You know the "Elaine dance", right? From Seinfeld? *oh sweet fancy Moses!* Yeah at one time that could have been me. But see, back then I was unfamiliar with the super delightful, incredibly fanciful & all around blissful dance called "Swing". And excuse me for saying so, but if you don't agree it isn't one of the most fun dances to not only participate in, but also WATCH others do, well then friend you are a miserable bastard that should spend the rest of your days watching re-runs of Solid Gold and Dance Party USA. aHEm. So see, I had come across a Groupon for a six week series here and when I saw that...why I couldnt have been more excited if Gregory Peck himself came back from the dead just to goose me. And holy heck was it fun! The instructors were awesomely patient and thorough about explaining all the steps, and even when you had to dance with some two-left footed schmoe, you still were having a good time. The facility is big, and decorated in sort of a vintage, thrift store hodgepodge, but it works. This aint Arthur Murray over here kids...they also offer a bunch of other classes that have nothing to do with dancing too! But I dont care about that...I am completely hooked and cant wait to go back to take more swing classes. And now I am proud to say I don't look like I am doing a full bodied dry heave set to music anymore. rockin! Thanks Galaxie! read more

Did you ever aspire to be a welding stripper like Jennifer Beals in Flashdance..? ~Well, at the Galaxie Chicago you can become just that! This is a huge multi-purpose space that offers almost every kind of class you can think of from dance to, that's right, welding..! They have tons of swing dance classes and workshops, kick boxing, wedding party partner dance classes, silk screening, yoga, karate, art, animation, stained glass, glass blowing...oh, and you know that book you've been meaning to get bound..? Learn how in a book binding class! Now, I've only participated in the swing stuff and can tell you that you'll learn from the best, Nicolle Wood, who also owns the space. I've also attended many private parties here and they manage to transform the space from casual to elegant effortlessly...it's just such a unique space... This Galaxie is not far, far away either... ...now if they would just have a stripping class my dreams could come true... read more

Bascially, I'm going to have to agree with what Tari F. said: "I'm sure Galaxie has a lot of great stuff going on, but the lack of professionalism and basic customer service I experienced left a pretty foul taste in my mouth." I tried to sign up for some classes with them but there were some difficulties with the sign up process. I followed the instructions given on how to address the issue by contacting the email address provided which was answered by Nicolle the director or owner. When I restated why I was contacting her directly, she basically told me I was being "ungracious in my words" because she has too many emails and cannot remember what I was talking about ( I guess they are unable to read a subject-line in an email over there). Because of her response, it totally turned me off going there to take any classes. I'm sure the place is nice and fun, but for any business, customer service is the #1 thing for repeat business as well as positive word of mouth. I am really disappointed because I was looking forward to taking some dance classes. I guess I am going to have to continue my search for somewhere else to teach me not to have "two left feet". I have no desire to drop a dime in this economy on somewhere who isn't happy about having a customer trying to work with them when there is a problem to make sure that things could be resolved. I am sure the issue with the sign ups was not directly The Galaxie's issue, but they do have responsibility on how they can handle such a situation. The Galaxie for classes? Hell, no. read more

One of the most unusual and creative spaces in Chicago!!! You name an activity involving art, dance, entertainment and it is already going on at the Galaxie or is scheduled to be there soon. Take a look at there website and see for yourself. I have been looking for a place like this for some time. I am glad it finally arrived in Chicago. read more

What a great place! There is so much going on here: Dance lessons, art classes, exercise/yoga classes, marital arts...the list goes on. I love to see great venues like this pushing westward (it's located in an industrial park just west of the river & south of Belmont.) The atmosphere is a bit more "Urban" than Old Town (which is neither good nor bad--just an observation.) I took a group dance class with Nicolle (the owner,) and afterward I felt like I could actually dance. The girl works magic I tell ya! 4 stars because the schedule of classes & rates was a little hard to understand. The rates are very competitive but it didn't appear so at first. A minor detail that can be fixed I suppose. read more

