One of Philly's many hidden gems!…read more After googling events happening this weekend I saw an exhibit for Rashaad Newsome - "To Be Real" was on display at the Philadelphia Photo Arts Center... I'm always looking for something new, interesting and mentally stimulating so decided to check it out and was impressed. Let me start by saying this space is beautiful! My niece and I were greeted upon entering and were given a brief overview of the exhibit. The exhibit itself was rich in color and concept and very unique. There was no admission to see the exhibit but donations are welcome (tip: DONATE!) - donation is not mandatory but I'm a firm believer that arts and culture help expand and enrich our experiences and are also great for conversation. In addition to seeing the feature exhibit, there was a hallway with more art, which lead to another space with another exhibit "Fluid Women" (I think) was the name; this exhibit was captivating also. I had a wonderful experience visiting PPAC and will definitely return! I also recommend if you have an interest in visual arts and are looking for something unique. The space was quiet and it is not large but has a lot to offer.

This place is excellent. I'm an amateur photographer and I have come here for multiple workshops…read morebecause the education, the teachers, and the facilities are excellent. In terms of those workshops you can find them for about $30 on Groupon or LivingSocial and the classes are intimate enough with about seven people or less that you really can get the individual attention that really makes for an excellent experience. In fact you will get that personal attention because the teacher incorporates each student and politely requests that they offer their work for light critique. There are opportunities in every class for you to go outside and practice what you just learned by shooting on the surrounding streets. My only criticism regarding the workshops is that they are not as frequent as I would like as my weekend work schedule conflicts often times with their classes. This next section is about the print center and I've had nothing but a phenomenal experience there. I was completely new to Printing and Keith the master printer who runs the lab made an appointment and sat with me for about an hour to basically guide me through the entire process, give his suggestions, and work Photoshop to get the photos exactly as I want them. He has a profound amount of experience that he draws from and is completely understanding that I am a brand new printer. He even gave me recommendations for where to get my photos framed and was just a brilliant lead in the entire process of printing my photographs. I'll definitely come back and I will recommend it to you because they do have excellent facilities, friendly workers, and a wealth of experience. The actual building itself is quite large and I believe it's shared with some other organizations. Philadelphia photo Arts Center does have a classroom or two and a nice gallery to present whatever work they choose. Getting here is very convenient as I take the subway from Center City and walk about 10 minutes. If you were to drive there's plenty of parking and it does not seem packed the numerous times I've been there.

Wonderful organization with great camaraderie among the students and caring coaching and support…read morefrom the staff. Top notch theater development for kids of all (most) ages with an interest in acting, either for fun or for the long term. I'm so impressed with how the kids grow throughout the program, in skill and in confidence.

We love MacGuffin! It has been a fabulous place for our son to try out various types of performing…read more(everything from improv comedy to musical theater to dramatic acting to choreography). Over the past 7 years, we have watched him grow into a confident performer and person, and we know MacGuffin has had much to do with his progress. He loves participating in classes, open mic nights, productions, and camps, and he always comes away feeling like he has learned something new. The community is welcoming, supportive, and non-competitive. It is truly wonderful watching these kids grow up and perform while also forming lasting friendships.

The international House of the place that College students of all nationalities and backgrounds…read morelive while attending local Philly colleges. It is also a venue that's often used by several organizations to hold festivals that presents movies and art receptions etc. It is a well laid out space with a lot of of options if you need to hold or sponsor a special event. Within the last 12 months I attended two festivals BLACKSTAR and The Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival. Both I enjoyed immensely, I was able to view movies in a very comfortable and reasonably priced theater. The International House always appears to be fairly clean and staffed with an employee at the 'front desk'. Check out their website for more details, you might like what they have to offer.

Talk about an interesting place. where else can you go to take cheap language classes, catch a…read morediverse and entertaining film festival, see a band, and potentially live in? and their not joking by International. picture a place that has bright college students from 30 to 40 different countries living under it's roof? this place runs rampant with culture. The film fests are the best though. they had a festival of films by Alejandro Jodorowsky, who is perhaps the most unique and artistic director of all time. and it had a Kung Fu festival that didn't show the traditional Jackie Chan/Sonny Chiba kind of films that you would expect. The are getting ready to had a Spaghetti Western festival next.

