“Sunshine Saturdays” is BCNC’s newest endeavor to enrich and improve the quality of life in Chinatown and beyond. Our new building comes alive on Saturdays, when we offer low cost classes for children, youth, and adults focused on enhancing artistic and cultural experiences for all members and friends of our community.

For some, these classes offer culturally and language-sensitive community education unavailable anywhere else; others might cherish the opportunity to have new experiences in a familiar setting; still others may see the program as a chance to learn something new, while making a visit to Chinatown as a bonus. Whatever the reason, Sunshine Saturdays offers us all an opportunity to build connections between each other - connections that might be that much harder to make during the workweek.

Through Sunshine Saturday classes, students have learned to make their own jewelry, got acquainted with steps for ballroom dance, and learned Mandarin, while children and youth have built models, tried their hands at Chinese calligraphy and brush painting, and much more!

Look below for our summer course offerings, and don’t forget to sign up!

Please note, all courses are subject to cancellation or changes in time, fee, start date, and instructor due to under enrollment or other conflicts. Courses may also have a limit on enrollment.

Scholarships may be available for those with financial need. Please indicate interest in scholarship at time of registration.

Please contact us at info@bcnc.net or 617-635-5129 for more information.

--Please click here for registration form.

FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH

Chinese Brush Painting for Children
1:00pm-2:45pm, Every Saturday
The workshop is to introduce the significant relationship of classical Chinese brush painting and calligraphy. Students will first learn the basic skill sets and the theory behind the art form. The program will proceed to the fundamental painting of Plum, Orchid, Bamboo and Chrysanthemum. Its corresponding character's structures and forms will also be explored. Participants from outside the recommended age group may also be accepted.

From 6/16/2007 to 7/21/2007
Instructor: David Yee
Recommended for 3rd-6th grade
Course fee: $5 for 6 weeks

Break Dance for Kids
1:00pm-3:00pm, Every Saturday
Break dancing is a worldwide art form; it gets people moving and energized to take on the world! No experience necessary; if you ever wanted to know how the pros do it, here’s your chance! Participants from outside the recommended age group may also be accepted.

From 5/19/2007 to 6/9/2007
Instructor: Alter Ego Crew
Recommended for 5th-8th grade
Course fee: $5 for 4 weeks

Anime and Manga Drawing
1:00pm-2:30pm, Every Saturday
Learn how to draw Anime and Manga! This class will help you master Japanese style of cartooning. Create your own exciting characters, in black and white or color!

From 6/16/2007 to 7/21/2007
Instructor: Kin Moy
Recommended for 7th-12th grade
Course fee: $5 for 6 weeks

FOR ADULTS & STUDENTS

Ballroom Dance for Beginners
3:15pm-5:15pm, Every Saturday
Dance with the flow of rhythm in your own creative way. Have fun. Learn basic steps for the Waltz, Fox-trot, Swing, and Rumba; Cha-Cha and Tango may be included depending on the progress of the class. A dance partner is preferred, but not mandatory. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes with flexible soles that can glide easily on the floor. Leather or synthetic sole types of shoes are suitable. Avoid tennis or basketball shoes.

SESSION I: From 5/19/2007 to 6/9/2007
SESSION 2: From 6/23/2007 to 7/14/2007
Instructor: Raymond Eng
Recommended for Adult
Course fee: $60 for 4 weeks (either session)

Bhangra for Beginners
12:30pm-1:30pm, Every Saturday
With its energetic movement, lively dance style and pounding rhythmic beats, Bhangra has quickly become a popular music phenomenon. Bhangra's influence can be found in new hip hop songs from many big artists (i.e.Jay-Z feat. Punjabi MC) and much of the music from the northern parts of India. Bhangra is a generic term that has been adopted to describe modern Asian Pop Music. However, it is actually the correct term for the traditional Agricultural folk music originating from the Punjab region in the sub-continent of India. Traditional Bhangra has always played a major part in the life of the people, and forms an integral part of the fabric of the society. Though Bhangra has changed over time, it has always kept its roots intact to the traditional forms of the dance. Whether you are an experienced dancer or have never danced before, Bhangra is a great way to meet new people, get a great workout and have fun!

From 7/7/2007 to 7/28/2007
Instructor: Boston Bhangra
Recommended for Adult
Course fee: $15 per session / $50 for 4 weeks

Jewelry Making
12:30pm-2:30pm, Every Saturday
Learn about how to make jewelry for fun or healing purposes! In this class, you will learn to design with various materials. We will cover the usage of tools and finishing techniques, such as attaching clasps. We will also learn about the different healing properties of colors and materials. We will design necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Feel free to bring your own tools and additional materials if you have some already.

SESSION I: From 5/26/2007 to 6/2/2007 (Advanced)
SESSION 2: From 6/23/2007 to 7/14/2007 (Beginner)
Instructor: Carol Lee
Recommended for Adult
Course fee: $40 for 2 weeks (advanced) / $80 for 4 weeks (beginner)

Tai Chi
1:45pm-2:45pm, Every Saturday
Tai Chi is a low-impact form of exercise that benefits all people. Participation in this class does not require any prior knowledge of martial arts. Just bring an open mind and a willingness to learn!

From 6/16/2007 to 7/21/2007
Instructor: David Yee
Recommended for Adult
Course fee: $60 for 6 weeks

Intensive Beginning Mandarin
10:00am-3:00pm, Every Saturday This is a unique Mandarin course for beginning level students, taking advantage of the resources of Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center and Boston ’s Chinatown. The course will emphasize the development of speaking and listening skills with limited integration of reading and writing. The course fee includes the cost of materials.

Please click here for more information.

From 5/19/2007 to 8/4/2007
Instructor: Ann Cai
Recommended for Adult
Course fee: $425 for 12 weeks