It's one of those shows that has been around for years (15, to be exact) that tours…read moreinternationally, and every so often appears in the city. I was excited when I saw that it would be here, and grabbed tickets almost immediately. 2 Pianos 4 Hands is a comedy about the trials and tribulations of 2 guys learning to play piano from when they were young, through adolescence, and what becomes of them afterwards. You also get a great concert out of it, and if you enjoy piano and music, it's a great treat. To be honest, I am bias because I did learn piano from a young age, and it was a snapshot of my childhood, from the constant practicing, parents, to the exams, to performance anxiety. I was dying of laughter in my chair, as they captured the essence of my pain so many years ago. Anyone who's ever learnt an instrument or piano, (and there are a lot of you), will LOVE this. I took my mom and the inlaws who enjoyed very much, and it's especially great, since my mom, who never played piano or understand music, went through the exactly same stuff with me. The show runs long at 2hrs and 15 mins, and I have to say dragged a bit near the end, but we were treated to two pieces played as an encore. You know a show is good when it's been around for a long time, either played by the creators or performed by others. Check out some of the videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko7tdJCL-dc The show is running this time Oct 29th to Nov 20th, 2011. === edit: Karl R. informed me that he also saw the show, and did not have a music background and LOVED it. Just letting you know.

​Jacqueline's School of Dance (JSOD) is a highly-rated, family-friendly and inclusive studio in…read morePickering. It offers training in diverse styles, including strong foundational Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Hip Hop, for all ages starting at two. ​The studio is praised for its welcoming atmosphere, patient instructors, and focus on holistic development and confidence building, rather than just high-pressure competitive training. It's known as a supportive dance community.

Sue is an amazing dancer, a fantastic instructor, and hilarious to boot. I started taking belly…read moredancing lessons here a few years ago with some friends. We were able to get semi-private lessons (just the three of us) for a great price. Belly dancing is hard work, but Sue is great about explaining exactly what your body needs to do when you're working on those isolations! After several months of belly dancing, I started taking Get Fit Fast classes here too. These are hour-long strength training sessions that will kick your ass. You never do the same thing twice, and you will definitely feel it the next day. The Belly Dance Fit classes are even better -- your legs, butt and stomach will hate you, but you'll never look better. If I hadn't moved to Vancouver, I'd still be taking classes at Hip Kik several times a week!

As the owner of a small dance and fitness business, I found it valuable to take beginner classes…read morewith a seasoned instructor like Sue. She helped me with my technique and exposed me to some great Arabic music. She was also generous enough to extend my voucher so that I could get a head start as a beginner belly dancer. I really liked her classes for the core workout, the friendly atmosphere, and music. I left there as a fan of lAmr Diab!

I celebrated my birthday at Famous PEOPLE Players Theatre with my mom and teenage son, and…read morehonestly, it was one of the most memorable nights we've had in a long time as a family. I had seen the show many years ago as a teen on a school trip, before they had their own venue. Like a good wine--or anything special that ages with care and purpose--it has only gotten better with time. The cross-city rush hour drive was absolutely worth it once we arrived. The venue, located in a strip mall/industrial park, had plenty of free parking. We stepped into a one-story, open, airy, and accessible building that immediately felt welcoming. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warmth, professionalism, and a genuine sense of joy that set the tone for the evening. We were escorted to our table in a dining area that felt both spacious and intimate. Everything was clean, well-organized, and thoughtfully arranged. The tables were dressed with cloth napkins, tablecloths, and seat covers, giving it a relaxed yet elegant feel. I especially loved the photos of celebrities who've been involved with the company, tastefully displayed around the room. The service throughout the night was excellent. Every staff member we interacted with was kind, attentive, and clearly passionate about what they do. They struck the perfect balance, friendly and warm without being overbearing. We truly felt like more than just guests. We felt part of something meaningful. The evening unfolded in three acts. Act 1: Dinner. The meal far exceeded our expectations. Each course--from the appetizer to the main--was fresh, flavourful, and beautifully plated. I'm not usually a fan of salad, but I really enjoyed the one served. Even my son, who's not easily impressed when it comes to food, not only cleaned his plate, he raved about the meal. Act 2: The Show. Before the performance, the cast encouraged us to sing and dance in our seats, and we did not hold back. Twist and Shout was a high-energy, creative, feel-good experience. The puppetry, lighting, and choreography were brilliantly done, and you could feel the joy radiating from the stage. Watching my son fully engaged made it all the more special. Act 3: Coffee and Dessert. The desserts were decadent--two types of chocolate delights. My son and I went halvesies on both, a perfect sweet ending to the evening. What really sets this place apart is its purpose. You're not just seeing a show; you're supporting something meaningful--an inclusive and empowering space that celebrates ability in a truly unique and beautiful way. Equity, inclusion, and diversity are not just buzzwords here. They're lived values, visible both on stage and behind the scenes in a way that feels authentic and inspiring. If you're looking for something uplifting, meaningful, and different from the usual night out, this is it. It's rare to find something that resonates across generations, but this did. It would be a fantastic option for schools looking to offer students a fun and impactful experience, and it would also make a memorable, purpose-driven setting for a corporate event. Whether you're going with family, colleagues, or students, this place is a gem. The experience itself felt like incredible value for the money.

