Living La Vida Local: Join Dongjen Book Club, Eat for Bethel and Dance West Coast Swing

This week brings a heady mix of reading and eating for charity, and your chance to learn West Coast Swing dancing comes this Saturday. Read on for details.

Dongjen Center for Human Rights Education and Action, a Beijing-based grassroots NGO committed to protecting the rights of HIV/AIDS-affected families and other marginalized groups in China, has recently launched a book club. It doesn’t sound like it will be a traditional book club of sorts, but rather a space where NGOs can meet and interact with people interested in social issues, as well as access relevant books and materials. Drinks and food will also be available for only RMB 10, with all money going to sustaining the Dongjen community. Though Dongjen is still working out the details, the reading club will meet every Thursday from 7-9pm (Chinese with English interpretation, according to the website). To get more information, check out their website or email info@dongjen.org.

The next Beijing Foodies dinner takes place this Saturday at Spanish restaurant Mare in the CBD’s E-Tower. The set menu consists of tapas (which range from chicken croquettes to Spanish tortillas to baby lamb chops), topped off with sangria, cheesecake and tiramisu. All proceeds will go to Bethel Foundation, most likely to raise money for their new training center in Changping. Look out for our interview with Bethel’s founder re this project on TheBeijinger.com these coming weeks.

And finally, starting this Saturday and continuing through August, Xue Young and Bobo will start teaching basic-intermediate West Coast Swing dance this Saturday at 7.30pm at the Sino-Chu Wine Bar. Each class costs just RMB 30, and you’re welcome to stay for the dance party (8.30-11.30pm) if you spend an additional RMB 30 on food or drink at the venue. The classes are organized by the nonprofit Beijing Ballroom Dance Club, who claim to be motivated solely by their love for dancing.

EVENTS (AUG 3-9)

Aug 3
Chinese Kitchen: Cantonese
Seafood and stir-fry galore. RMB 249, RMB 200 (members). 10.30am-1pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

Community Yoga
Not only will you become more limber, but you’ll also be giving back to society. All proceeds go to charity. RMB 50 (requested donation). 11am-12.30pm. Yoga Yard (6413 0774)

Aug 4
Global Kitchen: Indian Cuisine
Curry and spice make everything nice. RMB 249, RMB 200 (members). 10am-12.30pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

Survival Chinese
Know enough to scrape by. RMB 200, RMB 600 (4 sessions). 10am-noon. Culture Yard (8404 4166)

Culinary Market Tour
Become an expert on food combining and seasonal shopping at your local market in just one hour. RMB 100, RMB 80 (members). 12.30-2pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

Aug 5
Mahjong Workshop: Part One
Learn the history and symbolism behind the game. RMB 200 (2 sessions; see Aug 12), RMB 160 (CY students). 9.30am-12.30pm. Culture Yard (8404 4166)

Speed Dating
What do you have to lose? Each date lasts just six minutes. Reserve at www.fishbowlevents.com. RMB 150 (includes a drink & appetizers). 7pm. Location TBA

Tea Market Tour to Maliandao
Taste teas and buy teaware. RMB 249 (includes lunch), RMB 200 (members). 10am-3pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

Survival Chinese
Know enough to scrape by. RMB 200, RMB 600 (4 sessions). 10am-noon. Culture Yard (8404 4166)

Aug 6
Life Drawing Club
Meet others and draw live models. Beginners welcome. Register at info@thehutong.com. RMB 70, RMB 60 (members). 7.30-9.30pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

Aug 7
Chinese Kitchen: Hand Pulled Noodles
Make meters of noodles and great sauces. RMB 249, RMB 200 (members). 10.30am-1pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

Cooking Class: With Color
Pick up Chinese multi-hued recipes. RMB 300. 10am-1pm. Black Sesame Kitchen (136 9147 4408)

Chinese Corner
Make new friends and practice your Chinese. Free. 1-3pm. Beijing Mandarin School (6508 1026)

Global Kitchen: Thai Cuisine
Learn how to make favorites like pad thai and curry. RMB 249, RMB 200 (members). 7-9.30pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

Green Drinks
Join Beijing’s green community at their monthly meet-and-greet. Happy hour promotions apply. Free. 7.30pm. The Bookworm (6586 9507; see Dining directory)

Exploring Chinese Social Trends
A chance to improve your conversational Chinese. RMB 50, RMB 35 (CY students). 7-8.40pm. Culture Yard (8404 4166)

Aug 8
Chinese Kitchen: Gourmet Dumplings
Learn how to make delicious jiaozi with healthy local ingredients. RMB 249, RMB 200 (members). 2.30-5pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

Culinary Market Tour
Become an expert on food combining and seasonal shopping at your local market in just one hour. RMB 100, RMB 80 (members). 9-10.30pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

Aug 9
Cooking Class: Kungpao Chicken
Master the dish we all know and love. RMB 120. 2-4pm. Beijing Mandarin School, E-Tower (6508 1026)

Cooking Class: Sichuan Favorites
Add spice to your life. RMB 300. 10am-1pm. Black Sesame Kitchen (136 9147 4408)

INN Trekkie: Purple Bamboo Park
Make new friends and explore the secret gems of Beijing together. RSVP by Aug 7 to innbeijing@hotmail.com. Free. 9.30am-2pm. Purple Bamboo Park (no tel)

Photo: Ballroomdancers.com