We had a painting session arranged by our manager (therefore I have no information on cost). We…read morewere able to bring in our own food to enjoy before the painting fun began. Our instructor was Reagan. She was positive, kind, patient, professional, and very talented. We did a very simple painting as we were limited on time and none of us are artists. It was a great teambuilding activity. They did have a bar with beer and wine. The rest of the staff was also very friendly and helpful They are in a plaza so there is plenty of parking

Went to a large group party and had a wonderful time. I didn't realize they had a bar inside so you…read morecould order drinks. Nice! I had a great time and the art instructor was really supportive. We laughed a lot and I will definitely go back with friends! I have no skills but I had a lot of fun.

Burning Coal Theatre is located in the Oakwood Neighborhood in Downtown Raleigh, NC. It even offers…read morefree parking in an adjoining lot. It is located inside the Murphey School Auditorium. The Murphey School was built in 1908 and is the oldest school building that is still standing in Raleigh. It holds a lot of history; in 1960, the Raleigh City School Board met in the auditorium to desegregate schools. The Murphey School admitted an African American student to integrate. The school was closed in 1977 when Wake County took over the school system. In 1991, the building was converted into housing for low-income seniors. The auditorium was not used, though. Burning Coal raised money, took over the space in 2008, and secured a permanent home. The auditorium was converted to a black box theater with about 150 seats. The building was preserved and kept some features like the exposed brick and the 3-sided balcony; the lobby bar was constructed from reclaimed historic wood. I got the opportunity to see a performance of Once at the theatre. Seating is first come, first served rather than assigned. Tickets run about $30 a piece. There is a lobby that sells beverages and snacks before the performance. But only water is allowed inside the theatre. A line forms, and you get inside the theatre from the line; a few people were trying to cut. They did have a lot of the front row reserved, so it isn't totally first come, first served. The first floor seating was on raised tiers and surrounded the performance area. The balcony was also utilized. In Once the cast are both the actors and the orchestra, playing guitars, mandolins, violins piano and the drums on stage.

Some of the most memorable evenings begin in places you could easily drive past…read more That was our experience at Burning Coal Theatre. Tucked inside the historic Murphey School building in downtown Raleigh, the theater's exterior carries the quiet charm of a former schoolhouse with hints of an old church. It's understated in the best way. A bright red door and simple banner signal that you've arrived somewhere special, where the performance not the façade is meant to take center stage. Inside, the atmosphere is refreshingly unpretentious. The lobby feels welcoming rather than formal, and before the performance began, one of the staff members struck up an easy conversation with my husband that immediately made the space feel like a neighborhood gathering place instead of a traditional theater. The intimate performance space wraps seating around three sides of the stage, creating remarkable proximity between audience and actors. There truly isn't a bad seat in the house. We attended *Shadows in Red Light*, a concert presentation of a new musical by Roné Sargent set against the backdrop of New York City's AIDS epidemic. At its heart, the story follows a mother who believes she is placing her infant in temporary foster care and the daughter who, years later, searches for the woman she believes abandoned her. It is ultimately a story about hope, sacrifice, belonging, and the many ways love can endure through unimaginable circumstances. What impressed me most was how little the production relied on spectacle. There were no elaborate sets or dazzling lighting effects competing for attention. Instead, the performers carried every emotional beat through their voices, expressions, and presence. It was a reminder that exceptional theater doesn't require excess it simply requires extraordinary storytelling and gifted artists willing to trust it. During intermission, I noticed the same level of care throughout the venue. The facilities were spotless, the bar offered a thoughtful selection of beverages, and the overall experience felt relaxed and intentionally curated. We skipped drinks only because we were excited to get back to our seats before the second act began. Parking was plentiful, the staff was warm and welcoming, and every detail contributed to an evening that felt both intimate and unforgettable. In a city with an ever-growing arts scene, Burning Coal Theatre remains one of Raleigh's quiet treasures. If you're looking for theater that values substance over spectacle and storytelling over production value, this is the place. We'll absolutely be back.

The instructors are nice and knowledgeable.. Really welcoming atmosphere.. def will be back for…read moreanother class!

Get ready to sweat!…read more My friends and I stopped in for a class on a Saturday Morning as part of my bachelorette festivities. The dance studio is clean and inviting. The music was on point. So in my mind, I envisoned myself twirling around a pole gracefully ala Jesse Spano (Elizabeth Berkley- but she'll always be Jesse from Saved By the Bell to me) from Showgirls. However, I am apparently not graceful, limber or fit! Seriously- this class was a real workout, and the "pole play" is not as easy as it looks. Even the "floor work" was challenging, but sexy! My friends and I were all sore the next day. I could feel the burn in my quads, biceps, abs and rump. Although, I will admit it was one of the funnest workouts I've ever done. Amanda was our instructor and was ultra talented and full or personality. I'd love to return for their beginner's classes. *Insert body roll*

