The Barrow Group's Intermediate Scene Study class was the most exciting and inviting acting class I…read morehad ever been to. Kate Neuman was an angel, and someone who really got into the details of each scene. She used props and scene settings very astutely, making sure that all of our scenes were in context, rather than just dictated to the audience in a forced manner. My only caveat has to do with the introduction and physical coordination exercises in the beginning. They were so attention-grabbing and helpful that I wished that the rest of the class had more of the physical education commitment (rather than just scene study).

So far, I have taken 3 classes at the Barrow Group, and all of them have been fantastic! I took…read moreProfessional Scene Study with Level I with Brian and the 1-Year Professional Program with Seth and Lee, and I am currently in Lee's Master Class. The Barrow Group is stellar and unlike any other acting training I've experienced. In terms of techniques, we are taught tools that help us let go of our pre-conceived ideas about a character's thoughts, feelings, and personality traits so that we can be fully present and responsive in the moment. In terms of the school's culture, it is unlike so many other learning environments. The teachers model an entirely judgment-free zone, and students are invited to share their observations about what was "different" (not better or worse) between the first "go" and second "go". The Barrow Group truly loves and respects artists, enabling them to learn and grow in safety, connection, and collaboration. I cannot recommend it enough!

This review is for all the folks who haven't tap danced in 20+ years... you know who you are…read more Yup... you sure do. Perhaps we told ourselves after that back injury that there was simply no use, there was no way we'd be able to hop around anymore, much less create an actual sound that didn't sound like hooves (at a slaughterhouse). We threw out the leotards and tights years ago. They wouldn't have fit our larger, aged bodies anyway. Besides, we hated them, they never quite fit anyway. But for some reason we couldn't throw out the tap shoes. We loved our tap shoes. And so, they sat, in the back of the closet. Why? Because, in the back of our minds we thought maybe... and then we talked ourselves out of it... but still we wondered... but nah... there's simply no way. NO WAY. NO WAY IN HELL. Until one day... we decide to challenge ourselves. Because deep inside, we needed to see if all was lost. I mean, our body literally twitches when we watch others tapping on tv, the muscle fibers still trying to do what we KNOW we used to do. We have a an actual iTunes Playlist dedicated to "great songs to tap to". We secretly lie in bed trying to remember old combinations. We stalk and save OTHER PEOPLE'S tap dancing videos from Facebook.... we need to challenge ourselves... because of all of this. And because we LOVE those tap shoes. We decide to commit to the challenge, to see if we can handle 5 minutes of it (or 10 minutes... or...?!?) ... and so we make our way to Max McGuier's Adult Beginner class at The Bridge for Dance. Just getting up those 3 STEEP flights is like the ultimate test... the Mt Everest of 20 years of repressed non-tap-dancing. The Machu Picchu of Tap Dance Dreams. We're gonna make it-- HUZZAH!! Our left knee clicks with every step. Screw it... we're gonna DO THIS, you OLD BAG!! Max's sunny disposition can easily light up a room, and he has tough competition because The Bridge is SOOO sunlit and inviting... it is actually a BEAUTIFUL space. None of those repressive, dungeon-y, dingy-windowed, flourescent lit, musty, sweaty, smelly, loud, snotty basement studios that we were used to. YOU KNOW THE ONES. THIS is different, and inviting, and NORMAL, the way a neighborhood dance studio should be, and the other folks in the class... just as warm and friendly, humble and open. It is obvious, we ALL feel comfortable INSTANTLY. There's an instant camaraderie and everyone is supportive. I literally couldn't ask for a better circumstance all around! The acoustics are wonderful... my taps sound like bells, and it is NOT because of me. The wooden floor is PERFECT for tapping. The AC is pumping (another concern that I had... no fears-- it works!!!). There are actual plants growing... greenery... and there's space for them AND us. There is space to MOVE!! (Now if only I could find a space to belt a high C in NYC.... but that's a quest for another day)... Max is doting, personable, gives everyone individual time, he's relaxed and humorous... he drills us on all the basics and then pulls it all together for a combo at the end. He inspires, and is a literal JOY to be around... he makes you want to DANCE, and when you screw up, he asks how he can help you. And he really means it. (Note to self: my mental-computer processing was circa Apple Mac 1996, but my pullbacks were flawless!!!) I am sooo grateful for Max's understanding, smile and energy, as well as The Bridge's warm and inviting atmosphere and crowd... It felt sooo good to think I aced my challenge. After 20+ years, those tap shoes were dug out of the closet and used!! I tolerated the entire hour and I WALKED HOME (I didn't hobble!) afterward.... ... and I will MOST DEFINITELY be back!

