My child enrolled in the summer dance camp and it's our first visit there…read more I registered her online and splurged on this class even though it's over my budget for summer camps because I thought my daughter would love the dance class. On the first day on our very first visit, I arrive 15 min before the class starts and the only person at the front desk is in the phone facing sideways. There was someone else already waiting to be helped and a few minutes go by without this lady ever looking over to say...anything. I know she can see us. We just waited till another lady finally came along to sign us in. When it wasn't turn, I'm told to fill out a form. That's pretty standard but then she proceeded to tell me that my 6 year old needs to "sign" the code of conduct. Uh... maybe the instructor should go over discipline and code of conduct in their class rather than have a 1st grader (read and) sign any form of contract? I mean, she's smart but don't believe she could read all of it on her own so what's the point of having a child sign? THEN, "So, the before care is $35". Huh? The class STARTS at 8:30. I wait to be signed in because some woman is on the phone ignoring us customers. Then 15 min till the START of the class, if I wanted to drop her off, it's ADDITIONAL $35 on top of $225 for the week if dance camp. For 8am to 8:30. I needed to get out of there because I had to get to work so just had her charge my card but even when I went back to the sign up page, it doesn't say anything about costing whopping $35 for 30 minuets window of BEFORE CARE, where the kids just sit in the lobby coloring. Whatever. First and last time, I tell myself. Here's the big kicker. As I'm used to showing my ID and signing her out so I told them that I need to add someone to the pick up list. The answer she gave me just threw me off completely. "We don't really have a set procedure." I asked, how are you going to make sure that you don't release my child to just anyone? and their answer was "We get to know the kids and parents. You can tell us who you don't want to release your child to." OMG. I was so ticked off when I left I had to really find a way to chill out before I got to work so I don't turn into a dragon lady at my work! When I arrived at pick up time (made sure I'm not late a minute because they would have costed me another $35 for 30 minutes of AFTER CARE. Oh heck no!! There was a lady standing by the door with a clipboard but I signed nothing. I'm sure she remembered me but does she correctly remember every child's parents? Now for the classes, my daughter has been enjoying the classes and she says the instructors are nice so at least for that, I'm glad. So I'm giving extra star for the lessons to be fair. I just have hard time being ok with the 30 minutes before and after care they charge $35 per am/pm when I literally checked her in 10 minutes till class starts. I don't want her to be late and miss anything. How do they decide? I didn't hear her charge the other parent. So if I came in at 8:20, would she still had me pay? What about after care? How many minutes do they give me after 4 before they charge? It just doesn't make sense. I feel ripped off. $225 for one week is a splurge for me. Now it's $260 and it's not like it comes with meals. I still pack her lunch & snacks & water bottle every day. I don't think I'll be back after this week. That's a disappointment for both.

There's a lot more going on at Keshet than I know. A whole lot more. I know that my three year-old…read moreis absolutely boisterous about her dance class here; she takes it home, actually, and can often be found in our living room donning a ballerina costume, twirling on the carpet. I've known some professional dancers who've worked with the company in the past, they were absolutely incredible. I've seen a couple of Keshet performances and found them to be sort of nuanced modern, gorgeous and not overdone. But I've only recently learned of the nonprofit, community connected efforts of Keshet, and these earn 'em a fifth star. Amongst their various programs, I'm most impressed with the efforts that bring dance to low-income, at-risk, homeless and incarcerated youth. They also bring dance to the disabled. Really impressive. With programs for the young, old and in-between, Keshet's definitely one of the most important arts organizations in ABQ. The Center for the Arts is currently under construction; my daughter's class is currently being taught in a temporary structure adjacent to the building. But once the construction is over, it's looking like this will be a fantastic destination for the performing arts.

The New Mexico Philharmonic is a terrific young regional orchestra. The maestro is Roberto Minczuk,…read moreoriginally from Brazil but now a citizen of the musical world. He is polished, experienced, and a wonderful leader of the orchestra. Maureen Baca is chairman of the Board and seems to have led the organization to a secure financial base. On that base, this orchestra has attracted some fine soloists for their concerts. Musically, this orchestra does great things with 20th Century classical music. It is also comfortable with the classics -- Beethoven, Brahms, and all. The concerts are artistically planned to be fun as well as aesthetically satisfying. I would cite the cellos as a top notch section of the orchestra, but all the string sections play well. String pianissimos are difficult, but this orchestra has mastered them. There is a world class trumpet lead and some very good reed players. Big concerts are at Popejoy Hall, an acoustic dream. I am waiting for the first big recording deal -- this orchestra deserves it.

