Chances are that, as a freshman, you were told that Yale has the second-largest gymnasium in the world and (this is where your tour guide got somewhat bitter) it's only second because the Russians measured it and built a slightly bigger one. But despite this inspiring bit of trivia, how many of you have actually been to Payne-Whitney lately? You can spend an hour or two tying fly-fishing lures, whirling around the dance floor, or receiving a shiatsu massage
Okay, so it may not be the best way to lose that holiday gut in time for your spring break beach vacation, but you've got to admit it sounds like fun. Official registration for classes at the gym was held last week, but if you missed it you may still have a chance to sign up for that massage class you've always wanted to take, or grab a partner and learn ballroom dancing.
That's what Scott Javor, MC '99, did. "We really learned a lot, like the Cuban hip motion," he said following his first beginner/advanced ballroom dance class, demonstrating with a few swings of his hips. Taught by a 10-year veteran instructor, it's still open to newcomers, along with the short course in the Viennese Waltz offered later this semester.
What if your partner demands a foot massage after every toe-crushing night on the dance floor? Have no fear, because Boaz Itshaky teaches a Shiatsu Acupressure massage technique that I found soothing and fun when I took the class last semester. Doing the "homework" for the class also made me lots of friends - "Oh, you're taking a massage class? My shoulders are really tight, please..." Who says you can't buy popularity? It's right here, for $35!
At the gym you can also take First Aid, CPR, and lifeguarding courses, or master the ever-useful skill of skeet-shooting (after all, you never know when a clay pot will attack you in a dark alley). You can even get ready for a summer fishing trip by creating your very own fly-fishing lures. Whether you're looking for love, happiness, or a foot massage, you'll probably find one of the three at PWG. Just get your hands on a bright-yellow winter gym schedule, and contact the instructor about late registration.
-- Brian Kinlan
Copyright 1995, The Yale Herald, Inc. All rights reserved.
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