A treasure ! Beautiful, clean studios, great location - very…read moreaccessible, wonderful staff and affordable rates if you're looking to rent space. I was and I keep coming back. You will too.

I attended Circus Warehouse for years when I was just starting out, and continue to come back and…read morelearn when I can. Despite not attending any classes for some time, upon return I was recognized and greeted. This place has a comfortable, accepting feeling that I haven't found anywhere else, especially anywhere of this size, and I always try to make time to come back when I can. There's a huge variety of classes for all interests, and I have met so many great people through Circus Warehouse.

I've been taking classes and training at Circus Warehouse for the past two years (mostly dance…read moretrapeze with Summer Lacy, but also lyra/hoop, static trapeze, and flexibility). CW is by far one of the best centers for aerial arts instruction that I've visited, not just in the New York area, but in the country. They really take you seriously, no matter your age or prior experience. When I initially started, I was surprised by just how much harder I felt like I had to work compared to being at other studios/facilities. It does feel tough at times, but with time and consistency I've felt like I've improved in a way I never would have if I hadn't started coming here. The other great thing about this place is how immediately welcoming I found Suzi and Michelle and the other staff to be. They seem to care as much about the 'amateur' students who come here, as much as they do about the seasoned professionals. There is nothing corporate, pretentious, or anonymous about this place -- it's just a really friendly space with friendly people, ready to become your second home. I truly hope CW will stay around a good long while! A great way to check them out is to come to one of their Caught in the Act shows (donation-based, happening every couple/few months).

I'm reminded of the off- and off-off Bway performances I attended in the 1970s, which I found in…read morethe iconic "Village Voice." Well, the "Voice" is now defunct (boo hoo) but similar type productions are offered by Theater Extras. For $99 a year and a $5 per ticket co-pay, you might find performances you likely wouldn't have heard of otherwise. I'm not always in NY, but when I know my schedule, I pull up the site to see what's offered. It's worth checking often. Now and then there's a Bway show -- these passes go fast -- and lectures/concerts at the 92nd Street Y. Most often you'll find shows (including musicals) that are sort of obscure. If you're a nightbird there are frequent jazz performances, second set, starting past 10:00. Entertainment in restaurants and clubs have criteria i.e. $25 per person minimums. You'll know the requirements on the Theater Extras site before you book. $99 entitles subscribers to a maximum of two tickets per booking. The way I see it, if you use Theater Extras even a handful of times, you're getting your money's worth.

Great performance had to see it twice once was not enough all the performance were amazing and kept…read morethe audience on the edge of their seats

It's our 6th year dancing with Professional Arts Academy, and my girls are growing up before my…read moreeyes. We are so thankful to have ProArts be part of their journey at this stage in life! The staff has been nothing but wonderful! We drive about 45 mins after school 3x a week because they love it so much! They love doing hip hop, tap, jazz and ballet! In addition to dance, they are also learning about teamwork, good sportsmanship, time management and responsibility! We have already made some great memories with the ProArts team and we can't wait to make more!

My daughter still loves pro arts!.. She has been attending classes for almost five years now.. She…read moreis busy also with other activities but always is happy and excited about going to dance! The instructors are so professional and motivate my daughter so much that I'm so amazed.

This is a newer Broadway show playing at the Belasco Theatre. It is actually based on a 2015 HBO…read moredocumentary of the same name. The documentary followed a group of three autistic young adults as they tried to develop social interaction skills in preparation for a spring formal. Like all film to Broadway productions, this Broadway show of course has turned that film into a musical. This version actually has turned the group of three young autistic adults into a group of seven. This larger group makes for more intricate song and dance numbers and more intertwining storylines. However, I will be honest. I did not think that the subject matter itself was interesting enough to be a musical. The plot is very straightforward and the characters were forgettable to me. The production is top notch and the venue is a beautiful, classical theater. But my average rating is based more on how interesting and how enjoyable I found the experience.

This show was so amazing! I went in October 2021, soon after it reopened after pandemic closure…read more This is a moving story set to the music of Bob Dylan. The performances were all so great. The singing and music was emotional and strong. The performers were very evenly matched with all bringing something special to the evening. Can't wait to download the cast recordings on iTunes.

