Culture Blocks connects communities with responsive arts, science, and history experiences close to residents’ homes. The program engages with creative individuals and organizations with a primary mission of arts, science, and/or history to present programs in specific geographic areas. Culture Blocks, funded by Mecklenburg County, supports cultural experiences planned with resident involvement and/or at libraries, recreation centers, parks, and relevant community spaces.
Upcoming Events
All of the following are FREE events. Read on for free dance, visual arts, fiber, theater, music classes and more. There are even free piano lessons!
If the event requires pre-registration there will be a link or phone number for registration.
Find a complete list of Culture Block events here!
Dance For Seniors
Presented by Movement Migration
When: Mondays (10 – 11 a.m.)
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2023
Where: David B. Waymer Recreation Center (14008 Holbrooks Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078)
Renowned artists and educators teach classes for adults and seniors for those interested in experiencing different movement practices. Styles include modern dance, ballet, yoga, and somatic approaches to support a healthy body and mind. Select classes will have live music by local musicians!
Dance Without Limits
Presented by Order My Steps
When: Thursdays (10 – 11 a.m.)
May 4, 11, 18, 25
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Where: Mallard Creek Recreation Center (2530 Johnston Oehler Rd., Charlotte, NC 28269)
Dance Without Limits is a senior dance class designed for all levels. Improve your strength, coordination, and mobility while learning new steps and styles.
For more information, contact 704-221-4787.
Dance Without Limits
Presented by Order My Steps
When: Thursdays (12 – 1 p.m.)
May 4, 11, 18, 25
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Where: David B. Waymer Recreation Center (14008 Holbrooks Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078)
Dance Without Limits is a senior dance class designed for all levels. Improve your strength, coordination, and mobility while learning new steps and styles.
For more information, contact 704-221-4787.
Cultural Traditions of the African Diaspora; Music, Dance, History and Culinary Arts
Presented by Bloco Afro Ayedun
When: Mondays (6 – 8 p.m.) and Saturdays (11 a.m. -12 p.m.) through June 26
Where: Mallard Creek Recreation Center (2530 Johnston Oehler Rd., Charlotte, NC 28269)
Participants will study and practice African American Ring Shout dance and rhythms, Samba roots, African-Brazilian Orixá dance and music, Palo Mayombe, Samba Afro and Samba Reggae.
Participants will learn about African diaspora arts’ historical and cultural connections throughout the Americas. The programming will address health and wellness as it encourages participants to move their bodies by stretching the body’s muscles, releasing tension and stress.
Beginner Ballet
Presented by Charlotte Ballet
When: Mondays (11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) through June 26
Where: Virtual (Zoom)
This virtual class introduces dancers to ballet. All experience levels are welcome. The class will focus on the basics of ballet technique, musicality, and artistry.
Dance for All Abilities
Presented by Charlotte Ballet
When: Mondays (1 – 2 p.m.) through June 26
Where: Virtual (Zoom) and in-person at Marion Diehl Recreation Center (2219 Tyvola Road, Charlotte, NC 28210)
This class explores movement and creativity in an inviting and open environment for dancers of all abilities and disabilities. Participants benefit from improved strength, flexibility, and stamina.
Fitness Dance Class
Presented by Charlotte Ballet
When: Mondays (6:30 – 7:30 p.m.) through June 26
Where: Belle Johnston Community Center (1000 Johnston Dr., Pineville, NC 28134)
This dance fitness class includes exercises inspired by ballet barre, and a variety of dance styles. Students will focus on isometric movements and dynamic stretching to improve strength and flexibility. This class is open to all ages and experience levels.
Senior Dance Class
Presented by Charlotte Ballet
When: Mondays (2:15 – 3:15 p.m.) through June 26
Where: Tyvola Senior Center (2225 Tyvola Rd., Charlotte, NC 28210)
This class is designed for senior adults to improve flexibility, breath, balance, mobility, and fluidity by exploring various elements of ballet, jazz, modern, and improvisation. Participants can choose to take the class seated, standing, or a combination of both.