I'd like to start off with the food, the food was amazing and delicious and I love how they had…read moremusic, a good ambiance everywhere. Second the staff and players were very friendly and nice. And the show was truly amazing. I would definitely recommend this place if your looking for a wonderful time not to mention it's a non profit place so they do good things that just add to make the experience better

Ghost Jail Theatre is an improvised comedy show at Clinton's Tavern on Bloor Street (@ Christie…read moreStation) every Sunday starting at 7:30. My friends and I have been going to the show for over a year now, and it's one of our favourite things to do in Toronto. The show changes every week and is based on a piece of writing that is collected from an audience member. I've seen shows where the theme has been derived from a diary entry, textbook chapter, flyer, grocery receipt, text message...seriously, all sorts of things! It's short form improv mostly, with bits of improvised writing pieces in between. I think it's a really unique and different improv comedy show from the regular 'whose line is it anyway'/theatre sports gamey stuff. It's really funny but not always in a knee-slap-in-the-face kind of a way. Sometimes it's dark, and crazy, and just downright smart. That's why it's so great. I also love that the cast hangs out after the show and isn't afraid to talk to audience members. It's a really warm and welcoming environment. In fact, the tag line for their show is "Ghost Jail Theatre: the comedy show that won't make fun of you for coming!" Love it. The cast is a mix of new kids on the Toronto comedy scene and recognizable faces about town (every time I turn on the tv I swear I see a cast member in some random commercial...and I secretly love it). Anyway, check it out. www.ghostjail.com 693 Bloor Street (at Clinton's Tavern) Sundays. 7:30.

As a graduating student of Annex Dance Academy, I can confidently say this studio has been a safe,…read moresupportive space that helped shape me into the dancer I am today. I've truly loved my time here, and if you're looking for a place to grow, belong, and be inspired, then this is the studio for you!

Great dance studio. My girls have been here for 4 years now. Annex Dance Academy has great teachers…read moreand cater to their dance families with great personal care. Kids love it and they make it easy for parents!

We received tickets for Cavalia Odysseo from friends and couldn't pass up a date night downtown…read more The tents are located towards the water, across from the Gardiner. It was difficult to find a path across, but eventually made it a few minutes before the show started. Hint: Take Parliament Street. Parking is $20 if you park in their lot. I believe I saw some who prepaid for $15. If you don't mind a short walk (or a long walk), there's parking nearby for $10-$12. We found a parking spot for $3 near George St and Adelaide St E. Once you walk in, there is a lot of upselling. You can visit the stables for $20 for children and $30 for adults. There are also printed programs for a price. They also have merchandise on sale, but nothing has a price on it. The show itself is pretty cool. I would say the show is 60% horsemanship and 40% acrobatics. Essentially like Cirque de Soliel with horses. It's amazing how well-trained the horses are. They will come to the riders when called upon, usually with a simple outstretched hand. What's more amazing is that they can control over 4 horses at a time. Having said that, though, there were a few occasions where the horses ran off on their own and you can tell that it was unscripted because the riders will run after the horses. It just goes to show you how hard it is to do what they do. The riders do some crazy things, mostly around mounting and dismounting horses while they're running. The acrobats were really great as well. They definitely showed how skilled and how strong they are. There was a lot of jumping, back flipping, standing on shoulders, and balancing on poles and rings. The acrobats were definitely enjoyable to watch with or without horse involvement. We also enjoyed the music, which was played live. From what we can tell, there was a single, guitarist, violinist, and drummer. There may have been more musicians, but we couldn't see them. The musicians were really good. I thought I was listening to a studio recording until I noticed them playing live. Overall the show was really good and if you like horses then this is definitely the show for you. Prices are pretty high, but horses have to eat too! Don't try to switch seats during the show/during intermission because their ushers will come by and yell at you.

I made the mistake of seeing Odysseo without having a particular fondness for horses…read more The acrobatics weren't nearly as excellent as Cirque du Soleil and the main focus of the show was definitely the magnificent horses. If you are interested in these beasts, then you'll have a blast. But, if you are just looking for a fancy show, you are probably better off going to a Cirque performance or maybe catching a broadway show. SPOILERS BELOW: Choreography (of the humans) was often out of sync, and supposedly symmetric formations often had one or two stragglers. On the other hand, the horses were very cute, and their spontaneity provided some of the most endearing moments of the show. A horse stopping by to drink water from the lake was very natural, and although unplanned, it was sweet. Another horse getting lost on the way off the stage was also natural and sweet. Going into Odysseo I expected to, at a minimum, see the classic formation of two riders side by side on a pair of horses with a third balancing on their shoulders. Unfortunately, even this staple of horse acrobatics was not included. Disappointing.