I came to this venue for the first time to see the play Always Coming Soon: The Future, after…read morewinning free admission for a friend and I from Yelp. The Performance Garage is on an otherwise empty block of Brandywine in the Art Museum Area. I arrived just before show time and it wasn't hard to find due to the thrown open doors and people milling about. You check in at a front desk (one person taking names for admission and another selling drink and food tickets (2 for $3 or 5 for $5). It was a bit hectic and crowded, but they made sure everyone got through and checked in before show time. The stage was close to the seats, and no matter where you sat at this theater you got a good view of the elevated stage. The acoustics were not spectacular, which forced the performers to use microphones. I understand this is largely a dance theater, so normally the acoustics issue wouldn't be as much of a problem. I liked the intimacy of the theater--the inexpensive nature of the food and drinks sold (one ticket for popcorn and soda, two for beers), and would definitely come back to see another show here. Review of Always Coming Soon: The Future I tried and tried to find a review of this play/musical online, but had no luck whatsoever. I saw that it was performed in a couple of different cities, but I could only find the show descriptor, no doubt provided by the playwright/composer. The description was incredibly cryptic and I had no idea what to expect at this show. The performance began once you walked past the lobby into the "garage." You were directed through a hallway with a zombie yelling things through a megaphone. Then you were deposited where more zombies were selling the refreshments, including fresh air (the first clue that the performance was taking place in some future dystopic society). I'm not totally sure that I followed the plot after that (perhaps others had this issue as well, hence no reviews). It takes place some time after 2022 after a huge world war that resulted in some people, but not all, becoming zombies. I would say that It was possibly commentary on our society's commercialism, genetic modification, Monsanto, belief in god (or the government) to do what is right for us without, environmental neglect, or obsession with focusing on the present and not thinking about the future. As a whole, for me, there were too many criticisms, with little focus on each, so you really only got "big picture" commentary. I would characterize the show as more of a performance than a play or musical. The actors did great work--the show required a lot of hamming it up to the audience--both physically and verbally, which requires a lot of talent and the performers did a spectacular job. It was an unusual experience, but I am glad I went and would be down to see another BRAT Productions show in the future.

We visited the Performance Garage for a private ballet lesson. I was able to take a quick tour of…read morethe venue to observe the performance room before we settled into the ballet room. The owner was there to teach a class and was cordial upon meeting us. I enjoyed the posters on the wall and hearing a bit of history about the facility. This is a great place for a private lesson, a group class, or a performance with a small audience. Parking, on the other hand, is on your own. Allow extra time to find a space.

Such a beautiful, and lovingly curated space. The talent Sheri has spreads beyond just her painting…read moreabilities . Her passion for activism and human rights create a safe and inspiring venue. Highly recommend checking out this space for any and all art related events and gifts! Sheri does everything within her power to make lasting memories for you.

We have been at TSDC for 11 years and couldn't be happier! My three girls (all different levels of…read moredance) love their dance classes and teachers! Most of the dance instructors have danced professionally and are more than qualified to teach! They genuinely care about their students improving and doing their absolute best! I would take the bad reviews with a grain of salt! Being at the studio such a small amount of time and taking one class, is hardly enough experience to degrade an entire studio! No dance studio is perfect, but Tricia Sloan Dance Center is perfect for my family!

I had my daughter in class here last year. While we were there I thought it was okay, but lots of…read moreannoyances with the place. Parking is a pain (they have a small lot + street parking on one side of the road), they spent a lot of class time switching shoes (one time my husband watched when every little girl arrived to class in ballet shoes the teacher changed her mind and switched everyone's shoes to tap- over 10 minutes of class time wasted for this decision). They also had really poor communication about important things- like ticketed events being cancelled, but then no word for weeks about how/when refunds would be given. But none of these things were a huge deal breaker. Then came the deal breaker. My son wanted to take acro. He was enrolled in a 3&4 year old class. I don't know if they just had too many kids in the class for the teacher to handle or what, but one night my son had to use the bathroom during class. Instead of the teacher walking out to the waiting room to find me like they do in other classes (I am happy to assist my kids in any way) she took him out a different door to the bathroom and left him ALONE. TEN TO FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER the parents were invited to watch the class and I was concerned when I didn't see my son. The teacher said he was in the bathroom and had been there for awhile. When I went to the bathroom here he was bawling his eyes out and the door wide open ALL ALONE. God only knows what could have happened to him. I was livid. I called Tricia herself the following day. She apologized, said it was not school policy to leave any young child alone, etc. but then after that the staff were like ice statues. Front desk staff especially (no small talk, no "hello" no eye contact.) When my son didn't want to return to class because he was scared of being left in the bathroom again they tried to charge me a drop fee. After I refused due to the circumstances the attitudes from the front desk staff got worse. That's when I decided to jump off this sinking ship. There's no way I could trust them with my kids at this point, and then being rude-just too much. And yes, they still socked me with a fee to leave. But still their loss considering what I would've spent over the years on dance classes for three kids. And after leaving TSDC and going to a much nicer dance school I have to say that TSDC really isn't worth it. There are better, nicer, cheaper options in the area.

