Yes, New Yorkers, you can now take a class in Miley Cyrus. Wait—not literally. As in, a class about her,at Skidmore College. Pointless? Quite probably. But it’s pretty on-point compared to some of the courses we’ve seen on offer in the city. Try a gift-basket workshop for size (“Contact us today to schedule an intensive 1:1 learning experience”), or how about an eye-gazing party? It’s not all niche nonsense, however. We’ve rounded up a handful of venues that offer weird but useful courses, for all you intrepid learners (or bored freelancers). Here are our faves.

Brooklyn Brainery
The Brainery leads the field in eccentric but enticing classes. Choose from courses in Japanesekokedama (“make your own living moss balls”), Tex- Mex Demystified and an introduction to tapestry weaving. Or pick from more practical options like working out your retirement plan (hey, it’s never too soon), Spring Tree Identification and Learn to Knit (specifically, a slouchy hat). 190 Underhill Ave between Sterling and St. John's Places, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn (brooklynbrainery.com)

UrbanGlass
This glass-sculpture studio in Fort Greene offers weekly classes, workshops and intensives in such sexy sculpting techniques as Glass Blowing and Flameworking, plus learning to work with stained glass and Kilnforming (which includes the less saucy-sounding slumping and fusing). Whichever option you choose, you’re likely to come out of it with something beautiful. 647 Fulton Street, Fort Greene, Brooklyn (718-625-3685, urbanglass.org)

Madagascar Institute
An art project in Gowanus, Brooklyn, Madagascar Institute swears by the motto “fear is never boring,” and offers live performances, guerilla art events and, yes, classes. This spring you can learn about MIG welding (like in Flashdance!). The website advises, “Dress warm and leave dirty.” 217 Butler St between Bond and Nevins Sts, Gowanus, Brooklyn (madagascarinstitute.com)

Babeland
Classes and courses aren’t just for nerds—New York sex-store mainstay Babeland offers funny, entertaining and super-informative workshops on such topics as “Beyond the Blow Job” and “The Art of Great Sex,” and you can pick from one of three locations.
43 Mercer St between Broome and Grand Sts (212-966-2120); 94 Rivington St between Ludlow and Orchard Sts (212-375-1701); 462 Bergen St between Flatbush and Fifth Aves, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-638-3820)

The New York School of Burlesque
Founded and run by New York burlesque star Jo "Boobs" Weldon, the New York School of Burlesque is something of a Time Out New York favorite, not least because the last time we visited, they taught us how to do a striptease out of a hoodie (feather boas and silky gloves are also on hand). Classes include a weekly workout, and a monthlong intro series to burly-Q. 81 White St at Benson St; 440 Studios, 440 Lafayette St between Astor Pl and E 4th St (schoolofburlesque.com).