A friend gifted me a few classes here and initially I was annoyed. I finally scheduled my class(…read moreeasy to do) and headed to class. The inside is small and intimate. The class was dark and has mirrors so you can admire you're booty as it shakes. The moves are relatively easy and the instructor was bomb! She demonstrates each move, and corrects you if its incorrect. I love the vibe and plan on heading back soon

Participated in an amazing Aphrodite Yoga Workshop. It was all about self-love and connecting with…read morethe inner divine feminine (which is a focus for me right now). It brought me to tears by the end. The pure amount of emotion and being around a group of women elevated my spirit so much. Candles were lit all around and each of us got our own Aphrodite candle, wax melts, and other goodies. Then top add to that, we made our own bath salts and had a dance class! Suffice it to say, today was an amazing day. I've never loved myself more. The women at TML Turn Me Loose Fitness are so amazing and I will continue to take classes there until I drop lol.

I've been dancing at Taylor Academy of Dance for 15 years, and I truly can't recommend it enough…read more From my very first class to now, this studio has been such a huge part of my life and has become a second home. Over the years, I've trained in company, ballet, jazz, contemporary, stretch classes, private lessons, and so much more. The instruction is exceptional, and every teacher is knowledgeable, encouraging, and genuinely invested in helping each dancer reach their full potential. The performance opportunities, especially The Nutcracker and the spring recitals, are always so well organized and create memories that last a lifetime. One of my favorite things about Taylor Academy of Dance is the community. From day one, the dancers were so welcoming and kind, and I immediately felt like I belonged. I've made lifelong friendships here, and some of my favorite memories have come from rehearsals, backstage before performances, dressing room laughs, and celebrating each other's accomplishments. Jill Taylor has created such a positive, supportive environment where every dancer feels valued. She truly cares about her students, not only as dancers but as people, and it shows in everything she does. Over the years, I've also had the privilege of getting to know Mrs. Bert, whose kindness and encouragement have made the studio feel even more like home. Together, they've created an environment where everyone feels welcomed, supported, and like part of the family. Taylor Academy of Dance has helped me grow in so many ways, both on and off the stage. I am so grateful for everything this studio has given me over the past 15 years, and I couldn't recommend it more to anyone looking for outstanding dance training and an incredible community.

My daughter Started dancing here after her dance studio closed during covid. We absolutely loved…read morethe studio from the minute we walked in. In the 10 years that my daughter was at her last studio she never had a friend, but on day one the young girls welcomed her in and made her feel like she has been dancing here for years. Not only were the girls so welcoming Ms.Taylor and her mother, Ms. Bert, treated my daughter like family. She really helped my daughter advance in ballet, and because Ms. Jill has so much knowledge in this field, we realized that the last studio was not teaching my daughter the correct way. If only we had started with Ms.Jill when Ava was 3.

I was invited out to the Cary Arts Center this weekend to attend a special screening of Barry…read moreGordy's The Last Dragon. As a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop and Black History Month, this was a unique event. There were 2 guest DJ's who spun old school hip hop throughout the event and a DJ who spun a live score throughout the entirety of the film. It was refreshing to see so many people of color come out to this side of town to gather. There was merchandise being sold in the lobby and food trucks such as Presto and Go Yaki in the parking lot. It was convenient for those attending this 3 hour long event. The staff kept things organized and they were kind and welcoming. The facility itself is in need of some renovations and updating. I get that this is a old historical building. I will definitely return for further programming of interest.

Saturday, 14Jan2023 Event: DR. MARTIN L. KING JR. ANNUAL…read moreDREAMFEST WEEKEND Dr. Harry L. White Jr. gave a profound, thought-provoking speech on moving from dreaming to DOING. All of the performers who came on stage for this event were amazing. I enjoyed this event in its entirety.

As someone who has been through some bad experiences with directors, I can 100% say that the…read moremembers of DRMT are some of the most accepting people ever! They always attempt to make everyone feel as comfortable as they can when in the process of doing a show. Not to mention the amazing choreography that has been done by this group, it's truly an amazing sight to see all these kids growing through musical theatre, and having so much fun along the way. Highly recommend, if you're both new and experienced you'll love this theatre!

I love this place! Debbie and Dean are supporting and easy to talk with. Even if your child has a…read moresmall role the directors give them attention and push them to play the character with the best of their ability. The musicals are fun and they don't downplay what skills a child has. Definitely will go again!

Fabulous studio. Love the parents & staff. Choreography is top notch and the time and effort they…read moregive to each individual child is priceless. April D

My daughter is in her second year at this dance studio and she loves it. The teachers are excellent…read moreand focus on teaching actual dance rather than just a recital routine (though the recitals are excellent!). Every child is treated as a valuable, contributing student, no matter how skilled they are or how many classes they take.