Last year, I had a co-op student for the summer session work on various writing tasks at my…read moreworkplace. We have similar interests in music, the arts, and food that we have kept in touch. We ended up striking up a friendship, for which I am thankful! She asked me whether I wanted to see Cavalia with her. Considering that I live under a rock thanks to work, I managed to do a search online and said yes. She described the event as being Cirque du Soleil meets horses. She bought the tickets and I paid her back for my ticket. I drove us over there. Parking by the white tents at Hershey Centre went for $15. There was plenty of parking when we got there ten minutes before the show started. You can pay for parking at any cashier. The woman at the will-call area was friendly and helpful. The only improvement suggestion that I have would be to have more staff guiding folks to seats. My friend and I had no trouble finding our seats. However, two women disputed where we sat. We move, checked the section and seats, and told them that they were mistaken. They apologized profusely. Luckily, were were all understanding. The performance was wonderful. I was wondering how all the horses would endure. They seemed well-treated and behaved. The trainers, performers, and horses showed patience, confidence, grace, and skill. Whomever decided to incorporate horses in a beautifully choreographed show is brilliant! Intermission was thirty minutes. I am guessing that the horses needed more time to rest and replenish. My friend and I looked at the gift store goodies, snacks, and artwork that you could purchase. If you have a chance to see this show, go! It's so different. I had a great time with great company. (151)

Saw Cavalia's "Odysseo" in Mississauga with a large group of seven on June 23, 2017…read more We got the VIP package which included a dinner buffet before the show, open bar (wine and beer), and dessert buffet during intermission, access to the stables after the show, and a souvenir (book). I think the package was quite worth it: The pre-show buffet was quite good. It seemed like there was a bit of a Mediterranean taste to the buffet with couscous and pita bread. There was also smoked salmon, shrimp, kale salad, and pasta. The steak sirloin pieces were star of the buffet. They were tender, and grilled an excellent medium. There weren't too many different items; the buffet was more quality over quantity. There was also a station serving mini-sliders, pizza, and popcorn. You could bring the popcorn into the show to snack on. The open bar served wine and beer, but you could also get a variety of soft drinks and bottled water you could bring into the show. So, for the $40-or-so upgrade you almost get your money's worth right there. The dessert buffet during the intermission was a nice treat too. You went back to the separate VIP tent, and a selection of cakes, pastries, fruits, and other sweets. The bar was open again too. Perhaps the only downside was that you only got 30 minutes, so by the time you came over from your seats you didn't have much time. The VIP passes allowed access to the stables after the show. You had to wait a little bit while they got the horses settled, but once we were allowed in you could walk around and see the horses. You were not allowed to touch or feed them, but you could see the vet tech's attending to the horses after the show. There was also an opportunity to take photos with and get autographs from human performers. As for the performance itself, I came in with very high expectations and it exceeded them all. Having paid a lot of money and having seen 3 Cirque Du Soleil shows, I was worried I would feel let down by this show in the suburbs. I was mistaken. This was a truly high-quality show, to rival the entertainment you would get at any concert or sporting venue. I don't know anything about horses, or dressage, or such. And it didn't matter. Such large animals, moving so fast, in formation, almost dancing was impressive. The performers also did tricks with the animals that looked very impressive, like doing acrobatics and tricks in (and sometimes under) the saddles, and other rather dangerous-looking stunts. There was also a lot of performance quality from the non-equine, human performers. There was a troop of acrobats that performed very impressive feats of human athleticism. And there was impressive gymnastics-like work you would expect from a circus show. One particular scene with a "carousel" was particularly impressive. I've used the word impressive a lot, but that's the word that keeps coming to mind! It was all choreographed very beautifully, and time seemed to fly; the show never seemed to drag and I never checked my watch. One review I read before said the show was full of human and equine muscle. These performers with their 8-pack abs lived up to that moniker. The White Big Top tent was a performer itself. They truly transformed this empty field into a temporary stadium. It felt much larger inside than it appeared on the outside. At first I was concerned the stage was really small, but curtains rolled back throughout the show to reveal a rather large stage for the horses, acrobats, and other performers to perform. The use of screens and lighting were also very effective at conveying the different climates and topography they were trying to emulate. And their use of water was something that definitely would not have been possible in a stadium. The tent was a performer in itself! I did not take any photos during the show because they asked for no pictures or recordings, especially no flash photography. Quite a few people did though, which was disappointing, and a little rude. Perhaps the only reason I wouldn't rate it 5/5 stars, would be the price. It is a rather steep price for ticket. In an era where we're used to streaming content almost for free, spending $200+ for a show feels like an extravagant anachronism. I understand and I see why it was so expensive, and I feel we got a very high-quality performance, but I can see how the ticket price could discourage some people. And, I didn't like that we had to pay for parking, when parking at the Hershey Centre is normally free. But, as I said before, the show was impressive, an impressive merging of horseplay and gymnastics. It is pricey, but high-quality.