Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
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photography courtesy of Boston Ballet (class) Barre Bell Many pro athletes count on ballet training to increase their speed, f lexibility, and balance, so why not step up to the barre at Boston Ballet's adult open classes? The levels range from beginner (teaching basic arm and leg positions) to advanced (for current and former pros), with each class focused on developing your skills. Every session is taught by one of Boston Ballet's trained professional instructors. 19 Clarendon St., 617-695- 6950; bostonballet.org Basic Cooking Skills and Techniques Don't think your grilled cheese sandwiches will get you on Top Chef ? No problem. Running weekly at the Cambridge Center for Adult Education from October 7 to November 18, this hands-on cooking class will guide you through the chapters of Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything: The Basics alongside like-minded home cooks, as you master recipes such as bruschetta, lamb curry, and the all-important chocolate chip cookie. 42 Brattle St., Cambridge, 617-547-6789; ccae.org Beers of Massachusetts Looking to learn more about local brews? Join Urban Grape's "Beer Guy," Ben Bouton, on November 6 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm for Local Treasures: Beers of Massachusetts, one of the Boston Center for Adult Education's popular "Man Code" classes. Bouton will find you a new local brew (or two… or three) that you'll enjoy, and his insider knowledge will give you a better understanding of the area beer scene. 122 Arlington St., 617-267- 4430; www.bcae.org Boston School of Guitar Channel your inner Steven Tyler and pick up a guitar and pen. The Boston School of Guitar offers classes in guitar playing as well as songwrit- ing. Even if you never end up performing like Bruce Springsteen or Jimi Hendrix, you can at least play their hit songs. Every guy secretly wants to be a rock star, right? 33 Harvard St., Brookline Village, 617-505-1822; bostonschoolofguitar.com Broga The ability to twist your body into a pretzel or balance on one hand isn't a prerequisite for this yoga class. Broga, a fresh style of yoga designed specifically for men, provides an approachable (no judging allowed) one-hour sweat session for those who may not be able to touch their toes but want a physical workout and mental detox. This class is So You Think You Can… Our guide tO being the mOdern man. by Olivia Pierce Classes in ballet are attracting a new breed of 21st-century man. offered at the Mandarin Oriental on Saturdays from 11 am to noon and blends a series of stress-reducing yoga postures with fitness-packed exercises. Try it and you'll be chanting "om" in no time. 776 Boylston St., 617-535- 8820; brogayoga.com Business Model Innovation Do you have an idea for a business but aren't sure where to start? Whip your thoughts into a formal business plan at Harvard University's Business Model Innovation workshop on November 3 and 4. As you learn from Harvard's finest professors how to utilize the nine-point business-model framework, you'll feel more confident putting your idea into action and presenting it to investors. 51 Brattle St., 617-998-8500; dce.harvard.edu/professional The Cigar Guys Roll your own cigar with The Cigar Guys, who will come to your home or office and teach you how to make your own stogie. The 90 -minute workshop also covers the proper way to cut and light cigars as well as how to maintain your humidor. thecigarguys.net French Cultural Center You'll need a little more than "oui" to get through your next French vacation, whether it's in Paris or St-Tropez. Brush up on your conversational skills and refresh your knowledge of French culture by signing up for a one-day immersion program at the French Cultural Center. The class will be held November 7 and December 13 from 10 am to 5 pm. 53 Marlborough St., 617-912-0400; frenchculturalcenter.org BC Take NoTes andrew castronovo of the Boston Center for Adult Education on being a 21st-century man. What makes for a well-rounded man? The old stereotypes have gone out the window. We care about how we look. We stay on top of trends. We strive to always keep learning and growing. How can the BCAE's "Man Code" classes help with this? The BCAE offers men all sorts of opportunities to explore and discover themselves—from ftness to healthy eating to dressing for success and getting ahead professionally. What important skills do the classes teach? Some might fnd rock climbing or home brewing or welding fulflling. For others it might mean guitar lessons, learning the secrets of surviving in the wild, or pursuing an interest in travel writing. 122 Arlington St., 617- 267-4430; bcae.org 132 bostoncommon-magazine.com The guide Play