Latin Dance Class
Presented by Charlotte Ballet
When: Tuesdays (6 – 7 p.m.) through June 27
Where: Naomi Drenan Recreation Center (750 Beal St., Charlotte, NC 28211)
This Latin dance class will explore the Caribbean dance styles of Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue. These styles will use the rhythms of Cuba and the Dominican Republic to create a fun and energetic class that will be sure to inspire. All ages are welcome and no previous experience is required.
Senior Dance Class
Presented by Charlotte Ballet
When: Tuesdays (12 – 1 p.m.) through June 27
Where: Sugaw Creek Recreation Center (943 West Sugar Creek Rd., Charlotte, NC 28213)
This class is designed for senior adults to improve flexibility, breath, balance, mobility, and fluidity by exploring various elements of ballet, jazz, modern, and improvisation. Participants can choose to take the class seated, standing, or a combination of both.
Afro Beats Fitness Class
Presented by Charlotte Ballet
When: Wednesdays (6 – 7 p.m.) through June 28
Where: Sugaw Creek Recreation Center (943 West Sugar Creek Rd., Charlotte, NC 28213)
Afro Beats Dance Fitness is a Fun and Innovative way to do group exercise and fitness this year. With this Culture Block expect a progressive class of learning different ways to stretch, isolate and move your body to great music from the motherland. This class will also include invigorating fitness routines which include traditional and contemporary West African dance moves sculpted into an Afrocentric dance workouts that combines muscle toning and cardio dance training.
Fitness Dance Class
Presented by Charlotte Ballet
When: Wednesdays (6 – 7 p.m.) through June 28
Where: Berewick Recreation Center (5910 Dixie River Rd., Charlotte, NC 28278)
This dance fitness class includes exercises inspired by ballet barre, and a variety of dance styles. Students will focus on isometric movements and dynamic stretching to improve strength and flexibility. This class is open to all ages and experience levels.
Senior Dance Class
Presented by Charlotte Ballet
When: Wednesdays (12 – 1 p.m.) through June 28
Where: Albemarle Road Recreation Center (5027 Ildewild Rd. N., Charlotte, NC 28227)
This class is designed for senior adults to improve flexibility, breath, balance, mobility, and fluidity by exploring various elements of ballet, jazz, modern, and improvisation. Participants can choose to take the class seated, standing, or a combination of both.
Fitness Dance Class
Presented by Charlotte Ballet
When: Wednesdays (12 -1 p.m.) through June 28
Where: Virtual (Zoom)
This dance fitness class includes exercises inspired by ballet barre, and a variety of dance styles. Students will focus on isometric movements and dynamic stretching to improve strength and flexibility. This class is open to all ages and experience levels.
Senior Dance Class
Presented by Charlotte Ballet
When: Thursdays (3:30 – 4:30 p.m.) through June 29
Where: Northern Regional Recreation Center (18121 Old Statesville Rd., Cornelius, NC 28031)
This class is designed for senior adults to improve flexibility, breath, balance, mobility, and fluidity by exploring various elements of ballet, jazz, modern, and improvisation. Participants can choose to take the class seated, standing, or a combination of both.
Life Skills Through Theatre Skills
Presented by Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
When:
9:30 AM – Creative Drama
May 2, 9, 16
9:30 AM – Creative Movement
May 4, 11, 18
Where: Eastway Recreation Center (3150 Eastway Park Drive, Charlotte, NC 28213)
Celebrate creativity and explore the artist within through guided theatre, movement, and art. Our program now has Creative Drama and Creative Movement with activities such as:
- ensemble/team building
- group storytelling
- prop and craft creation
- public speaking exercises
- theatre games
- fun songs & sing-a-longs
- dance
- improvisation
Life Skills Through Theatre Skills
Presented by Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
When:
9:30 AM – Creative Drama
May 4, 11, 18
1:00 PM
June 20, 27
9:30 AM – Creative Movement
May 2, 9, 16
Where: David B. Waymer Recreation Center (14008 Holbrooks Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078)
Celebrate creativity and explore the artist within through guided theatre, movement, and art. Our program now has Creative Drama and Creative Movement with activities such as:
- ensemble/team building
- group storytelling
- prop and craft creation
- public speaking exercises
- theatre games
- fun songs & sing-a-longs
- dance
- improvisation
Dance Without Limits
Presented by Order My Steps
When: Wednesdays (10:30 – 11:30 a.m.)
