My first experience with the Nguyen Dance Company (NDC) was actually with two of its members,…read morefounder Danny Nguyen and Tiffany Barbarash, at the Yelp Hot Summer Nights part last night at Roe. The two dance partners promised an evening of unique interpretive performances, and did not disappoint.From moving scultpures in white spandex bags to the use of traditional Vietnames conical hats and large colorful nets (normally used for catching seafood), Danny and Tiffany dazzled and intrigued, and often made us yelpers smile. If you want to really see the human spirit and body move and function, I'd recommend catching an upcoming performance. You can really sense their passion and happiness in what they're doing, and it rubs off quickly.

UCAC is a great place for those who sang in a previous life, but now with work (or are retired) and…read moreseek to sing again. The majority of its members are UC Berkeley Alumni, but it also welcomes other UC Alumni, grad students, and community members. It runs on the semester system of theschool, rehearsing on Monday nights in the same space that all the student musical groups (Octet, Band, Jazz, etc) share. Mark Sumner is our courageous director, supported by Bill Ganz - both who have busy musical careers but are able to fit us in =) If you've been thinking about singing again, COME JOIN!!

Great music direction! Wonderful group of people!read more

The cast of Knockoff Broadway put on such an entertaining performance at All Out Comedy Theater…read morethis past Saturday. The theater room didn't open till a few minutes before the listed show time. But they had a lovely lobby for waiting, full of color and character. And basic snacks and drinks were sold on site (chips, pocky, soda, beer, etc.). The show started about 12 minutes late and lasted exactly one hour (8:12-9:12pm). This was your typical improv show with talented individuals acting out their creative ideas on the spot, but with a unique element which made it different from the many improv events I've been to... the cast breaking into song on stage during various parts of the story. Everything was improvised, even the awesome tunes played by three musicians on the drums, keyboard, and electric guitar. Audience suggestions were taken in the beginning, three ideas total narrowed to one via votes by applause. The theme of the night (and title of the knockoff musical) ended up being "Landfill". The performance had the crowd bursting with laughter at scenes including skunks falling in love to a doo-wop number and a wannabe artist turning poop into beauty (a sculpture made of poop lumps), as well as lessons and reminders that "the world can be a dump but it doesn't have to be!" The performers were hilarious, the music and made-up lyrics were fun, and the show overall was lighthearted and enjoyable. And since it's improv, it's never the same experience. So it's worth coming back to see Knockoff Broadway's quirky musicals again and again, or to check out one of the many other shows featured at this venue, like puppets, magic, and mental health comedy.

my daughter started shortly before she turned 6, and is now in her 5th year. She has always been…read moreathletic but I used to laugh when she danced because it was more like fighting. Under Natta's guidance, my child is transforming into a dancer, which is amazing. My child thrives at the school among her gentle friends, many of whom are older than her.

What Natta has created with Tea Dancers is not just a studio, but community. She is an incredible…read moreinstructor - kind, intensely creative and disciplined. She teaches her dancers strength, grace and presence, but also encourages their creativity. She is dedicated to each and every student and it shows in their care for each other and confidence in their work. The productions are outstanding, one of a kind. The studio transforms with lighting, costumes music. These are not simply recitals to demonstrate skills. The dancers participate in all aspects and through that experience become invested in themselves and each other. Over the last 8 years my child has grown immensely while dancing with Natta. In the advanced group he has learned incredible dance skills and also developed compassion, communication, creative leadership. I highly recommend this studio to anyone seeking a unique expertise that goes beyond developing dance skills.

For a good while I looked for a place where my daughter could take singing classes. I asked around…read moreand a musician friend of mine recommended this place, so I researched a little about Los Cenzontles and almost instantly I knew my daughter would be happy attending this place. We went in there asked about their classes, signed her up and gave it a try. After the class I ask my daughter if she liked it and she said she loved it. (That's all I needed to hear). Even when the academy is a little far for us living in Vallejo, I don't really mind the 15-20 minutes drive. My daughter is happy, the price is pretty affordable and it seems like the people working there really enjoy what they do, so what else could I ask for. Would I recommend this place!!??? YES I totally would!!

Great small venue for some awesome cultural music and dance. Supporting our youth in the community…read morewith safe, sound spaces too!

I attended SF Early Music Society's BFX at the First Congregational Church in Berkeley last week,…read moreand enjoyed listening to the sounds of the Philharmonia Baroque Chamber Players: The Melodious Clarinet. A group of musicians showcasing their talents on the basset clarinet, violin, viola, and cello, to the tunes of Mozart and Johann Backofen on Wednesday evening. The festival offered more than a week's worth of performances, multiple events per day, with pay-what-you-can general admission I appreciated. There was also an early music exhibition and marketplace, only open during limited hours for three days of the festival. The performances take place at various venues, mostly churches, and you mainly come for the music... maybe a few SFEMS items for sale at the merchandise table too, but no food/drinks or anything like that. Just beautiful music.

My situation/review a little different. So, I didn't sign up for this service in the end but the…read morepeople working there were really friendly and answered all my questions like pros. I think that credit should be given to people in business who make you feel comfortable so 5 stars for that here!

So amazing!! Booked a Fire Eating and Aerial Workshop through If Only. Totally worth it! Madamn…read moreBurnz is a fantastic instructor and person. Started with an intro and tour of the facility. Followed with a totally customized itinerary including aerial silk instruction and, my favorite, fire! Finished with refreshments and an energetic fire and aerial performance! Madamn Burnz is straightforward, patient, encouraging, and SUPER talented. Definitely visit this venue. If you ever dreamt of running off with the circus like I did, this place indulges your fantasy. It also gave me a healthy respect for how incredibly hard these skills are. RESPECT!

I had a decent experience here from the only show I have ever experienced. I went with the husband…read moreand we parked for free on the street (always a plus in my book) and within walking distance. We got there early so we wandered the area and it is right near Shattuck and tons of places to grab a drink or a bite. As for the show (we saw Primus), I had no complaints. Our seats were good, we were up front in the first section of seats after general admission. I didn't even book the tickets right when they went on sale and we still lucked out with great seats. I found my seat comfortable, enough leg room for what you would expect. They did not allow photos, no one really does anymore though. We didn't try to eat or drink at the theater so their rules were not an issue for us.

I is be a smart people…read more We had excellent tickets to see Flight of the Conchords... never been to this theater, I was clever enough to read yelps. This one worried me: Jess s. 11/23/2008 'This venue is falling apart! Heres what I got to experience for a $50 ticket to a show here: 5 minute wait for the only ladies bathroom (5 working stalls), plus the entire bathroom was flooded with toilet water!' Before the show, all of the women's rooms were packed with lines of about 40+ squeezing their knees together or doing the pee pee dance. Being the ballsy girl that I am, I stomped over to the men's room. In and out... I was so proud of myself, I wanted to shake my imaginary penis. Halfway through the show, I need to go again. Guess what? The bathroom floor was flooded with ... you know.... toilet water, tinted with a nice shade of yellow and some floaters. Nice, huh? Leaving the show was a nightmare. The first show ran late, because it started late.... so the line for the next show was a mob of angry people. And the first show goers (me) just wanted out. I would prefer not to return to this theater. Unless it was someone totally awesome. Also.... the air circulation is poor. They did have the doors open to help... which with the bay breeze, made it nice... but there is no way in hell I would ever go to a show in the summer time.