You know the "Elaine dance", right? From Seinfeld? *oh sweet fancy Moses!*…read more 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!

Did you ever aspire to be a welding stripper like Jennifer Beals in Flashdance..?…read more ~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...

I have had the pleasure of studying a variety of on-camera, voice over and theater courses at…read moreVagabond School of the Arts. Among their talented roster of instructors, Robyn Coffin & Cheryl Graeff stand out as particularly talented instructors. Both really helped me fine tune my tool box of on-camera skills and improved my prep for auditions. In addition, Anne Sonneville was an enthusiastic Voice Over instructor, giving me a really solid base to go explore VO work! Since COVID, I've completed two Digital Theater Rep Workshops, giving me valuable face time with and direction from a variety of directors at some of Chicago's top theaters including the Goodman, Steppenwolf and Remy Bumppo to name a few! Having participated in Vagabond courses in person and on-line, I can assure you the experience is every bit as valuable via zoom...in some ways, even better! Finally, when I was searching for an agent, I worked with Michael McCracken on an Agent Prep Package. I walked away with a professional, streamlined set of materials, a much better understanding of the process and not long after...an agent! Emily in the office is a delight to deal with, always quick to respond. I have nothing but good things to say about my experiences at Vagabond, highly recommend to other performers!

I've been taking Vagabond's on-camera classes and am learning so much. I didn't realize how…read moreon-camera acting is a different skillset from live performance, and Vagabond has really helped me reconceive how I approach acting. Their classes are also built around giving you insight into the industry, with mock auditions, self-tapes, and "on set experience" where they film you doing scenes you "auditioned" for. Vagabond's instructors are pros and have long careers to draw from with advice, anecdotes, and perspectives. We get to learn from their wins and their misses, which helps us work toward getting more wins. I've gotten to work with Ed Kross most, and recommend him highly (as well as the other faculty members). If you want to be a professional working actor, take on-camera classes. You won't be sorry.

Lillstreet Art Center is a magical place, it has a little bit of everything!…read more I've taken everything from pottery classes to jewelry workshops to textile classes here. They really have a wide selection and great time options in the evenings for those who work 9-5. 12 years later I still use the garlic grater I made in a sculpting class. Prices are expected, but reasonable for what you get. Teachers are awesome and work with you to help you learn, even if working with clay isn't your thing (I learned quickly it wasn't my thing). But it's still fun to try something new! In the heart of Ravenswood easily accessible by the el, and they do have parking if you drive. Definitely check out this gem if you haven't yet.

Too many students for one teacher Also teacher was new to…read moreteaching Had to pay more money for private lessons Private instructor was amazing

my first time inquiring about getting information and the respond they messaged me came off ruderead more

Miss Dana and Miss O have been running an after school program at my daughter's school since the…read moreinception of Infinity Arts in 2012. We've known Ms. Dana even before that! We don't know much about the camps and classes offered by Infinity, but we do know a lot about Ms. Dana and Ms. O. We have nothing but great things to say about them. They are energetic, funny, talented, and care deeply about the well-being of the children. The children all love them and are devoted to the program. To give you an idea of their hearts, my daughter recently had a sizable role in a drama -- significantly more than she has ever had. The teachers identified that extra practices would be beneficial so they offered to give her free private lessons on the weekend. Not many people would offer to do that and we are thankful to be involved with such great people.

Right now with all the COVID-19 craziness going on, taking online courses through Vitruvian is a…read moregreat way to develop talents, during the shelter in place orders and social distancing. The online course offers hours of detailed video direction. The videos are high-quality and give great depth and detail into instruction. I am about halfway through the course and I absolutely love it. David the instructor is extremely detail oriented. If you are looking to develop your drawing skills, I highly recommend their Beginners Course in Drawing. One of the reasons I love this online corse it is because you can work at your own pace and you can go back and watch the videos as many times as you need to. David is extremely responsive. Anytime I have had a question or a concern he responds very quickly. I'm giving them 5 STARS! :)

Some are intimidated by the words "realism" and "traditional," but if you want to learn to draw,…read morepaint and sculpt well, no matter your personal style or aesthetic, Vitruvian is the BEST place to go. Not only are both instructors/owners extremely skilled, but they have decades of combined experience in instruction, and know how to systematically and effectively develop an artist from beginners to veterans They're both also great people to be around, and classes can be as fun as they are challenging. They're new Saturday format is extremely flexible, and great for beginners, and people with irregular schedules.

No strings attached, no questions asked. Come in, pay 15 bucks and you get 3 hours with a…read moreprofessional model, good light and very nice atmosphere. You can bring any type of tools you want, have any skill level and do whatever you want; as far as unstructured figure drawing sessions it doesn't get better than this. The place provides benches but no tools so make sure you bring your own. Also be ready to be impressed by the very good artists that practice here. If you want you can also take a lesson but those cost more and are on tuesday and thursday I believe.

This is the best drawing class I've ever attended. The instructor is extremely thorough and…read morehelpful. If you want to improve your artistic abilities you need to take classes here.

I took a class here as a teenager and it was top notch! I have talked to many students who have…read moretalked classes here recently, and you know what, they can't speak highly enough about it! Yes, the rumors are true! It's just as good now as it was 45 years ago! Hats off to all the great teachers for encouraging all the students from around the world (yes, I knew a young woman from Italy who attended classes back in 2005!). A big standing ovation to all the teachers keeping this great institution world class all these decades later! You are the greatest!

My experience with this college has been extremely disappointing. One of my biggest concerns is the…read moreway on-campus job opportunities are handled. From my experience, it feels like Black students are not given the same opportunities or consideration when it comes to certain positions on campus. It has been extremely discouraging, especially when students are trying to work to support themselves while attending school. On top of that, many things on campus are unnecessarily overpriced. Students are already paying high tuition, yet basic things can feel excessively expensive. I hope the school takes these concerns seriously.

I met the owner/teacher Diane last week when she hosted a Holiday Artisian Sale. It was cold but…read moremany people stop by to buy holiday gifts from local artists. I would definately try to take an oil painting class with Diane one day. She is very nice and warm. The place is clean and cozy! See the link to see class schedule. http://www.gogetyoursmock.org/seminars_and_special_events/artisansale.html

They hold after school matters here too and it is very spacious and it looks very tucked offread more

Finally after so many years our beautiful El Centro campus is complete. Architecturally it is…read moreinnovative and green friendly with its solar panels on the roof. The classes are ample for so many students but if course Northeastern has small classes which tends to give the student a wonderful education that is tailored for them. We still are in need of furniture so as the days go by, this will happen. Industrial cement is all around us and the parking lot bots ample space for over 200 cars. This was well worth it and I am in awe in the structure itself. If you see the building from the I90 you will see out school colors represented on the panels of yellow and blue. NEIU has this satellite and others but of course this is the newest and most innovative structure yet. Chicago is on the map with a new school and we are very proud of what has been accomplished. Visit the school and ask questions, you never know- you may just take classes in this hidden gem! And on te third floor we have an outside terrace overlooking the I90 through glass window panes like in downtown high rises!

An extraordinary place of learning, craft, and kindness. I've been working in student-centered…read moreeducation for 30 years and Natalie is among the top 3 educators of the hundreds I've known. She is astonishingly good at meeting people where they are. I've made pieces I would have thought far beyond my abilities. She's gotten me addicted to the whole weaving process. Except knotting which is just so boring lol.

Best place in Chicago (and maybe the world) to learn weaving! Natalie is not only an accomplished…read moreartist but she's an amazing teacher and human. I highly recommend this school!