I really enjoy the feeling of this place. The building is spacious, bright, and incredibly clean…read more The high ceilings and open layout make everything feel airy and comfortable, which is something I always appreciate in a museum. That said, it's not a museum packed wall-to-wall with exhibits. A lot of the space is dedicated to events, auditoriums, presentations, and gathering areas. It feels just as much like a civic and educational center as it does a traditional museum. On the first floor, there are interactive exhibits and staff members stationed throughout to answer questions and engage with visitors. There are often small craft activities for children too. During my visit, there was a project where kids could create items to send to soldiers, which I thought was a thoughtful touch. There was also a smaller exhibit focused on women's voting rights that I found particularly interesting and relevant. The theater presentation was another highlight. It combines a live performer with projections across the walls and floor, creating a more immersive experience than a standard museum film. If you've never seen that style of presentation before, it's definitely worth checking out. The second floor is probably the most visually impressive part of the museum. Seeing all the state and territorial flags suspended from the ceiling is striking, and the life-sized sculptural recreation of the Constitutional Convention is wonderfully done. I especially appreciated that visitors can walk among the figures and experience the exhibit from different perspectives. It's also accessible in a way that allows visitors with visual impairments to engage with the display through touch, which is a feature I don't see nearly often enough in museums. Plus, it's one of the best photo spots in the building. The facilities are also very well maintained. The bathrooms were clean, the common areas were spotless, and everything felt organized and cared for. One thing to know before visiting: there is a security screening at the entrance that's somewhat similar to an airport checkpoint. It's not nearly as intense or stressful as TSA, and the staff were professional and courteous, but it's worth knowing ahead of time if security lines aren't your favorite part of going out. Overall, I think the National Constitution Center shines most as a place for civic engagement, educational programming, and events rather than as a traditional artifact-heavy museum. Beautiful building, engaging presentations, and a welcoming atmosphere. Every time I visit, I end up enjoying myself more than I expected.

It's been a long time since I've been here. It seemed a lot smaller this time, I believe because a…read morefew of the exhibits were not open. We saw the Suffrage and Civil War. The constitution signing was not open. It was a great visit and the staff was extremely helpful and nice.

Let me start off by saying that I danced here for 8 years. If I could give this place 0 stars, I…read morewould. 1) The dance teachers here aren't professionally trained. Most of the dance teachers that work here are high school kids or adults that were taught to dance through this studio. It's a chain of untrained dancers, getting taught by untrained dancers. 2) When I danced here, it was very cliquey. Everyone had their own friends and plenty of the girls that I went to this studio with, were not open to inviting new people into their group of friends at all. Also, some of the girls will sit there and laugh at you, directly in your face. It was very intimidating. 3) Even the studio owner, Miss Barbara, makes her dancers feel insecure about themselves! She would not allow me to be in the competition group and would constantly tell me that I 'don't dance like my sister', rubbing it in my face that she thought my sister was better than me. She even gave me a movie to watch and told me that I need to dance like the people in the movie and have the same passion. She does this to her own students to be spiteful! In all, I haven't danced there in 10 years. Things might have changed. However, I I doubt it. If you want your kids to have low self-esteem, bring them here. If you want your kids to feel important and love what they are doing, go somewhere else!

Well, I have to say after reading a previous review I was angered, upset, and personally hurt to…read moresay the least. Miss Barbara's Dance Studio was my home away from home from the age of two and a half to the age of eighteen. That being said, if I could give this studio 10 stars I would. 1) The dance teachers at this studio are professionally trained. The owner (Miss Barbara) was a rockette and her daughter, who is also a teacher, danced for Brandywine Ballet Company. I myself have had the amazing experience of dancing under both incredibly talented women. Not only did I have the privilege of being taught by them, but I also had the privilege of teaching with them. The "high school" teachers that were talked about in the last "review" are ASSISTANT TEACHERS teaching alongside extremely talented women. 2) In one review the reviewer mentioned that the studio was "cliquey". I cannot speak for anyone else, but in my personal experience the ladies at this studio were always welcoming and always had another's best interest at heart. I can also speak from personal experience of being the "awkward girl" in middle school and high school, that girls can be down right mean and "cliquey", if you will. In fact, I don't think I have ever heard of a place full of young girls that hasn't had a problem with girls being mean to one another. But, I will say, if and when this ever happened in this studio it was always taken care of if the problem was brought to a teacher or the directors attention. I have learned many things growing up in this studio, one being to love myself through any stage of life, and that dancing is an amazing outlet for feelings of insecurities or self doubt. 3) Miss Barbara was taught, professionally I might add, in a completely different period of time where hard love was the best love. I can say from experience of crying in the studio, on my way home from class, and on my way to class, that Miss Barbara's "tough love" attitude is nothing BUT having her students best interest at heart. Her tough love is what made me into the dancer and woman I am today. If she didn't care about her students she wouldn't sit at her desk for almost every class and watch each of her students grow from year to year. Miss Barbara personally gave me movies to watch, not to be spiteful or mean, but to inspire me and to push me harder, because she knew there was more in me than what I was putting forth. I have actually never had a teacher in school that cared or believed in me that much to personally give me a movie to watch to inspire me or push me harder. If I had, I would have probably graduated Harvard with a doctorate degree. You have to work hard for the things you love and want in life. No one is going to hand you a spot on a competition team, or job position for that matter, if the hard work and passion isn't seen in that particular person. 4) I have not danced or taught in the studio for 5 years now. I normally don't care about another's opinion, but when it comes to my family I am very protective and stand strong in my own opinion. Miss Barbara's Dance Studio is and will always be my second family. Miss Barbara's Dance Studio is a wonderful place with high standards for every single one of their students. I have recommended Miss Barbara's to many parents and will continue doing so in the future.