Most students might be surprised to discover that there are classes featuring belly dancing, stand-up comedy and yoga at Nicholls this spring. These are just three of the many courses being offered as part of the University’s continuing education program. Continuing education courses are those that are offered for no countable credits and strictly for self-interest and benefit.
Brandie Toups, continuing education director, shared which classes are most popular this semester, as well as some of the typical students enrolled.
“We have a good amount of registration from the Houma/Thibodaux community as well as Nicholls students and faculty,” Toups said.
“Middle-Eastern dancing is very popular with Nicholls students,” Toups said. “It’s something we’ve offered for several semesters.”
The Middle-Eastern dance classes are available in beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of difficulty. All classes promise to teach “the essence of the ancient art of belly dance” according to the Nicholls Web site.
“Stand-up comedy is a new course,” Toups said. “The students are going to learn about the presentation and the format for comedy. At the end of the course, they’ll actually do a presentation.”
The comedy classes will begin in March and will focus on teaching students how to “develop a short comedy set” while getting feedback from their classmates, according to the Nicholls Web site.
One of the other more popular classes offered is Introduction to Paranormal Investigations, which normally exceeds enrollment expectations.
“Paranormal Investigation is also called ghost hunting,” Toups said. “With that one, we generally have a waiting list. This is the third semester we’re offering it.”
The paranormal class also begins in March and includes a “hands-on investigation of a reportedly haunted location,” according to the Nicholls Web site.
Several of the other classes offered in the spring include Self-Esteem 101, Introduction to Canoeing, Pilates and Introduction to Windows.
Toups commented on how the continuing education classes are faring against the recent troubles in the economy.
“We haven’t felt a tremendous strain. We usually see a bump at the beginning of the year because people make resolutions,” Toups said. “All of these courses generate revenue. They’re self-sustaining. We do estimate that by the fall, we’ll feel the hit.”
For students wishing to partake in a little less-than-ordinary classroom experience, many options are available this spring. The courses can be viewed in the continuing education section of the Nicholls Web site.
