education ballerinas need apply: there is always a waiting list and children must pass an entrance interview. Classes are conducted in English only. The teachers are all former or current soloists at the National Theatre Ballet. Thanks to the strong ties between the theater and this school, students are the ones under consideration for children’s roles in productions like “The Nutcracker”. Since spring of 2012, Holmes Place has offered regular courses that are available to non-members, under the guise of Holmes Place Academy. In addition to many classes for adults, they offer a range of dance classes for children. Courses are not taught in English, but the language can be supplemented depending on the ability of the teacher. At any rate, foreigners are always welcome and will be accommodated, as the gym has a modern and international vibe. Classical, modern, jazz, and even hip-hop ballet are taught to children from the age of six at beautiful dance studio Nathy’s in the suburbs of Prague 6. Classes are all taught in English. The International School of Music Fine Arts Prague, a mainstay on the expat horizon, has long been offering music education to kids both foreign and Czech. Their dance classes are taught in English, Czech, French, Russian, and Italian. WRitinG clASSeS The respected magazine for expatriates living abroad, Transitions Online, offers periodic week-long journalism courses for foreign correspondents in association with Radio Free Europe. The highly popular Prague Summer Program, taking place in July, is a collaborative effort between Charles University and the MFA department at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This annual workshop is open to all budding wordsmiths who wish to be mentored by big-name writers (though you must be nominated by a published author to apply). Online courses are gaining worldwide popularity. Try the Gotham Writer’s Workshop (www.writingclasses. com) for fiction, travel writing, and more. MatadorU (matadoru.com) is a “New Media School for Travelers” with online classes in writing, documentary, and film. yoGA/mASSAGe teAcheR tRAininG Breath & Bandha Yoga Teacher Training and Certification (formerly known as Prague Yoga) trains those contemplating careers in yoga instruction and provides continuing education for existing yoga instructors. Graduates are eligible to teach worldwide and may apply to Yoga Alliance to become 200-hour registered yoga teachers. Here, the forty poses are studied in-depth. Exams are administered and instruction given completely in English. Tantra World explores the healing power of touch via workshops, lectures, and courses designed for learning the ancient art of tantric massage. Classes for couples Inzerátek or singles are 2012 available, as 21.8.2012 are certification 15:24 courses for those Stránka 1 interested in opening their own practice. kidS’ StuFF in pRAGue: indooRS Prague parents prefer Letňany Lagoon to Aquapalace Praha for its lack of screaming teens, though the latter is Central Europe’s largest water park and has been known to attract tourists away from the city center and all its glory. Quite near the Letňany complex is the Skydive Arena, which actually simulates flying in a wind-tunnel under the supervision of an instructor. Aqua Dream is another top water-world pick. A number of Prague mall’s feature a dětský koutek or children’s corner with play areas and attractions of varying sizes. Among them are Palladium, Pankrác, Anděl, Chodov, Flora, Galerie Butovice, and Galaxie Zličín. A new one has cropped up at Obchodní Centrum Šestka (large and free, though the food court leaves something to be desired!). Beckiland is the mother of all indoor playgrounds with some twenty attractions, including go-karts. Dino Park at Galerie Harfa dazzles with 3D cinema and life-like dinosaur replicas. Fantasy Park Kids’ Bowling provides ultra-light balls and lessons in English. For educational outings, the National Technological Museum, the Aviation Museum, and the Lego Museum all deliver hands-on fun. Do some stargazing at Planetarium Prague. Explore life aquatic at Mořský svět, a small-scale Sea World. Casts of dragons, devils, kings, and clowns will intrigue at one of Prague’s many puppet theaters, including the National Marionette Theater; the annual Letní Letná (www.letniletna.cz) circus festival stages English-friendly/kid-friendly performances. kidS’ StuFF in pRAGue: outdooRS Prague Zoo is a grrrreat starting point for outdoor fun. Toulcův dvůr is a community farm project and center for environmental education with cute animals on view. Get lost in the Maze of Mirrors, climb the mini-Eiffel tower, or encourage your pint-sized astronomer at the Štefánik Observatory on Petřín Hill. Pedal boating on the Vltava is a popular pastime for all ages; hop on one of Prague’s six ferries (your metro pass covers the fare) or take a ride on Nostalgic Tram 91 from April to November. The Kart Centrum Radotín has an indoor and outdoor track. The annual St. Matthew’s Funfair (Matějská pouť) runs from March–April, with carnival rides and exhibits to thrill all ages. Nearby, in Stromovka Park, the “tram playground” is a must for kids and parents both—the nearby restaurant Vozovna regularly garners rave reviews. When winter arrives, check out the hills at Kavčí hory for sledding or the Bobová Dráha toboggan run. Go ice-skating at Ovocný trh, Na Františku, or at the U Vodárny playground. THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MUSIC Classical music, Jazz, Rock • Fine arts classes Ballet, Hip Hop, Street dance • Pre-school Music ateliers Tuition in English, Czech, French, German and Russian CONTACTS: + 420 731 445 215, + 420 731 445 213 info@musicschoolprague.com • www.musicschoolprague.com 106 | expats.cz survival guide www.expats.cz
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