8 Awesome New York Classes Under $50
Congratulations, New Yorkers! You live in one of the most expensive cities in the whole world. To be so close to all of the city’s art, culture, food, music, comedy, dance and business, you have to sacrifice a lot. Like, a good chunk of your paycheck. But fear not! There are many budget-friendly activities you and your friends can try out in and around the city. Here are eight of them.

Recreate artist’s masterpieces in this boozy workshop.

art
artwork
byob

The best form of flattery is imitation...or is the best form of imitation flattery? However the expression goes, if you’re looking to flatter or imitate the greatest household-name artists, then you must take this painting workshop. In one easy, stress-free sitting, you can learn to recreate Monet, Picasso or even Van Gogh’s famous works of arts with a BYOB bottle of wine or beer in hand. It’s boozy art at its finest.

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Dungeons & Dragons and board games, oh my!

game

All ye who enter be warned: this game is hella fun. For those of you who can’t find enough friends willing to play Dungeons & Dragons with you, The Brooklyn Strategist offers a hangout of sorts where you can play your heart out. One encounter at a time, you’ll solve puzzles, problems and challenges in the Forgotten Realms and immerse yourself in a nerd-friendly setting for a low-commitment game. Did we mention it’s hella fun?

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Salsa: the dance style, not the snack.

dance
move
music
fun
exercise
social
technique

If dancing for you involves flailing your limbs around uncontrollably, it’s time to take Salsa. In this beginner’s class, you’ll learn the steps and history of Salsa and how it combines Latin and Afro-Caribbean dances. Sadly, there are no chips and salsa to munch on, but feel free to purchase some afterward on your own buck. You’ll definitely have earned it after working off all those calories!

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Hard core parkour.

acro
acrobatics
aerial
circus
balance

We’ve all spent hours watching videos of people running along walls, jumping buildings and hanging off impossible structures. Turn off your screen and join their ranks by taking this wall running class that doubles as an aerial harness dance class. With a rope, harness and some running sneakers, you’ll feel like Spider-Man swinging around New York, defying gravity.

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Hop to that hip hop.

dancing
dance

Maybe you’ve always dreamed of being in a dance crew (thanks in large part to shows like SYTYCD and America’s Next Best Dance Crew). Maybe you just don’t want to embarrass yourself at the next party. Either way, take this hip hop class that welcomes dancers of all levels into its hallowed halls. Popping, locking and top-rocking, you’ll learn how to move your body to the beat and improve your stellar skillz. Or at the very least, gain some.

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On fleek, en pointe.

dance
move
music
fun
exercise

Ballet dancers are probably the most badass athletes in all the world. Why? They put all of their weight on their toes. Their toes. With the right ballet class (this one), you too can take the leap into ballet. Open for non-dancers and students of any level, you’ll practice techniques, develop your form and strengthen your flexibility to be more coordinated and poised. Plus, where else do you get to wear a tutu?

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Strike a chord.

It’s never too late to learn a new skill, especially one as useful and swoon-worthy as playing the guitar. Under the tutelage of an accomplished musician, you’ll learn how to hold and balance a guitar as well as read tablature, strumming patterns and chords. Take your musicianship to the next level and unite your friends in song by playing covers of T-Swift songs at the next party.

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Improve your improv.

theater
laugh
humor
funny

Improv is great. Greater still because it’s pretty cheap no matter where you take classes. If you want to hone your comedic skills, there’s no better option than this free improv and acting class. Practice emotional work, vocal projection and hamming it up while working on those characters you’d want to see on SNL one day. You may never make it to the Saturday Night stage, but at least you’ll be the funniest person in your office.

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