7 Awesome Things in the East Village That Aren't Bars

Home to artistic movements like punk rock, the Nuyorican movement, and Rent, the East Village maintains the ruggedness and artistic integrity of old New York. From the smoke shops on St. Marks to the ethnic boutiques in Alphabet City and to the endless array of bars spearheading Village life, the East Village embraces all walks of New Yorkers. Time to tune your inner punk rocker and take to the East side.

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  Learn to Mime - Trial Class

  Richmond Shepard

  If a mime falls in the woods, does it make a sound? If a mime’s arrested, does it plead the Fifth? Through exaggerated movements, complete silence, and a French beret, pantomimes captivate audiences...and keep the best secrets. Still, miming isn’t all about getting stuck in boxes and batting eyelashes, the art applies intricate body movements, illusions, and some face paint. If you’re looking to increase your stage presence and performance abilities, miming proves to be a :-(*) (Mime lingo for damn good time).

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  Beginner Photography: DSLR 101

  Digital Photo Academy

  Upgrade from iPhone to, umm, a real camera yet? If you’re ready to give up your sepia infused Instagram photos and indulge in real photography, DSLR 101 is the perfect class to begin the transformation. With the Digital Photo Academy, you’ll learn the basics behind your camera, embracing the power and versatility of the DSLR. You’ll quickly wonder why you wasted so much time using your iPhone when you can make post cards with your DSLR.

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  Hot for Teacher: The UCB Faculty Improv Show

  Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre - East

  Home to countless SNL alums and celebrity performers alike, UCB’s East Village campus holds a fun-filled comedy night nearly every evening. Whether you’re looking for up-and-coming stand up artists or for improv comedy all stars, UCB’s cheap booze accompanied with laughs packs a real New York punch. Just say yes...and...check out the NYC comedy scene. Who knows, you might see the star before they’re a star.

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  Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - All Levels

  Traipsing the streets of the Village, you never know what you’ll see: an aged punk rocker, seemingly homeless artist, or the fresh-out-of-college frat star. If you’re looking for self-defense against the frolicking drunk or a new fitness opportunity, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu helps with all. Through calisthenic warmups, drill techniques, and striking methods, you’ll leave with the self-defense knowledge and submission techniques to kick some real butt in everyday life.

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  Cupcake Making 101

  Butter Lane

  The only place where the actual cupcake tastes better than the icing is Butter Lane -- a statement you shouldn't take lightly. You’ll get to have your cupcake and eat it too in this sweet and scrumptious baking class! You’ll master how to make American Chocolate, Vanilla Bean, and Cream Cheese icings to mix and match with three different cake flavors. And yes, you’ll get to take home [not one but] three batches of delightful cupcakes to share (or not).

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  East Village Rock & Punk Tour

  Rock Junket

  Hey, ho, let's go... uncover the old punk relics in the East Village. With Rock Junket, you?ll check out the sites and stories of The Ramones, New York Dolls, CBGB's, Warhol, Zeppelin, and Iggy Pop. Find out where they played, lived, shopped, and formed the history of rock culture. Along the way, you will visit punk favs like CBGB?s, St. Mark?s Hotel, and The Velvet Underground. Hear the stories that led to a punk revolution and an endless supply of ripped, black jeans. This is practically the first course in Rock ?n Roll High School.

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  Samurai Sword Fighting - East Village

  Yoshi Amao

  C’mon, does it get more awesome than this? Only in the East Village can you relive your Bruce Willis fantasy and Ninja Turtle desires. Your eight-year-old self would’ve loved it, and your current self will love it even more.

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