You'd think my little one would be tired after an hour of practice, followed by an hour of…read morerehearsal but she loves showing off her latest ballet moves. Her spontaneous encore is usually as soon as we get home, en L'air, obstructing daddy's view of Kobe's final buzzer beaters. It's ok though. We pretend the game's standing ovation is applauding her perfect timing. Emotionally exhausted from her visually striking performance, Kobe has to take a seat and bury his tears in a towel. We recently signed our 'pink mamba' up for a performance featuring Don Quixote. I was concerned an additional hour of rehearsal might be a little too demanding for a 5yr old but the instructors keep it fun and interactive. I appreciate their patience when the pint-sized attention spans start to waiver, not to mention their trained eye to quickly spot a pee-pee dance before it gets full Swan Lake. As far as credentials, you really can't be more accomplished than the talent that has graced the building over the years. The alumnae are impressive and a parent can't help but wonder about the possibilities from the dedication invested under the tutelage here.

After 12 years at this academy, the kid has moved on to other sport endeavors. She enjoyed the…read morechallenge of this academy. What I personally won't miss is the clicky dance moms and their clicky ballerinas. Ballet is evolving - pink tights do not represent universal skin tones - and broad shoulders and thick hips DO have their place in the world of dance, without criticism or critique from costume production personnel (and volunteer moms). Choosing dancers based on their ability to fit the costume is fair how?? Please invest and continue to work on diversity, equity and inclusivity. Get to know these dancers' backgrounds and challenges. I saw many aspiring dancers come and go, and it's likely because they felt like they didn't belong. All dancers deserve mentorship and guidance.

Great fun to picnic in a lovely Torrance park at dusk and watch Shakespeare being performed. The…read moremost recent play this summer was 'Much Ado About Nothing'. (I've been attending for a few years) - of course if one is unlucky enough to only find a patch of grass far away from the stage, the sounds from the stage can be faint. Arrive very early to sit close enough to hear the actors. Bringing a picnic basket with a light dinner is something I'd recommend. These thespians are not classically trained so the acting isn't high caliber. But the entire experience is free (donations accepted), and a great way to spend an evening, in a lovely, relaxed, unusual setting with the family or friends.

*** Yet another awesome free summer event. ***…read more The opportunities to enjoy summer are endless. Last nite i brought a date here to chill out and watch Shakespeare's "Love's Labour's Lost". It's a casual, relaxed, very enjoyable affair ... there's another Shakespearean play tonite! First get your checklist of items for the event: 1. a picnic basket and/or ice cooler 2. a blanket and/or low-rise lawn chairs 3. wine, cheese, fruit, sushi, smoked salmon (y'know: easily manageable finger foods) 4. sweater and/or blanket for warmth 5. an easy going 'tude (this ain't Broadway) If u ask, i couldn't tell u anything about the play. All i recall is that the cast is extremely silly, lol. The date: we talked, we laughed, she dug it, I dug it, took a walk around the park during the intermission ... hey, it was all good. ;) *** A very pleasant way to just simply chill. ***

Circus Vargas is one of the last of the old time circuses, it is fun, not pricey and a great time…read morefor everyone. There are so few left, you should go while you can. They don't use animals and have not for years, they just offer family fun and laughs. The circus moves around from town to town so just go to their website and fine out when they will be near you. They have everything, clowns, trapeze artists, motorcycles, great acts, jugglers and just funny guys. It is very talented people working for little pay to keep their dream alive and entertain you. The place is always clean and they have so much food to offer and you won't go broke. They have toys and there is just not a bad seat in the house, the tent is not that huge anymore. This is just as good as Cirque without the pretense. It is just fun. Please go and take your grandkids. I doubt there will be a traveling circus like this in 20 years, so do it and have the best time.

I haven't been to a circus in a long time. Honestly, I hate clowns a lot and would probably be…read morescared if I saw one. My bf got tickets for Circus Vargas for veterans so we decided to go. Everything was so cool to watch and the performances were awesome. We had so much fun and really enjoyed this circus. I was happy there were no clowns. Overall, really liked this circus and would definitely come back again next year.

Dance West is a great place to learn ballet as an adult…read more Most ballet studios are not adult friendly. Most ballet studios only reward tweens and early teens who have small bones, long legs, flexibility, nicely arched feet, small heads, tapering fingers, and parents that can pay for them to come 1-2 times a day, 6 days a week. Not so at Dance West. Mike & Monique, the owners, are serious about ballet and yet they temper it with the understanding that only 1% of their tweens and teens wants to be a professional dancer and that all of their adult dancers dance because they love it. They make ballet fun and hire teachers for tap, jazz, and hip hop that keep that attitude of fun. This is the least snooty dance studio I've been to, and I've been to A LOT of dance studios. Back when it was in Seal Beach, the class schedule & studio brochure used to note that eating disorders were not tolerated. Only by eating a healthy diet and healthy meals would dancers become strong enough to meet the demands of dance, it said. The connected company, Metropolitan Ballet Company, has won choreographic and performance awards in Europe on several occasions.

I really love Dance West. The classes are great for all ages and it is a great place to learn to…read moredance. There are many options from taking a single class, dance team, even classes for adults. The owners take a lot of pride in their studio and are involved with the local community. Their prices are affordable and some of the best around for quality instruction. I would definitely recommend this studio.

