Learning a new skill or language is something that can be done at any age. Sharuna Segaren puts together a list of eight places around Klang Valley where you can explore new hobbies and hone new talents.

When it comes to classes for adults, there are a number of places around Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya that you can frequent. Consider joining one if you’re looking for the chance to pick up a new activity, brush up a language, or find an interesting way to fill up your free time.

1. Lara’s Place

Always wanted to make your own jewellery, or perhaps learn how to tailor a dress? Or maybe you’ve been waiting for the chance to unleash your inner Picasso? Lara’s Place in Petaling Jaya offers a variety of fun classes for both adults and kids, mostly scheduled on Saturdays.

Their art classes cover all types of art mediums, from acrylic paintings to cartoon drawing to manga drawing, and many more. They also offer fitness classes such as Zumba and Yoga, hobby workshops such as jewellery making and creative crafts projects, as well as Mandarin for adults.

For more information, please visit www.larasplace.my.

2. The Print Room

If you think traditional photography is dead, and all that’s left is Instagram and selfie-taking, think again. The Print Room in Section 16, Petaling Jaya promotes awareness and appreciation for the visual arts, particularly in classical fine arts photography, providing private classes as well as special talks and workshops by guest instructors.

Covering the basics of cameras extensively, lessons will also cover some on-location shoots, as well.

Find out more at www.theprintroomkl.com.

3. The Language House

The name pretty much speaks for itself, as this centre in Centrestage, Petaling Jaya offers classes for nine languages (French, Mandarin, Japanese, German, Spanish, Korean, Cantonese, Bahasa Malaysia, and Arabic) as well as intensive English courses.

If you are a frequent traveller or just wish to learn a new language, this is one place to consider as they offer short-term courses as well as flexible schedules for working adults.

For more information, please visit www.languagehouse.edu.my.

4. KL Swing

What a great class to meet new people, get a good workout, and release some feel-good endorphins while swinging the night away! KL Swing is dedicated to a love of swing dance, swing music, and the lindy hop.

Bring your partner or friend along and enjoy some mid-week dancing, no matter how old you are or level you’re at. They offer socials and classes for absolute beginners on Tuesdays at Sid’s Pub in Bangsar South.

For their latest events and updates, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/klswing.

5. The Studio At KL

Known as ‘the home of art jamming’, this eclectic place offers an interesting art jamming class which offers you an outlet to get wonderfully creative in your own way. You can also take home your own work of art the end of the class.

This can also be a fun activity you can do with your friends or family, with the chance to do something different for a change. Lasting 3 hours, all paints and equipment are provided, and you can bring your own food and drinks. The Studio at KL also offers adult artist classes in small groups under the guidance of professional teachers.

Find out more at www.thestudioatkl.com.

6. Eats, Shoots and Roots

Have you always wanted to plant your own herbs and vegetables but have no idea where to begin? Eats, Shoots, and Roots is a social enterprise with the aim to empower urban individuals and communities with the correct skills and tools to grow their own food in their very own garden.

They offer a range of workshops and courses, provide edible garden design consultancy, and organic garden build packages for homes, organisations, and businesses.

For more information, please visit www.eatsshootsandroots.org.

7. Casa do Capoeira

Owned by Professor Rafael and Instructor Marissa, this school of Afro-Brazilian arts in Sri Hartamas is home to Movimento Simples de Capoeira Malaysia (MSCM). The organization was formed to develop and promote the art of Capoeira and to
educate the public on the benefits of maintain a healthy and active lifestyle through self-expression and these art forms.

These lively and upbeat classes featuring Capoeira, a unique Brazilian martial art, are suitable for both adults and children where they will learn how to increase their flexibility, agility, balance, fitness, and self-confidence, as well as how to play the instruments of Capoeira and sing in Portuguese.

Find out more at www.movimento.my.

8. Clay expression

For everyone who’s watched the 1990 film Ghost and has since harboured a desire to learn the art of pottery-making, lessons can be taken at this centre in Subang. The Explorer Ceramic Course is a fun class for beginners that teach the basic clay techniques both on and off the pottery wheel, geared towards those who have no prior experience in pottery.

You can move on to Intermediate and Advanced classes if you wish. Learn how to custom make your own ceramic decorations and gifts here, while picking up a new hobby that doesn’t entail sitting in front of the TV or iPad.

Please visit www.clayexpression.com for  more information.

This article was originally published in The Expat magazine, which is available via a free subscription.