I have seen my fair share of improv shows. In high school, I was much more excited about seeing my…read moreschool's improv team play that I was to see the football team. I have also seen a number of grown up improv shows since then. I recently saw the Berkeley Players in action and had a fantastic time. The show was free (bonus!) and held at Saturn Cafe (http://www.yelp.com/biz/saturn-cafe-berkeley) where we were able to enjoy a tasty meal and beverage beforehand. They performed a wide selection of games and most everyone and everything they did made me laugh. On more than one occasion I laughed until I cried. Berkeley Players are graduates of Berkeley Improv (http://www.yelp.com/biz/berkeley-improv-berkeley). Either the members of this particular troupe are all naturally hilarious or the Berkeley Improv teacher is magical. Perhaps a combination of both. Keep an eye on their website for upcoming shows.

I recently saw the Berkeley Player's at The Saturn Café. They are a very talented troupe of…read moreImprov actors that had me practically peeing my pants. Fortunately I have a strong bladder. I've never used the word "uproarious", but that pretty-well describes the laughter in the club the night I saw them. The skits or scenes move quickly and the chemistry among the players is very good. At the end of the show, each member was awarded an oven mitt, which seemed to me was an appropriate tchotchke. The show was free, but I would pay to see them again!

We've been at this dance studio for four years, and it's been a fantastic experience. My child has…read moretaken a wide variety of classes and has loved every class and teacher. She's grown so much as a dancer and is always asking to take more classes. The recitals are also a standout. They are high-quality productions with great choreography and impressive props. Highly recommend!

My daughter is in her third term of Pre-Ballet at VDZ Dance Studio. It's perfect for us. The…read moreteachers manage to capture my daughter's twirling fairy princess imagination while also instilling patience, discipline, and basic pre-ballet mechanics. As a mom who took ballet very seriously until high school, I like what I see at VDZ better than what we experienced at a different studio. And I love that they put on performances for their families! There was lots of preparation but it didn't feel stressful; watching my daughter perform a piece in the school's Nutcracker performance was incredible and she was so proud of herself. I recommend without reservations.

I should have reviewed Tiffany awhile ago. However, this is not about her general classes, although…read more I've attended a few. This is about her private instruction. Tiffany is a excellent private instructor. Most instructors tend not to promote private instruction during their regular classes, but they really should. Let me just say if you really want to become a proficient Salsa dancer, you need to take private lessons. Let me repeat that: you need to take private lessons. Having the undivided attention of the instructor allows you to work on the subtle nuances of the dance ultimately making you a better dancer. Whether male or female you will benefit by private instruction. Yes, it's expensive, but it's worth it. You should take as many private lessons as you can. As an older guy, I don't go to clubs anymore, so dancing with Tiffany was great fun. Spend the money for private lessons, you'll be glad you did. Another benefit is dancing to the music you like.

Such a wonderful salsa class!! The energy, the vibe, it all makes for an excellent evening when you…read moreneed to just get out and enjoy. People are friendly and the moves are broken down to fine, easy to understand, details.

Hooray for excellent improv! I could tell from the very beginning that this wasn't going to be a…read more"standard" improv experience -- the group made their entrance with the lights down low, singing an improvised, atonal chant. It's a fairly large group of performers, but they're all clearly very comfortable with each other. Individually, they were all confident and able -- good singing/voices/physical comedy, great commitment to each other in keeping the ball in the air, and all with a sense of restraint (it seemed) about keeping the story in motion rather than going for the punchline. These performers are clearly very interested in character and storytelling, which I really appreciated. The first half of the show was a series of short scenes that incorporated audience suggestions, and that were done in a particular style, and all were extremely hilarious. The second half was a single long sketch that developed over several scenes that initially didn't seem to be connected. It had all the tension of a high-wire act, with the hilarious relief of watching it ultimately come together. Highly recommended.

Hilarious and engaging shows performed by a very talented group of improv artists. A really great…read moreway to spend a Saturday night.

I grew so much from your classes. I went from being an overthinking, comedy-only improvisor to…read moresomeone who could engage in real emotional depth in a scene. I can't thank you enough for expanding my range and abilities as a performer!

