Enrich Your Mind and Soul at These 5 Places to Take Classes in the Twin Cities

Do you find yourself in danger of becoming a couch potato, planning your schedule around the latest Netflix release? Classes are a great way to learn new skills and expand your social circle. We've put together a list of some of the more interesting opportunities around the Twin Cities to give you a sample.

1. Twin Cities Quilting
1085 Dionne Street
Roseville 55113

Thanks to Minnesota's legendary cold nights, quilting is almost a required skill. Whether you want to make a quilt for yourself or for a gift, you'll learn everything you need to know at this shop's quilting classes. Get general training or select a class focusing on a specific topic or project.

2. Twin Cities Trapeze Center
719 E. Minnehaha Avenue
St. Paul 55106

Indulge your childhood dream of being a star circus performer. Classes at this unique center will have you swinging on the flying trapeze with the greatest of ease. If you'd rather start small, work on the static trapeze. Workshops and camps give you a chance to experience other circus skills like walking on stilts and jumping on trampolines. All ages and levels of experience are welcome.

3. House of Dance Twin Cities
11 - 7th Avenue N.
Hopkins 55343

There are several facilities where you can learn traditional dances like salsa, tango and waltz. At House of Dance you can let loose busting a move with all the hottest contemporary dance forms. Classes are offered in hip-hop, breakdancing, popping and locking, and funk. You can even explore the other side of dancing at the Wednesday night DJ 101 sessions.

4. Cook's Pantry
1190 - 16th Street SW
Rochester 55902

Do you have an image of cooking classes as being nothing more than glorified home ec? At Cook's Pantry you can learn the finer points of sous vide cooking, find out how to make creative vegetarian dishes and participate in "burger wars". After each class you get a private shopping session with 15 percent off your purchases. Best of all, you get to eat the delicious dishes prepared by the instructors!

5. Minneapolis Community Education
1250 W. Broadway Avenue
Minneapolis 55411

MCE is built around the principle that continuing education opportunities enrich communities as well as individual lives. Comprehensive course offerings include academic topics like Minnesota history and world geography as well as leisure-time subjects such as film appreciation, digital photography and improv acting. They also have a program created specifically for students age 55 and older. New class schedules are issued quarterly.

Do you have any other fun classes to recommend? Share your experiences in the comments!