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
June 7, 14, 21, 28
Where: Southview Recreation Center (1720 Vilma St., Charlotte, NC 28208)
Dance Without Limits is a senior dance class designed for all levels. Improve your strength, coordination, and mobility while learning new steps and styles.
For more information, contact 704-221-4787.
Creative Clay / Pottery Workshops
Presented by Claywoks
When: Various dates through June 28
Where: Various locations
Clayworks will lead participants in a hands on clay workshop. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today. Projects will be taken to Clayworks to be fired and glazed before being returned for pickup. Please allow 3 weeks for this process.
Life Skills Through Theatre Skills
Presented by Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
When:
9:30 AM – Creative Drama
May 1, 8, 15
1:00 PM
June 21, 28
9:30 AM – Creative Movement
May 3, 10, 17
Where: Tuckaseegee Recreation Center (4820 Tuckaseegee Rd, Charlotte, NC 28208)
Celebrate creativity and explore the artist within through guided theatre, movement, and art. Our program now has Creative Drama and Creative Movement with activities such as:
- ensemble/team building
- group storytelling
- prop and craft creation
- public speaking exercises
- theatre games
- fun songs & sing-a-longs
- dance
- improvisation
Life Skills Through Theatre Skills
Presented by Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
When:
10:00 AM – Creative Drama
May 3, 10, 17
1:00 PM
June 22, 29
10:00 AM – Creative Movement
May 5, 12, 19
Where: Mallard Creek Recreation Center (2530 Johnston-Oehler Road, Charlotte, NC 28269)
Celebrate creativity and explore the artist within through guided theatre, movement, and art. Our program now has Creative Drama and Creative Movement with activities such as:
- ensemble/team building
- group storytelling
- prop and craft creation
- public speaking exercises
- theatre games
- fun songs & sing-a-longs
- dance
- improvisation
Life Skills Through Theatre Skills
Presented by Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
When:
1:00 PM
June 22, 29
Where: Belle Johnston Recreation Center (1000 Johnston Dr, Pineville, NC 28134)
Celebrate creativity and explore the artist within through guided theatre, movement, and art. Our program now has Creative Drama and Creative Movement with activities such as:
- ensemble/team building
- group storytelling
- prop and craft creation
- public speaking exercises
- theatre games
- fun songs & sing-a-longs
- dance
- improvisation
Free Piano Lessons
Presented by B Music Youth
When: Wednesdays 5:30pm (Ages 5-12) & 6:30pm (Ages 13-18) / Thursdays 5:30pm (Ages 5-12) & 6:30pm (Ages 13-18) from January through September 30.
Where: Eastway Regional Rec Center (3150 Eastway Park Dr., Charlotte, NC 28213)
Ages: 5 – 18
We will provide students the FUNdamentals of music education, events, and mentorship. This program will help students build the foundations of playing piano, and self-confidence with team building, along with math, vocabulary, music history and more. At the end of the program, students will be able to participate in a student concert!
The Art & Science of World Cuisine
Presented by Naija Goddess
When: Sundays (6 p.m.)
March 5 – May 28
Where: Eastway Regional Recreation Center (3150 Eastway Park Dr., Charlotte, NC 28213)
Ages: 18+
The Art & Science of World Cuisine is a plant-based culinary class that healthily takes a trip around the world learning the tastes of different world regions and the science behind creating the dishes. As a Nigerian-American, there will be an emphasis on West African cuisine as well as Caribbean and Southeast Asian cuisines. Each class is 2-hours where 40-minutes is spent informing food origin/history, food science and nutritional benefits; 1 hour of food preparation; and 20 minutes of eating the food while taking Q&A.
