Registration for Kershaw County Recreation Department swim teams will begin Monday and continue through May 13.

A parent meeting and the first day of practice will be held May 23.

Pee-wee swim team participants must be between ages 4 and 6 and demonstrate the ability to swim 12.5 yards independently in the deep end of the pool. A minimum of three practices per week will be required, with a minimum of four swim meets during the season.

County swim team members must be between the ages of 7 and 18 and must demonstrate the ability to swim 25 yards independently. Team members must attend a minimum of three practices per week and must participate in a minimum of four swim meets during the season.

The first day of practice will be May 23 as follows: returning swimmers – 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and new swimmers – 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Stroke improvement will be from 3 to 4 p.m. Fridays. This schedule will apply May 24-June 3 except for the exception of May 30, when the pool will be closed for Memorial Day.

Daily practice – Monday through Thursday – will begin June 6 as follows: morning practice -- 9 to 9:55 a.m.; pee wee – 3:30 to 4 p.m.; and regular – 4 to 5 p.m. Stroke improvement will be from 8 to 9 a.m. Fridays.

The cost is $70 per team member. A late fee will apply after the May 13 registration deadline. No registration will be accepted after May 20.

For more information, contact the Rec Department.

Line dance class

The chance to learn the Electric Slide and other popular steps is here. And with the addition of morning classes, there’s a session to fit almost any schedule.

Line dance is a great stress reducer and emotional release as well as good exercise, providing much the same benefits as low-impact aerobics. Increase energy, improve strength and muscle tone. Age is no factor. And you can build your stamina while having fun. Come with a friend or spouse or come alone; you don’t need a partner for line dance.

Join the morning or evening sessions of line dance classes, all held on Mondays. Morning classes begin at 9:30 a.m. for beginners and 10:30 a.m. for improvers and intermediates. Night classes for beginners are from 6 to 7 p.m. Intermediate classes are from 7 to 8 p.m. The classes are held at the Recreation Department building.

The cost is $15 a month or $4 per class. Instructor for line dance is Ann Segars, licensed by BMI-ASCAP, National Teachers of Line Dance. Pre-registration is required; call the Rec Department office for more information. 

Zumba

For anyone who hates to exercise, Zumba will feel more like a Salsa party than a workout. Zumba has a fast, energetic workout that is fun and addictive. You get lost in the music and dance and don’t realize you’re getting such a great workout!  This is a great remedy for anyone looking for a fat-burning pick-me-up with a positive energy blast that will leave you feeling happy and energized. 

Zumba is not difficult and anyone can, and should, experience it. It’s a Latin-inspired cardio dance fitness class that incorporates many different dance styles and international music rhythms to provide one amazing high calorie burn workout. No dance skills are required to participate in the class. Our classes are created to apply for all fitness levels, whether you are just starting out in finding a healthier life-style or you are already extremely active. Studio Z Fitness classes will provide a great addition to your fitness routine.

Zumba targets the glutes, legs, arms and abs, all while burning calories through an interval workout of fast and slow movements.

The regular class will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. with a new session beginning April 4  Class fees are $10 for one class or $25 for once a week per session or $40 for twice a week per session. 

The class is instructed by Studio Z Fitness licensed instructors. Pre-registration by April 1 is required at the Recreation Department office with a minimum of 10 enrolled in the session. Call 425-6010 for more information.

Gymnastics

Gymnastics classes are offered by the Kershaw County Recreation Department and Wateree Gymnastics of Camden.

Classes are divided by age and offered each Wednesday. Topics include gym safety, mounts and dismounts, over, under and through, cartwheels, nutrition, strength, balance and coordination and working as a team.

The cost for the classes, held at the Recreation Department building, is $25 per month. Pre-registration is required; call the Rec Department office for more information.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a physical exercise and martial art that has been practiced in China for thousands of years.

The free-flowing relaxation exercise consists of a special arrangement of movements known as the form. The form is many separate movements strung together to produce one continuous sequence lasting for several minutes. Within the form, there are five fundamental principles -- relaxation, Yin/Yang, turn waist, keep body upright and beautiful lady hands.

Combining the forms and principles of Tai Chi will help create overall good health. The word TAI means “great,” while CHI is translated as  “vital energy or powerful life force.”

Relax and enjoy good health with Tai Chi classes, which are held at the Old Armory. Classes are offered at 7 p.m. Mondays and/or 10 a.m. Tuesdays when minimum registration is met.

The fee for the six-week session is $25. Instructor is Taylor Chestnut. Pre-registration is required; call the Rec Department office for more information.

Yoga

Yoga relieves tension and improves physical and mental health.

Yoga classes at the Kershaw County Recreation Department/office building regularly meet from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Instructor Scott Freiberg says those who practice yoga look younger and experience improvement in general health, personal appearance, mental outlook and emotional stability, regardless of age or present physical condition.

The cost is $36 for four weeks. Pre-registration is required; call the Rec Department office for more information.

Tonetics

Want to get in shape without all the running, jumping and bouncing? Try Tonetics -- a deep-muscle exercise class involving walking, stretching, bar usage and more.

The purpose is to tone and lose inches, while working all major muscle groups to achieve an all-over muscle fitness.

The class meets from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Recreation Department building. The five-week course is offered at a cost of $20.

The instructor is Pam Boheler. Pre-registration is required; call the Rec Department office for more information.

Ballroom dancing

Learn to glide across the dance floor with ballroom dancing classes..

The class, for youth and adults, meets from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursdays at the Old Armory on DeKalb Street. The cost is $10 per person and $15 per couple for the four-week session. Instructors will be Al and Kay Roberson. Pre-registration is required; call the Rec Department office for more information.

Tae-Kwon-Do classes

Get a good workout while learning self defense methods with beginning Tae-Kwon-Do classes.

The classes are conducted each Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. for ages 6 to adults at the old armory. Children will learn self-confidence and self-discipline and adults will master self-defense while getting the ultimate workout. Instructor is Marvin Nelson of the Tae-Kwon-Do Academy in Lugoff.

The fee per month is $20 a month. Classes are held at the Recreation Department building. Pre-registration is required; call the Rec Department office for more information.

 (For further information, call the Recreation Department at 425-6009 or 425-6010 or visit www.kershaw.sc.gov and click on departments and services.)