Came here last night for the 'DJ battle' and that was crazy fun. This place redefines cool. It's quietly tucked away among warehouse buildings. From the outside it doesn't scream studio, but the huge, painted, ocean-bluish "Galaxie" sign, a work of art by itself, provides assurance that this is the right place. And parking doesn't seem like a problem after dark. Once inside, you're greeted with expansive studio spaces, art work & photos, a classic Atari arcade console and a scooter. They also have a shop space for art classes. There was a beginner swing lesson last night, before the DJ battle begun. The lesson was really fun. For $10 all the basic moves were covered. The instructor Orlando made it easy for beginners. Then the battle begun. The six DJs each spun music from icons like Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald, and the dance floor would soon be filled with people, of all ages and levels, swinging away with incredible energy. It's great fun either dancing with strangers or watching strangers dance. Nicolle, the director and a fantastic dancer, was a joy to watch when she did make it to the dance floor occasionally with Orlando. Check out their website for events and lessons: http://www.galaxiechicago.com/galaxiesite/home.htm By the way, it was BYOB last night and fortunately there's Jewel and Dominick's about 4 blocks away at Belmont and Western. The N restaurant/bar, also a neat place, is just a couple blocks away. read more

Places like the Galaxie are why I utterly adore Chicago. Tucked away in a non-descript corner of an industrial area, The Galaxie beams and beckons with interstellar groove. The crowd is a wonderful mix of families and hipsters, the space welcoming and warm, the staff friendly and helpful, and the programming could not be any cuter. They have a class on vintage hairstyling, how adorable is that?! Swing, yoga, painting, and stained glass are also on the roster of classes, and it seems the schedule is constantly rotating to attract a vibrant cross section of culture consumers. A singular resource for arts and enertainment, this place is a shining star in Chicago's cosmos! read more

I wanted to shop around for an "Intro to Swing Dance" class. The Galaxie occasionally offers one-day workshops for cheap, so I decided to take a Lindy Hop afternoon class for $15. I really suggest workshops for anyone who just want to check the place out before signing up for a class. The workshops aren't geared toward beginners, but it gives you a chance to check out the teachers and the studio. When I signed up for Intro to Swing, the first session was canceled due to low enrollment. No one emailed me to let me know. Nicole, the director, wrote me a check, apologized, and I went home. The next class I signed up for went great. Nicole shines as an instructor, and usually has an assistant that can lead the class while she walks around giving dancers form advice. I've taken two classes since (I wasn't on the class list either time that I used PayPal). There is a large selection of courses and workshops, but I understand the frustration some reviewers have felt. On organization alone, I would give Galaxie two stars. Once you get past that chaos, there are knowledgeable instructors, fun classes, monthly social events, field trips, refresher workshops and a real sense of community. For the price and wonderful staff - I will continue to recommend the Galaxie to everyone I know. Three pieces of advice about Galaxie: Call before your first class to make sure it is still being offered. If you use Paypal, bring a receipt. Give yourself an extra 15 minutes to find this place for the first time, even if you have GPS. read more

The Galaxie is a great place to go dancing, take classes, or just imbibe the artsy, former warehouse atmosphere. Some of Chicago's best swing dancers teach here, plus visiting instructors from across North America. In addition to Lindy Hop, they offer classes in Charleston, balboa, and blues dance. Fees for lessons are reasonable and events range in price from $5 gypsy swing jams to $50 formal gourmet dinner & dancing soirees. The Galaxie also has art classes and summer camps for kids, visual art classes for adults, and you can rent space for rehearsals or private events. Note: The main dance floor is sloping concrete instead of sprung wood. You've been warned! read more

I came across this place since they offered beginning lindy hop lessons at a reasonable price. Although, after coming in week after week I realized this place is a lot more than swing dancing. Theres always something going on like choir practice, acting classes, painting classes, dance classes, etc. If they play their cards right they could be a real artistic mecca in Chicago. The dance lessons I took were well taught. The instructors were knowledgeable and always open to questions. They were also kind enough to host free practice sessions right after class, which was awesome to help people learn the dance better. Overall, great experience. I'd definitely go back for more lessons or for one of their dance events. read more

