East and Southeast Asia season
A vibrant cradle of humanity, East and Southeast Asia are home to 2.2 billion people and some of the world’s most influential cultures, histories, and traditions. Spanning 19 countries and territories, these regions have shaped global politics, economics, philosophy, art, cuisine, and wellbeing practices for millennia. From the rich histories of China and Japan to the dynamic cultures of Indonesia and the Philippines, their legacies transcend borders. Whether you're drawn by family heritage, a love of travel, or curiosity sparked by global media, City Lit invites you to explore and celebrate the profound significance and contemporary impact of East and Southeast Asia.
- Tai Chi Chuan: Beginners
Course start date: Tue 13 Jan 2026 (and 2 other dates)Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Kamal ThapenLearn the Yang-style Tai Chi form. This flowing movement sequence contains the basic movements of Tai Chi which will help you to develop and practice smooth movement, good alignment and improved balance. Develop good personal practice that will enable you to fully realise the benefits of this absorbing Taoist art.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £143.00 Concession £125.00 - The French colonial Empire and its demise Course start date: Wed 14 Jan 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Sebastien ArdouinWhy did France acquire a vast colonial empire and how was it run? Why was decolonisation peaceful in some parts while in Indochina and Algeria, independence was only gained after violent wars? What were the consequences of decolonisation?Full fee £219.00 Senior fee £175.00 Concession £142.00 - Tai Chi Chuan: mixed levels Course start date: Thu 15 Jan 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Carla DraytonDiscover the gentle, graceful movements of Yang-style T'ai Chi in classes. Learn and develop clear, powerful and effective practice designed to give you a good grounding in T'ai Chi and an insight into its wonderful possibilities. Please note that this course is not suitable for complete beginners in T'ai Chi.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £143.00 Concession £125.00 - Tai Chi Chuan: advanced Course start date: Thu 15 Jan 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Carla DraytonContinue to refine and develop the gentle, graceful movements of T'ai Chi in classes designed to help you develop clear, powerful and effective practice. Build on your experience with more advanced sequences.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £143.00 Concession £125.00 - Japanese etiquette Course start date: Sat 7 Feb 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Chikako NakagawaTravel with confidence and cultural insight!
Ever wondered how to bow correctly, what to say when entering a shrine, or the polite way to enjoy a meal in Japan? This immersive workshop introduces you to the essential customs and etiquette that shape Japanese society. Perfect for travelers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Japan’s traditions.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £59.00 Concession £59.00 - Japanese woodcut printmaking Course start date: Sun 8 Feb 2026 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Carol Justin WilhideAn introduction to the beautiful and delicate printmaking world of Japanese Woodcut. Explore this water based, non-toxic process and build an appreciation for the handmade. You will learn how to design, carve and make a multi-coloured print. Beginners welcome.Full fee £339.00 Senior fee £271.00 Concession £220.00 - Japanese beginners: holiday Kit Course start date: Fri 20 Feb 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Chikako NakagawaMake the most of your trip to Japan!
Planning a visit? This short, intensive course is your ultimate survival kit for Japan. Learn the essential phrases and cultural tips to navigate common holiday situations with confidence—from ordering food to asking for directions—and even enjoy friendly chats with locals.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £59.00 Concession £59.00 - Chinese: writing for beginners Course start date: Sat 21 Feb 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Ting PoonLearn the basics of Chinese characters. This interactive workshop provides plenty of opportunity to practise yourself, and is suitable for complete beginners.Full fee £49.00 Senior fee £49.00 Concession £49.00 - The Japanese Soroban Course start date: Sat 7 Mar 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Hisaka BuntingExperience a unique aspect of Japanese culture with this workshop on the Soroban—an enduring tradition that continues to thrive amid the fast-paced, high-tech world of modern Japan. Discover how this centuries-old practice remains relevant today, bridging the past and present through its lasting significance.
Full fee £29.00 Senior fee £29.00 Concession £29.00 - Japanese: writing for beginners part 1Course start date: Sat 14 Mar 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Chikako NakagawaCome and improve your knowledge of the basic Japanese writing system, Hiragana and Katakana. Suitable if you are studying Japanese at beginners level.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £59.00 Concession £59.00 - Textiles: indigo shibori dyeing Course start date: Wed 15 Apr 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Lara MantellProduce your own indigo hand dyed fabrics using pleating, stitch and wrapping methods. Explore the magical combination of indigo dye and shibori resist techniques.Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £191.00 Concession £155.00 - Japanese beginners: short introductionCourse start date: Tue 5 May 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Noriko InagakiGet a short introduction to the Japanese language and discover aspects of Japanese language culture in these online communicative classes. Suitable for complete beginners.Full fee £119.00 Senior fee £119.00 Concession £77.00 - An introduction to Mah Jong: learn to play Course start date: Thu 30 Apr 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Caroline HoughLearn to play Mah Jong, a sociable game involving skill, strategy and luck, which uses Mah Jong sets and has ancient traditions from the East. We will learn to play using British Association Rules.Full fee £159.00 Senior fee £127.00 Concession £103.00 - A women’s history of modern China Course start date: Sat 23 May 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Qiuyang ChenDiscover the untold stories and hidden legacies of women in modern China in this illuminating one-day course. Traverse time, from the late Qing Dynasty to the present, to examine how women have shaped and been shaped by social, political, and cultural currents.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £47.00 Concession £38.00 - Chinese beginners: short introduction Course start date: Tue 2 Jun 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Xiaolan BiGet a short introduction to the Chinese language and discover aspects of Chinese language culture in these either in-person course in Covent Garden or live online communicative classes. Suitable for complete beginners.
Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £51.00
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