I am planning on popping into Clarke's school of dancing this Friday because as part of Belfast…read moreCulture Night 2010 they are offering free, yes totally free, taster lessons in jazz, hip-hop, Street Dance, Cha Cha and Waltz. As well as the aforementioned forms of dancing, Clarke's also offer lessons in Zumba dancing, training for your first dance at your wedding, latin and ballroom for any strictly come dancing fans and a section called cool moves, which I am totally intrigued by. Pray tell what are these cool moves, the moonwalk? The robot? A bit if body poppin? This dancing school has been opened since 1958 and has been educating adults and children in the art of dance in the Belfast area for over 52 years now.

A hidden gem, the Crescent Arts Centre may look basic, but this modern venue is a great open space…read morewith everything you need to host an event. Clean, functional and accommodating, I have seen numerous events here from poetry slams to comedy improv shows. It's BYOB too, which is a great addition!

The Crescent Arts Centre is a basic but contemporary looking venue…read more It functions as a community arts centre for the people of Belfast and holds a variety of dance, music, creative writing and visual art / craft classes for all. They also push the boat out by holding a artistic participatory events, exhibitions and performances. The Crescent Arts Centre are also the curators of the City Dance Festival and Belfast's longest running literary festival - Between the Lines. I was there recently for the Trans:mission night, showcasing the best Irish electronica musicians, as part of Belfast's innovative trans festival. I was itching to see Nouveau Noise, from Dublin who play deliciously glitchy and lush electronica. The set up was very relaxed. It was a mere £5 in and BYOB. Everyone in the main room was seated round tables dotted around the venue and chatting away. On stage there were electronica acts playing some really interesting and innovative stuff with some cool visuals being projected behind them. In the middle of the night, there was a drawing competition- where two massive boards were erected each side of the stage and a 'crew' of illustrators and street artists from Dublin had to freestyle a picture, with a Dj playing in the background. It made for such an interesting night. I'm all for Arts spaces opening up their doors to gigs, like Block T in Dublin. And the bring your own booze door policy is always a winner.

The MAC is a good spot to spend a few hours and get in touch with your arty creative side. There…read moreare normally at least two exhibitions on show which are usually pretty quirky and reminded me alot of some of the galleries I visited in Paris. Exhibitions are very modern and new age quite like the building itself which is architecturally pleasing. Downstairs there is a reception area, kids play area and 'Native' cafe which also serves alcohol. Seating is plentiful and really comfortable. Make sure and go to the 2nd floor of the building where you will find an amazing white leather sofa which once you perch on you will want to just curl up and stay forever. I really want one for home! There are lots of shows in the theatre and upcoming listings can be found at the reception. There are lifts throughout and wheelchair access is excellent. It's also based in St Anne's Square so has a multi storey carpark park nearby and lots of on street parking around the side streets.

Awesome venue with loads of things to offer regarding events…read more Have a good size eating area. I visit here frequently for seminars,lectures and art shows. Their quality of artists that have shows here are world class.

When my back seized up one too many times last year the doctor suggested that I took Pilates…read moreclasses. She recommended Neil and off I went at the first opportunity. Pilates proved to be a brilliant idea. An hour's class every week makes an extraordinary difference to your shape, strength and posture. How it all works - which it undoubtedly does - is a mystery to me but there is much information on the website. Neil Healey himself is an excellent teacher. He emphasises that Pilates is all about doing what is best for you. It's not competitive or gruelling, though sometimes the exercises can be hard but it doesn't last long! Classes are held at beginner, intermediate and more advanced levels in various venues around South Belfast including the Crescent Arts Centre, St Bernadette's Church Hall, Rosetta, and LA Fitness. Neil also has a studio on the Ormeau Road. One to one instruction and posture checks are available too. I've done two terms of pilates classes, unfortunately I couldn't make the summer term but I plan to start again in September.

