London

16mm filmmaking
Want to make your own film? This intensive practical course might be for you. It teaches you how to use a 16mm camera and record sound, as well as develop a script, plan and carry out a film shoot, then edit work in post-production.
16mm filmmaking, City University, Northampton Square, EC1 (020 7040 5060/www.city.ac.uk) Angel tube. Oct 2-Dec 4, Mon 6.30-9pm; weekend filming, Nov 4 & 5, 10am-5pm. Course £280. Feature continues

Burlesque
If you paid attention during our recent blagger’s guide to culture, you’ll know that erotic dancing is the performance art of the moment – though think less seedy Soho dive and more Dita Von Teese and Immodesty Blaize. Striptease artiste Jo King shares her skills on this beginners course, teaching students a variety of dance moves, plus how to choreograph a show, use props and develop a stage persona. Classes are small (max of 14) and although some striptease is involved, there’s no nudity.
Burlesque Buzz – Beginners Performance-Art Course, Danceworks, 16 Balderton St, W1 (07958 314 107/ www.londonschoolofstriptease.co.uk) Bond St tube. Oct 10-31, Tue 8-10pm. Course £225.

Comedy
Logan Murray’s comedy courses are reputed to be some of the best around (in the past he’s welcomed students from as far afield as India, the Philippines and Canada). Many people attend to gain confidence in public speaking, not necessarily to become a stand-up comic. Learn gag writing, mic technique, comedy styles and (hopefully!) you’ll be well on the way to getting your name in lights above the Comedy Store, or at least a try-out upstairs at your local pub.
Absolute and Almost Beginners Stand-Up Comedy Course, The Enterprise, Chalk Farm Rd, NW1 (www.standupanddeliver.com) Chalk Farm tube. Oct 8-Dec 3, Sun, times vary. Course £350.

Cornish
Although only spoken by a few thousand people, this Celtic language is undergoing a revival. This City Lit course is aimed at complete beginners and, by Christmas, aims to teach learners how to communicate simply in a range of everyday situations and conversations, while next summer you’ll have the opportunity to show off your new language skills on Newquay’s Fistral Beach. The course also teaches the origins of Cornish place names. The experience will certainly give you something to chat about at dinner parties, though more conventional language options are also available.
Cornish, City Lit, Keeley St, WC2 (020 7831 7831/www.citylit.ac.uk) Holborn tube. Sept 22-Dec 8, Fri 6-7pm. Course £52, seniors £52, concs £16.

Flamenco
Liven up lunchtimes learning sexy flamenco dancing. You’ll learn the rhythm, style, basic steps and technique of the traditional Spanish dance, and be in good hands, too: the institute’s flamenco tutor, Isabel Baquero, has spent some of this summer teaching dance moves to Guy Pearce and Catherine Zeta-Jones. The class is aimed at beginners and is great for singles as no partner is required. The Bishopsgate Institute also offers other dance styles (Latin American, jazz and tango) as well as languages, performing arts, yoga, Pilates and more.
Flamenco, Bishopsgate Institute, 230 Bishopsgate, EC2 (020 7392 9200/www.bishopsgate.org.uk) Liverpool St tube/rail. Nov 2-Dec 7, Thur 1.05-1.55pm. Course £53.

Floristry
McQueens’ contemporary floral design workshops range from one-day classes to five-week career courses. All teach theory and practical tips, and allow students to take home their creations at the end of the day.
Floristry classes, McQueens School, 70-72 Old St, EC1 (020 7251 5505/ www.mcqueens.co.uk) Old St tube. Forthcoming one-day courses include vases (Oct 4), wedding flowers (Oct 6), and garlands (Nov 13). One-day courses £210.