I wish I had awesome things to say about Galaxie. When I signed up for a drumming class, after reading on their website about bookbinding and all kinds of other cool, artsy classes and workshops (it's this variety that gives them the extra star), I expected to loooove Galaxie - and, as someone who occasionally puts together workshops on various topics myself (not to mention performances), I thought it looked like a really great venue I might be interested in using myself. Unfortunately, though, the class I signed up for and paid for in advance was cancelled for low registration - but Galaxie didn't tell me that in advance, they told me that in person, after I trekked over to Avondale in the pouring rain. That night, I sat through a farce of a class with a surprise Metromix film crew in my face, and afterwards was informed that maybe they would get more people to sign up in time for the second class. When the class was cancelled five days later, Galaxie refused to issue a refund for my class fee electronically via PayPal (the way I paid), and instead gave me the option to entrust a check to the Chicago Post Office (not bloody likely), or trek all the way out to Avondale to pick it up myself....because doing otherwise would mean they had to do some complicated bookkeeping. I understand that complicated bookkeeping can be a pain in the hiney...but I wonder if it not having to do it was worth losing a customer. I'm sure Galaxie has a lot of great stuff going on, but the lack of professionalism and basic customer service I experienced left a pretty foul taste in my mouth. Between the lack of advance notice about low enrollment (why else have advance registration?), the lack of getting my agreement to be filmed (or even, say, a heads up about a film crew being present), the general lack of communication (I had to e-mail them myself to make sure they received my original payment and that I didn't need to bring my own drum), and the fiasco that came from trying to get my class fee refunded....well, it was all a bit much for me. I won't be back. read more

Pretty good space for punk rock shows. No bullshit, well run, clean. I can't comment on anything else they do but I've usually had a good time. read more

Incredibly cool space, with a wide variety of interests addressed. We went for the swing dance classes (which were fun, affordable and we have actually learned how to acquit ourselves respectably on the dance floor! ) but will go back for some of their other offerings and events. The Galaxie is a labor of love for founder Nicole Wood, and well worth supporting because of what it adds to Chicago culturally. I love this place. read more

Got to see Black SS here, dropped many cider punks.

Great space, great people...you can't beat the Galaxie for a great dance and art venue. Nicolle Wood, the proprietor, brings in a wide variety of amazing instructors and artists, as well as contributing her own talents. read more

I have taken a few different classes and workshops. I have enjoyed all of them. I enjoy Nicole classes the most. She is an amazing instructor. I like that she tries to keep class structured so we learn the material. I suggest any dance class here. I am looking forward to trying the art classes too. read more

Very bad customer service. The staff makes you feel like you have to wait on them instead of the other way around. I took a painting class and my final project (the one I spent hours working on) was stolen from the center. They gave me no explanation or a called me as they said they would to resolve issue. Very very disappointing. There are better places in Chicago. I would not go back nor recommend it to anyone. read more

LOVE this place. Got a great funky bohemian vibe. The classes are inexpensive, the teachers I have are fun and energetic and most importantly they dont move too fast for me to learn. I am picking up swing dancing well and it is entirely due to their patience. I would give them 5 stars but the class Im in is waaaay to crowded. They did a groupon and there are literally like 40 people in the class. Time to offer another class people! Its hard to learn in that environment because there is always someone slowing you down. Its also not organized. When I signed up online the next session had not been posted online. I called to find out what the dates were and she told me and said to go ahead and sign up online even tho the dates were wrong. I did so but never got any confirmation email or anything and I had to call again to tell them which session I was in. A few kinks to work out but for the price its a great place to go learn and have some fun! read more

the galaxie is a wonderful resource for chicago! it's kinda tricky to find but once you do find it, you'll always go there. there's so much going on & the owner, nicolle has a heart of gold. she's one of the hardest working women out there, from what i could tell. they offer art classes, acting stuff, exercise classes, you can rent space there - it's so cool. read more