinations. If you are curious about Tap Dance, this is the class for you! Slow pace, no previous experience needed.
Grades 3- 5
Mondays
Jan 6 - Apr 7 (no class 1/20 and 2/17)
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
12 Classes - $300
¡Viajemos! is an immersive journey into the Spanish-speaking world that combines an organic approach to Spanish language learning with engaging activities that foster cultural appreciation.
Grades 1- 5
Mondays
Jan 6 - Apr 7 (no class 1/20 and 2/17)
5:45 pm - 6:45 pm
12 Classes - $216
In this class, young dancers will be introduced to the foundations of creative expression. This class is designed to be a fun, safe, and exciting space for dancers to develop new skills in body awareness and teamwork.
Ages 4-6
Tuesdays
Jun 7 - Apr 8
4:00 - 5:30pm
14 classes - $350
This is a seasonal class, so each session will vary in plants and projects that are available at the different growing stage. In this class we will learn about herbal first aid and how to use it on our adventure up the mountain in the board game Wildcraft!
Grades 2-5
Wednesdays
Jan 8 - Apr 8
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
14 Classes - $350
"Let's Make a Play!" Work with your peers to create an adaptation of a well-loved story for the stage using improvisation and storytelling techniques. Build your acting and stagecraft skills as you work together towards a final performance for your friends and family.
Grade K-3
Wednesdays
Jan 8 - Apr 8
4:00 pm - 5:45 pm
14 Classes - $350
From pop art, to still life, landscape and experimental materials, get a chance to stretch your painting skills in this class.
Gardes 3-5
Thursdays
Jan 9 - Apr 3
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
13 Classes - $325
Art of Embroidery: Learn the basic stitches (running stitch, back stitch, split stitch, satin stitch, stem stitch, french knots and seed and fill stitches) and embellishments (buttons, sequins and seed beads) to enhance your creations. You'll be working on hand-stitching your favorite fandom image on a pillow, pencil case, tote bag or the like.
Gardes 3-5
Thursdays
Jan 9 - Apr 3
4:00 - 5:30 pm
13 Classes - $325
Who doesn't want to live in a world filled with magical myths and legendary creatures! Drawing on children's wild imaginations and notable mythology from around the world, students will explore the worlds of fantastical beasts such as Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot and leprechauns... are these beings just storied characters or is there truth to their existence, once upon a time!
Grades K-3
Thursdays
Jan 9 - Apr 3
4:00 - 5:30 pm
13 Classes - $325
Students will put their writing skills to work in this comedy-driven class. Learn storytelling and playwriting techniques to create monologues and sketches. A performance for an invited audience will take place on the last class of the session.
Grades 3-5
Fridays
Jan 10 - Apr 4 (no class 1/17, 2/14, and 3/14)
4:00-5:30 pm
10 Weeks - $250
Think you have what it takes to be a LEGO Master? Join us as we come together to creatively take on and complete a wide range of build challenges. Teamwork, collaboration, creativity and ingenuity will be emphasized as we explore different methods and approaches to rebuilding our world in brick form.
Grades K-3
Fridays
Jan 10 - Apr 4 (no class 1/17, 2/14, 3/14)
4:00 - 5:30 pm
10 Classes - $250
Interested in Dungeons & Dragons? Join us as we explore and strengthen the skills needed to play the world's greatest roleplaying game. Learn to improvise, problem-solve, and work as a team to become masters of collaborative storytelling! No need to memorize the rules quite yet—we’ll just cover the basics.
Grades 3-5
Wednesday
Jan 8 - Apr 2
6:00 - 6:15 pm
13 Classes - $260
Teens will put their improv and writing skills to work in this comedy-driven class. Work with your peers using storytelling and playwriting techniques to create monologues and sketches.
Ages 11-15
2nd & 4th Tuesdays
Aug 27 - Dec 10
10:00 am - 11:30 am
FREE
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Allison Garfinkel, RN, provides free drop-in support for breastfeeding mothers in the community.
Friday
December 20
9:30 - 10:15 am
Ages 0-5 years
FREE, but registration required
Keep Music Alive will present a special music program at the PAC Center this Fall. Each session includes a musical instrument petting zoo, spotlights and demonstrations on different instrument groups, fun sing-alongs and a percussion parade. This special holiday-themed workshop includes a fun musical craft.
Thursdays
Jan 9 - March 27
9:30 - 10:15 am
Ages 18 months - 3 years
12 weeks - $192
Come dance, sing and play music with Ms. Bethanne. For toddlers and their caregivers, this is an interactive movement class led by veteran dance educator Bethanne Margies. Music, movement, stories, instruments, props and more and themed each week!
Wednesdays
1/15, 1/29, 2/12, 2/26, 3/12, 3/26
10:00 - 11:00am
6 weeks - $90
Every other week!
SIGHT, SOUND, TOUCH, TASTE and SMELL! Kids ages 1-5 and their caregivers will enjoy a fun morning of Sensory Play. Set up in stations, kids will have full autonomy to move from one sense to another at their leisure.
Thursdays
Jan 9 - March 27
10:30 - 11:15 am
Ages 3-5 with Caregiver
12 classes - $192
Join us as we use songs, books, props and imagination to learn about dance, creative movement and ballet. Each week, we will peek into Miss Bethanne’s magic trunk to see what our theme is, and what special books and props we’ll be using for our class.
Thursdays
Jan 9 - March 27
12:45 - 1:45 pm
Ages 4-6 with Caregiver
12 classes - $216
Join Ms. Bethanne and her magic movement trunk! Tap, Flap, Saute and Bouree! This class is designed to teach students basic dance vocabulary while exploring movement through improvisation, storytelling and individual creativity. Ms. Bethanne introduces ballet etiquette and develops strong tap sounds. Students will have 30 mins of each dance genre.
Mondays
Jan 16 - March 24 (no class 2/17)
9:30 - 10:15 am
Ages 0-5
11 weeks - $180
Meet Ms. Virginia! She believes music circles should be interactive, entertaining and educational! Classes aim to meet EVERY child where they are developmentally and are flexible & dynamic! Egg shakers, scarves, and “special” instruments will be shared in class.
Wednesdays
every other week!
1/22, 2/19, 3/5, 3/19
9:30-10:30am
Ages 1 - 5 with Caregiver
5 classes - $75
Experience the joy of music, dance and storytime! We'll explore singing songs, a variety of instruments, rhythms, listening games and creative movement activities stimulating development and innate musical response.
Wednesdays
every other week!
1/22, 2/19, 3/5, 3/19
10:45-11:30am
Ages 4-12 Months with Caregiver
5 classes - $75
Babies up to 12 months with a parent/caregiver enjoy singing songs, lullabies and fingerplays using musical instruments, learning gentle movement exercises, playing with balls, dancing and discussion in a soothing atmosphere of music and color.