Pilates are an excellent form of excercise for anyone who's not uber sporty and into track running…read moreor other such extrenuating activties. It is a gentle excercise which makes you feel relaxed and refreshed afterwards. I really can't recommend it enough. Pilates is all about using your core strength (your stomach muscles) to build up strength, improve your posture and tone your body. Seriously after a few lessons you'll really feel your abdominal area, legs, arms etc all toning up. One of the important things about pilates is that you have a good teacher and Neil is an excellent one. He teaches you at whatever pace best suits you whether it be beginner, intermediate or advanced, never pushing you too far. I have been attending the classes at Jacqui Pilpotts Dance Studio on The Ormeau Road but there are a number of different locations to choose from: St. Bernadettes Parish Centre on the Rosetta Road, LA Fitness, Ballyearl Arts and Leisure Centre, The Crescent Arts Centre, and International House. Lessons are £6 each or £30 for 6- very good value indeed. Have a look on the website for vouchers which entitle you to the first lesson for free.

They have not been running for too long. So there is some teething problems re staffing and…read morecustomer care. The facility is incredible. There is a dance studio with superb lighting,gymnasium and aerial area. There are many classes for kids and adults.

Beautiful concert venue within easy walking distance of Belfast city centre. The concert we…read moreattended was one of the worst I've suffered through in my life. As a result I spent a lot of time appreciating the venue instead. The way the seats are tiered and arranged in blocks around a gentle semi-circle facing the stage meant that there appeared to be very few, if any, 'bad' seats. The illusion of intimacy and closeness to the action was apparent everywhere. The sound system was superb, sadly given the rubbish on-stage, the seats were very comfortable and the bar was, thankfully, only a few steps from where we were seated. A very subdued crowd gratefully exited the venue in only a few minutes at the end. We returned to the city centre for a deserved nightcap in shocked silence. Seriously though, this is a great spot for a concert.

Went to the waterfront to watch smokie. Who on earth needs to charge 2.10 for a cup of tea…read more Concert was good but staff are job worthes. No dancing which ruins the evening. The group noticed them telling people to sit down so the group told us all to get up and dance. Had great night once the staff where put in the their place. Music is for dancing not for sitting. Waterfront need to lighten up and remember who pays the tickets which in turn keeps them in jobs.

This gym is small, lacking equipment, and in need of a refurb (as already mentioned in these…read morereviews). My experience of it is that it's a badly run gym - so much so that they haven't even bothered to go on here and inform people that it's actually now called Club Vitae, One to avoid.

This gym is simple and a little run down. They don't have much but basic equipment. If you're…read moreserious into you fitness this isn't the gym for you. However if normal gyms intimidate you, this may be your starting place. It's small and quite and no judgments over your work out. They provide some great classes with positive and helpful teachers. Yoga here is especially excellent. I have been to a few yoga classes in my time and I've learnt more here than anywhere else. Good practical tips and they don't push you belong your limits. The pool is small with no deep end. But its perfect the for a morning swim. Again it's a bit run down, which can be a tad frustrating considering this isn't a cheap gym. The hallway to the pool constantly smells bad. The showers and changing rooms are clean, but old. Most keys have lost the scrappy bit for your arm so bring a pin as well as your pound to pay for them. Personally I am willing to put up with all the negatives as this gym as what's most important to me, a pool I can do lengths in with no interruption and no que for machines!

I've only used the pool. I win master the front crawl. A few classes is be interested in trying…read moreso will have to fit them in. Then joy of joy Clements. Coffee after exercise. Life just doesn't get better than this. That and the fun of pretending to be a student. Overall the facilities are great. Loads of classes to choose from and good sized pool.

I've been a member of PEC now since just before Xmas, so just under a month. I'm impressed so far…read more Though I've only used the gym its absolutely great. Lots of machines and rarely a wait for anything. Its also extremely good price wise with no long contracts. I'd highly recommend the place if your looking for a well stocked, convenient gym or leisure centre with long opening times. Spot on!