We are so happy we found Encore. If you are looking for a high-quality educational experience and…read moreperforming opportunity for your child, where they learn not only stage skills, but also life skills, then this is the place for you. The production level of Encore shows is much better than other South Bay options, and the kids are held to high standards--onstage and off. Zero tolerance policy on bullying and name calling. Accountability and respect for one another at every stage of the experience. A sense of family that you won't find elsewhere. It's a special place.

These people are great, but I need to say this. I understand you are busy but please make sure you…read moresend your emails to everyone. I had to rely on a friend who got the emails. But everyone there is amazing and highly recommended. Just make sure to send your emails!

As a musical theatre vocal and acing coach here in Belmont Shore, I can say that OCCT is one of the…read morefinest community theatre groups in the area and an amazing opportunity for my students and young artists in the community to get experience in musical theatre and expanding their repertoire. I have seen many of my students perform leads here and the varied repertoire is exciting. From seeing my student Lindsay Denbo in The Wizard of Oz to, seeing my alumni student Jayson Ziegenhagen as the Beast in Beauty and the Beast. OCCT never disappoints. Always great theatre, and priced cost effective for families. I give my highest rating to OCCT as they truly care about the arts and nurture our young talent with love, excellence and varied repertoire. Thanks OCCT James Spencer: Musical Theatre Vocal/Acting Coach JAMESRSPENCER.COM

Do not go with this company. They are liars and thrives and completely lack communication skills…read more I understand everyone suffered during the shut down but I expected better from them. First they kept saying the show will go on and not to worry, complete lie. The show is not going on. They kept saying emails will be sent out early August. Here we are mid August with no contact. Several emails was sent to them to find out what going on with no response. I ask for a refund earlier in the year and they said they would like me to consider giving the money as donations. I said no and that I prefer a refund. Their response was I'm sorry we're not providing refunds. If they understand what the term donations means, it means it's something voluntary not forced. On top of that I bought 10 tickets to the show because we had to otherwise they charge a hefty amount and a penalty. Also no refund is given. I ask if the tickets will still be used for the show. They said no! You'll have to buy more tickets. Like stealing $500+ wasn't enough for them. Then to find out there's no show and they have a new show going on with a new cast. Don't waste your time or money because if another shut down occurs, you'll never see your money again. They are horrible people and thrives. Will never recommend them to anyone!

Volta, my dear, you vaulted our experience to new heights!…read more The wonder of human movement is constantly celebrated by Cirque Du Soleil and this contemporary show had a hip, new edge to it with great music and incredible talent. Still featuring their incredible live musicians, this show is a mesmerizing treat. Suitable for all ages, the performers of Cirque Du Soleil never cease to amaze me at the wonders of the human body. I loved this show, as much as O in Las Vegas. This show is tied for my favorite Cirque Du Soleil's.

Easy four stars. Cirque Du Soleil is back in my good graces after going to the last tent show in…read moretown, Amaluna which was a bore-fest. Volta rocked it from start to finish. The two solo comedy filler acts went on way too long, the washing machine bit, and the beach bit, but the guy put everything he had into them. Lots of work for not much punch. The rest of the acts were fantastic. They were all a lot of fun to watch and the live singing that went along with it created a wonderfully ethereal ambiance. I loved it. Here's a good tip: There really aren't any bad seats so even if you are way in the back you really aren't that far back. That being said, I was seated in section 204. It was close to the center pole and obstructed my view a little bit. You would be much better off sitting in the center part of either section 203 or 204 so your view will not be obstructed. I posted the seating chart in my review if you want to check it out. Sitting off to the sides will not detract from your wonderful experience. As I said, the seats are all good. You can generally find a good deal on tickets during the week from Goldstar and other vendors of discount tickets. I got my tickets directly from Cirque Du Soliel when they were having a black Friday sale. I wanted to change my ticket but there's a $15 charge and I would have to pay full price. There's a $2 and $11 service fee on tickets. No way to avoid it. Parking is $25. I knew that. I need to figure out a place to leave my car and walk. Beating the parking fee isn't easy to do around there though. The restrooms are usually good but this time the doors would not shut on several that I tried, and the restrooms weren't as clean as they usually are. It's pricey for snacks and drinks. A bottle of water is $6. This really is a fun show. My friend that went with me and loved it so much she is going back to see it again. If I can get a super good deal on tickets, I might go too!

Charles was incredibly patient, informative and supportive. He helps you visualize the character in…read morean inspiring way while giving you the freedom to add your own flair! Thank you Charles!

I cannot say enough about the Aurora MyActingStudio. Charles has created such a gem, a place to go…read moreand learn about acting no matter what level you are. I pull something from every class I have taken. It's truly such a beautiful atmosphere, you never feel judged, you are encouraged to take risks and fail. Just like anything in life, failure is the best teacher, you must fail to learn. You must take risks to succeed. I've had the chance to learn from Charles and Genevieve; they are both so insightful and knowledgeable about the art form. They know how to pull things out of you so that you can truly be real to the scenes. They teach to any level you are, whether you are seasoned or starting out. And you never feel judged. I've had so much fun at this studio and that's what it is all about. We are there to have fun, and learn. They make the process enjoyable while also so enlightening. If you are looking for places to go, whether to deepen your already vast knowledge about acting or starting out, please believe when i say you won't be disappointed taking a class at the Aurora theater. They teach things that go far beyond acting, things you can bring into your everyday life. It is well worth it. I can go on and on, however I'll leave you with this, if you are scouring the internet researching a bunch of classes, I have been there too. Over researched, and at some point you need to just take action. I have been so thankful I took action and went to My Acting Studio. I encourage you to take action too, sign up, I promise you will be glad you