Open Art Studio Classes for Youth/Clases De Arte Para Niños
Presented by Rebelucionarte
When: May 13, June 10 (1 – 3 p.m.)
Where: Hickory Grove Library (5935 Hickory Grove Rd., Charlotte, NC 28215)
Ages: 7 – 15
A creative space for kids and youth to create art, explore art materials, and learn art techniques that fosters relaxation, social and emotional development, and mindfulness. Classes are facilitated and led by art therapist Rebeca Carvajal. Un espacio creativo para que niños y jovenes creen arte, exploren materiales artisticos y aprendan tecnicas artisticas que brindan relajacion y atencion plena. Las clases son facilitadas y dirigidas por la arteterapeuta Rebeca Carvajal.
Young Icon’s Free Studio Days
Presented by Young Icons
When: May 20, June 17 (12 – 4 p.m.)
Where: Grindhaus Studios (3711 Latrobe Drive #STE 510 Charlotte, NC 28211)
Young Icon’s is offering Free Studio days for Youth between the ages of 12-17 at Grindhaus Studios. Our aim is to continue to provide music recording resources for youth in the Charlotte Metro Area. They will learn the fundamentals of songwriting and explore writing and recording songs based on the learn fundamentals of that day.
Musical Storytime: The Tortoise and the Hare
Presented by Opera Carolina
When: Saturday, May 1 (4:30 p.m.)
Where: West Blvd. Library (2157 West Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208)
Families will enjoy a fun reading of The Tortoise and The Hare with live singing throughout provided by Opera Carolina’s very own Tortoise and Hare! Hop along and register early to get a free copy of the book from us.* This event is free but requires RSVPs.
*Limited number of books are available on a first registered, first served basis.
Fiber Arts for Beginners Classes: Wrapped Rainbow All Hangings
Presented by Jillian Mueller
When: Saturday, May 13 (10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
Where: Matthews Town Hall Library (230 Matthews Station St., Matthews, NC 28105)
Pick up a new hobby and learn something new by signing up for a free fiber art class! These classes are designed for absolute beginners and all needed materials will be provided.
Pre-registration is required. Register.
Fiber Arts for Beginners Classes: Macrame Wall Hangings
Presented by Jillian Mueller
When: Saturday, June 24 (10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
Where: Matthews Town Hall Library (230 Matthews Station St., Matthews, NC 28105)
Pick up a new hobby and learn something new by signing up for a free fiber art class! These classes are designed for absolute beginners and all needed materials will be provided.
Pre-registration is required. Register.
Fiber Arts for Beginners Classes: Crochet Baskets
Presented by Jillian Mueller
When: Saturday, July 15 (10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
Where: Matthews Town Hall Library (230 Matthews Station St., Matthews, NC 28105)
Pick up a new hobby and learn something new by signing up for a free fiber art class! These classes are designed for absolute beginners and all needed materials will be provided.
Pre-registration is required. Register.
Fiber Arts for Beginners Classes: Beyond Basic Weaving
Presented by Jillian Mueller
When: Saturday, August 19 (10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
Where: Matthews Town Hall Library (230 Matthews Station St., Matthews, NC 28105)
Pick up a new hobby and learn something new by signing up for a free fiber art class! These classes are designed for absolute beginners and all needed materials will be provided.
Pre-registration is required. Register.
Fiber Arts for Beginners Classes: Mountain Range Embroidery
Presented by Jillian Mueller
When: Saturday, September 23 (10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
Where: Matthews Town Hall Library (230 Matthews Station St., Matthews, NC 28105)
Pick up a new hobby and learn something new by signing up for a free fiber art class! These classes are designed for absolute beginners and all needed materials will be provided.
Pre-registration is required. Register.
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