Janelle teaches a high energy, well thought out bellydance class. Very positive, very well informed…read moredance teacher. No two classes are exactly alike and for someone like me who is tough to please I always find myself with a smile on my face during class and no matter how tough my work day has been by the time I leave her class my mood has been elevated to happy, and feeling free! Anyone looking to start to dance or at a professional level Janelle teaches all levels and you will always leave feeling that you learned something new since she stays current with what's new in the bellydance world and also with other forms of dance. This is a class( if your schedule allows ) should not be missed! Kathy Nekrasov one very happy customer!!!!!!!!!!!

Why does Groovefit stand out among other belly dancing companies and studios?…read more 1) Great teachers. No matter if you have two left foot or no left foot at all, is size -2 or size 38+, is under 18 or has few great grand children making more children, speak English or not, Jannelle will make a belly dancer out of you. Same applies to gals and guys. I think, for Jannelle, belly dancing seems to be about the celebration of body in all size, color and shape. She regularly invites dancers of other discipline - ballet, hip hop, for example - to co-instruct her workshops so the students benefit from more than 2 dancing instructors at the same time. Her ability to attracts topnotch performers and personalities directly put her classes at the crossroad of all dancing styles. Jannelle has a knack of knowing what to do and what to say to get you to belly dance before you know it. 2) Excellent variety of belly dancing. Jannelle is extremely knowledgeable in belly dancing styles from virtually all middle eastern country. Why? My suspicion is that she's got a musician's ear & soul insider her dancer's body. Her choreography includes styles of flamingo, Bollywood, Asian, and continue to expand at alarming rate you'd think she'd depart from belly dancing and start teaching Tango or Salsa. Her choreography are musically beautiful and she's got good rhythm. Thanks God for that - does any of us remember that dance teacher who couldn't keep the beat or follow the music? 3) More than dancing. A. In addition to dancing along, you learn the culture of middle eastern countries with Jannelle either by taking group drumming lessons, checking out affordable costumes in remote Queens area, tasting local middle eastern new dig, or joining her in some of the trips that she organizes for her student to Turkey, Egypt, Morocco and many more where they shop for costumes and souvenirs, visit museums & pyramids and (surprise!) take master classes from local belly dancing gurus. B. As an entrepreneur, Jannelle seems to be the kind of professional that is person-centered, meaning she cares about her student not just because of the blingbling but she honestly wants her students to dance well enough to enjoy belly dancing. The sisterhood of the Groovefit dancer is strong and there is no cattiness around. This is hard to explain, but you just have to experience it for yourself. Come see for yourself and feel the passion that Jannelle has for belly dancing. You won't regret it. P.S. The only "con" that I can think of is how crowded Jannelle's classes have become due to her popularity and interests from our society in belly dancing and middle eastern culture. Check out "Jannelle's Belly Dancing Technique Class" on meetup.com to sign up and make sure you RSVP prior to showing up at her classes.

I came here to see SWING! as one of my date nights. I am trying to attend more off broadway shows…read more The staff upon checking in were both very friendly and kind. They don't really have a concession stand with drinks - just some bottles of water and some little chocolate snacks such as M&Ms (thought this would be helpful for those that get excited about concession stands). The venue is smaller. I sat in the center, second row and was definitely worth it to purchase these tickets but if you purchase other seats towards the back, I don't think you could get a terrible seat here. The stage is smaller and you would be able to see well. I read some of the other reviews on Yelp and I could see what they were writing. My experience was great. I was a little disappointed because I really thought I would see some more professional swing dancing (my partner was very disappointed about this). Needless to say, the performers had beautiful voices, story line was well done, and set looked really nice. The live music was an added bonus. I think I went to the opening night or SWING and defintelynsome time to purrrrrrfect some of the scenes but all in all, it can only get better! I enjoyed it!! The play was three hours with a 10 minute intermission between.

The show, Wicked Frozen, was cute and funny. But none of the actors were major standouts. It was…read morea bit on the risque side, which didn't particularly bother me. However, there was no warning before the show and no signs informing patrons. Most of the audience was families with little kids and it is definitely not a show for little kids! The seats were just folding chairs and they were too close together. Also, there were some vertical support beams and several of the seats were squished against the beams. All in all, it was not a wonderful experience.