Full Spectrum Improvisation is like playing with friends, as I recall it as a child.. Freeing the…read morebody to express creative impulses, connecting with others in endless ways, and learning techniques from a master teacher to open up, reveal and connect. Much self-discovery and shared exploration, feeling safe to go there. Joya creates an environment of structure and freedom, xoxPeg

Michele is an incredible music teacher! I highly recommend her. She does a great job making lessons…read morefun, helping you work toward your goals, and making it feel safe to be imperfect as you learn (which my inner perfectionist really appreciated). She's wonderful at finding metaphors, visuals, etc. that get her point across and help you understand the structure of the sounds you're trying to make and how to do it as efficiently as possible. In the six months or so I've been studying with her, I notice significant improvement in my vocal quality -- I can nail things that used to be a lot harder, and do it with less effort. My friends have also commented on how I sound noticeably better. Thanks, Michele!

Michèle is a gentle, funny, patient, miracle worker. Who sings like an angel…read more I never EVER thought I could actually learn to sing harmony, in a group. But after a handful of her Wednesday night drop-in harmony classes I am finding by part and singing it happily and with more confidence than I ever imagined I could have. Even in the informal group context, Michèle's friendly, easy-to-understand tips and pointers have done wonders for how I use my voice, and how I feel about it.

Our 14 year old daughter has participated in Piedmont East Bay Children's Choir (PEBCC) for 8 years…read moreand it has enriched her life enormously and she has relished every moment. It offers an amazingly diverse and inclusive community, the ability to build life long friendships, and formal music and singing instruction. The choir singers all perform in front of the community a few times a year and the older singers also tour and compete internationally. And many of the singers perform with such visible joy and smiles. The artistic directors (just two in its 45 year history) are lovely, very talented and technically skilled and proficient. The successor artistic director, Eric Tuan, attended PEBCC and is also a composer , including a piece called Nagasaki, about his Japanese grandmother's account of her surviving the nuclear bombing which the choir will perform during their Japan next summer. Just a remarkable organization which also performs a touching graduation ceremony for the departing seniors every year and who typically average 10+ years of attendance.

PEBCC is one of the most important things in my life. PEBCC has amazing directors and staff that…read morenot only care about you as a musician but as a person. The level of musicianship here is insane, but the community is even better. This chior is not only a Chior, but a family. Also the swag is pretty cool

Where do I start? Isabelle is awesome! She breaks things down so easily and goes through each step/…read moremovement until you have it down or feel comfortable. She will go into detail on your arm placement, how to cup your fingers, hip placement and feet placement. I have gone to Allegro a handful of times and get lost at the end due to the shortage of women that show. I decided to be taught by the best and it was worth it. Arm placement during basics and as well during turns is what she worked with me most. She concentrated on my arms more because I told her I wanted to learn more turns and spins for the woman. She have me a couple of things to work on at home. She did some helpful exercises with a chair and a little pan so I can get my foot placement right. It is big enough for private lessons and Morris along the front wall! Be careful because if you're driving you can pass this place up easily! It's directly to the side of the FedEx building. Parking on the street is something I recommend. Isabelle is so encouraging and so nice. She makes dancing salsa so much fun and makes you want to go back to show her how much you've improved. Well respected and an awesome dancer she is. Package deals are available but individual sessions are $75 but well worth it. I plan on doing a package deal soon. She's a great instructor and makes you feel comfortable. Makes learning salsa so enjoyable! Ladies, she's a great teacher to learn from and for the men... She's a great teacher to know on what you should know for when you dance with a girl. Check her out! Take a class or two. Well worth it!

This girl is the most off the hook salsa dancer I have ever seen in my life. And that is no lie…read more I remember seeing this girl when I first started dancing thinking to myself, "When I grow up, I wanna dance just like that." This girl has mastered the art of seduction. Her movements are so fluid that anyone who catches a small glimpse of her dancing is entranced by her. If you have every seen this girl turn, you will faint. Ive seen this girl do damn near 20 turns hella fast and back to back, coming out of it like it is nothing. Yes I'm on her jock. If you saw her dance, you' be on her jock too. She teaches on Sunday nights at Allegro Ballroom with Garry. She is an excellent teacher. Check her out when you are in the area. You wont be disappointed. So, I built up the courage to take private lessons from this gal. It was the best $75 for an hour that I have ever invested. She was kind enough to work with me longer than and hour so I learned a lot. I only took one lesson and immediately I felt the difference when I hit the dance floor. The good thing is that she told me that I move my body well so I don't need lots of lessons but that I do need to always remember form. You know, in the African American culture, we just get out there and groove with no form or anything. Well she taught me how to keep form, look sexy and be a good follower. I love Isabelle. I can sit and watch her dance and be completely content. You think I'm kidding? Go see for yourself.