El Taller — everything under one roof
With a lot of Spanish people living in New York City, we can’t help but somehow get involved in their culture. I’ve been talking about the power of learning a new language a few times, but I wasn’t able to point out that learning a country’s language goes hand in hand with learning their culture – their whole culture. This is why I want to share with you this wonderful place in NYC called El Taller.
El Taller, founded in 1979 is a community-based non-profits education institution. I would like to highlight the word COMMUNITY, because El Taller is that and more. Finding El Taller is like having your own Spanish family. You get to talk, learn and share experiences with people. Getting attached to them is so easy that you think of them as family.
Visiting El Taller is like visiting Latin America without having to leave New York. It’s everything, and I mean everything, under one roof. First off, they offer Spanish classes, both private and group classes. What’s great is that they offer a lot of schedules that you’re sure to find the one would best fit your lifestyle. They have morning classes from 8-10 in the morning, noon classes held from noon to 2pm and evening classes held from 6 to 9pm. They also offer Saturday classes which have two schedules, one from 10am to 1pm and another from 2pm to 5pm.
Dancing enthusiast can also look forward to Salsa and Tango classes. Schedule is every Monday and Wednesday at 6:30 to 7:30 and 7:30 to 8:30pm. No need to bring a dance partner, as the class is highly interactive and social. You’re surely to meet new people as the class will rotate dance partners during the session. Only $12 per session, or $100 for 12 classes.
If you’re not into dancing but more into the visual arts, then you would surely enjoy the Grady Alexis Gallery which is part of El Taller. Many of the featured artists are Latinos, and most of the arts exhibited are based on Latin American Themes. The gallery prides itself at introducing new artists to the NY scene, and the art-lover would surely enjoy the beauties exhibited here.
Boasting of an art gallery and offering language and dancing lessons is not all that El Taller has to offer. They also dedicated one part of the house to Spanish music and films. Listen as performers from all over America share their music and talent for the entire world to hear. Remember how I said listening to Spanish music helps you get familiar with the words? This is a great way to do that, with a live performer to make your Spanish experience more realistic.
El Taller is located at 2710 Broadway, 3rd floor New York, NY 10025. You can call them up at (212) 665-9460 or visit their website at http://www.tallerlatino.org
