We spent the last evening at the Candlelight Theater's presentation of "The Four Seasons and More"…read more The atmosphere was amazing with only candles lighting the theater and the stage. The quartet played magnificently and provided great insights into the music. We will be looking forward to future performances.

Visited on a Saturday for a friend's wedding and was not disappointed by this unique and personal…read morevenue. The couple attends concerts at the theater often so it was lovely to know having their wedding there meant so much. My partner and I watched the wedding from the balcony where the view was spectacular and were easily able to move around the upper level and main level when we wanted to mix and mingle during the reception. If I could watch every wedding from that vantage point, I would; so cool! The venue allowed outside catering, so we had the couple's favorite local barbecue. The serving line moved fast and I was glad for the space allowed to line up all 150+ of us. The stage was used for a dance floor later in the night. Though small, it was a fun experience. The stage is a bit difficult to navigate around as there is only one set of narrow steps in the front. The lights also contribute to making the dance floor a bit warm.

My daughters have danced here for years. I really appreciate the quality instruction by the…read moreteachers here. All of the teachers are experienced dancers with extensive training. My daughters have grown in confidence and ability while dancing here. At MCDA the focus is on dance instruction and teaching proper form, technique, and performance etiquette.

From the owner: Founded by a group of professional dancers in 1976, MCDA is a non-profit organization devoted to…read morespreading an appreciation of dance in the community. We offer ballet, jazz, pointe, tap, modern, musical theatre, hip hop and lyrical. Classes are available for ages 3-adult. We have 3 performing companies: Bloomington Ballet, Bloomington Ballet II and JazzFusion.

The visuals were so blurry, that one could not even read the credits. The sound was very good,…read morebut i wouldn't ever go there again.

I thought because of the updated theater experience I'd be updating with a higher rating. Noooope…read more When we get to the front of the line, a register opens up. The girl at the register just stares at us. So we walk over. No hi, hey, or how you doing. Literally silence. It was pretty awkward. We ordered our tickets. Then she finally speaks after we get our tickets. "Enjoy the movie." Then as we're walking away I hear her say, ""Hi, how are you tonight?" to the next people. Ok. We decided to skip snacks and drinks. Went to our seats. The seats are good but not great. If you didn't know, you can order cooked food now. That's awesome but there's no where to sit your food. I'm guessing you put it in your lap. That's the other downside. I had to smell my neighbors onion rings. Bleh. Not my idea of setting the atmosphere. My last beef is the main reason I won't be going back. I decided I was thirsty. I get in line. The kid at the register looked up at me. I'd say I was third in line. The first person gets there items and leaves. He tells the next lady, he'll be right back. He comes back. Takes her order. Gets her stuff and leaves. He walks away. Doesn't say anything to me. I'm waiting and waiting. I finally look over and this guy is at another register taking someone's order! I was irritated. He knew I was there. I skipped buying a drink. I just wanted to watch my movie and leave. If you want to see how a movie experience like this is supposed go then travel to the CMX at the Mall of America. You can order food AND the seats come with trays to put your food on. The seating is comfortable and not cramped. This location was more concerned with how many recliner seats they can squeeze in. Oh..best part at CMX if you want a drink then you can easily get one. Shocking!

Synergy Rhythm and Dance is a dance studio with classes focusing on Middle Eastern dance,…read morespecifically bellydance. Classes are targeted towards adult and teen women. They have several weekly dedicated classes as well as drop in classes and stand alone dance workshops. I've been taking bellydance classes there for a couple years now, and I look forward to coming to class each week. Class is always a good time. We usually warm up with yoga before we dance. Every session I learn something new - zills, veil, music rhythms. Sahira Zedare is the instructor for most of the classes, and she provides a really welcoming environment. Members of the studio's dance troupe, Synergy Sirens, also teach classes and workshops.

Love it! Cool venue and terrific performances. My only suggestion is to not sell popcorn or other…read moresnacks in crunchy plastic bags. A couple of heavy munchers a few rows back disrupted the performance for many by their incessant chomping and bag crinkling. Practice silent snacking!

The Illinois Shakespeare Festival is a rotating series of three plays presented each year from late…read moreJune through early August. This is world class theater, attracting professional actors from around the country. It is organized/managed by Illinois State University, but the plays are performed in an outdoor theater at Ewing Manor (located at the corner of Emerson and Towanda). The theather itself is comfortable, and there isn't a bad seat in the house. The grounds of Ewing Manor are beautiful, and part of the Festival involves your chance to explore the grounds/gardens before the performance. In fact, you can bring a picnic and enjoy dinner on the lawn before the show starts. Weekend nights often feature live music, and a few nights during the season offer "special" themes, such as ISU alumni night, WGLT night, etc.. There are many great things about this Festival, but for me the best thing is the overall experience: a beautiful location, live music (on the weekends), and great live theater. I'm not even a fan of Shakespeare per se. I don't read his works and can't understand half of what he's written, but the quality of this event keeps me coming back year after year. Do yourself a favor and try it out.

This is an excellent orchestra. I have been attending their concerts for a number of years, and I…read morecontinue to be impressed to this day. From the classic favorites to lesser known pieces, they perform a variety of music and do so with the highest quality. The Symphony is currently searching for a new conductor, and I am sure they will find one who will continue the great tradition this organization has established. Central Illinois is very fortunate to have this orchestra here.

From the owner: #ListenLIVE to the talented musicians of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra led by acclaimed Music…read moreDirector Ken Lam. We serve to inspire our audiences through exceptional LIVE orchestral performances and programs. Go to ilsymphony.org for more information. Recognizing that live music has the potential to transform and rejuvenate, to encourage and inspire, the Illinois Symphony proudly serves as a vital cultural resource, an educational partner, and an invaluable enhancement to the quality of life in Springfield and Bloomington-Normal.