Size doesn't matter, they say. Which I think is total hog wash when it comes to the size of my…read morecandy bar, and I'd have to say I feel the same about theatre. Size is everything. A production in a huge theatre leaves out that intimate experience with the stage, the set, the tiny yet beautiful team effort and transition between acts; the things you wouldn't usually get to notice. I absolutely love the heart and soul I see behind a small theatre; throw in the raw skill of these locals and you wonder why you haven't escaped your typical night from Albuquerque to join the buzz of the Vortex more often. I have been here a few times, back when located on Carlisle, but this was my first time at the new location. The production: "The Real Thing"! I had heard tale of accents and from that alone I was sold ;) There were struggles of relationships (the monotony, infidelity, - real things, indeed) as well as a bit of insight into the writer's mind. What I personally took from the play was that without continuing affection/appreciation, love can easily wither, and you or your lover may find yourself in the arms of another, but even at that point, if you both fight back hard enough for your love, you can reclaim it. I will say that the theatre was quite ablaze on this particular Friday night - some issues with the cooling, causing our poor little programs to be beaten and destroyed back and forth for that teensy ounce of a breeze it may provide. After intermission they had the cooling situation under control thank gourd, and I was able to really give the dialogue my full attention. They have waters for a buck, sodas for a buck, reasonable and nice little refreshments. Believe you me did those come in handy after the first half :P This was an extremely talented set of people for this production and I was delighted to be a part of their audience. I have special kudos to give out to the lad who played Henry, for the ridiculous amount of lines he memorized was downright crazy. Sometimes I could barely keep up, let alone imagine remembering and delivering all of those words. Whew! Way to go! See ya again soon, Vortex!

We got out of work late and rushed downtown to catch "Shakespere in the Plaza" we were 6 minutes…read morelate. We were told they "held the show as long as they could" with a bit of annoyance. They had open seats, and, after we went back down to the parking garage, paid the parking and came back up, 10 min later they had still not started. Perhaps they do something special that no other production does, that absolutely requires people be exactly on time. Or maybe it's ran by pretentious so-and-so's. Who knows. **note: I was asked about the location. This review was in reference to a production they were putting on down town**

Thanks for turning me on to this Howie!…read more I had no idea what we were getting in to. I expected a small turn out with a short parade. But we dressed up and painted sugar skulls on our faces and decided to throw ourselves in. WOW! Seemed like a huge turn out despite the rain. And the parade just kept going...and going...and going. Many local organizations, schools and businesses turned out small floats or just marched in a group. Many stunning costumes, even the ones that weren't stunning were nice to see an effort being made. The little festival afterwards, at the community center was nice. A number of food trucks and lots of craft vendors showed off their wares. A band even played but soon shut down due to weather. They likely came back to the stage after we left and the rain let up. My one gripe for the organizers...use rain protection for the band...somehow.

This parade is about as local as it gets…read more Some enterprising, devilish, snarly businessperson is going to swoop down on this sucker, it's inevitable. The event beats the attendance of virtually any other civic festival in the city, bar none, year-round (Balloon Fiesta doesn't qualify). I'd guesstimate that they hit some 60,000 this year, a sea of skeleton face that extended for miles. The most amazing part of the entire thing? Virtually no vendors. Believe you/me, this won't last much longer. But while we have this parade where it should be, where we wish it would stay, in our hearts just a cluster of passionate locals and inspired floats, sweet community kids, unbelievably street-worthy low-ridahs and thorough grassroot activism, let me send this prayer to the souls that make it so fabulous each and every gorgeous autumn: Grant me the Serenity to accept that things may someday change Courage to hold on tight to the things I cherish; and Wisdom to know that Capitalism crushes festivity Amen. Until that sad day comes, I'm thrilled to live in a city where the people who attend the festival are also hand-in-hand participants. Love ya, Marigold Parade.

Another year come and gone, another two weeks of theatrical memories not to be forgotten…read more Revolutions remains the top ticket for a foreign performance event in the city (for my dollar, anyway) and it seems to be getting better, honestly, than it used to be. In fact, I'll admit that the formative years of this festival were often something of a snore. You'd look over the schedule and say to yourself "Hmm, there's an Icelandic sock puppet company coming, wonder what they're about," and then you'd go to the show and witness two hours of... Icelandic sock puppetry. Recent years have been stellar, overall. Yeah, you're still getting some stuff that Tricklock clearly thinks they must bring to the stage to somehow lend street cred to their enormously accomplished resumé, and that's a bore, but the entertaining stuff - this year a Berlin punk rock duo, a one-woman show and an absolutely gorgeous, wrenching French couple - were experiences well beyond Broadway. So if you haven't seen it, GO and if its been awhile, GO. You won't forget it.

Participated in this large scale event twice and wish to be there again. January/February in…read moreAlbuquerque is a theatre fiesta! Thanks to best organisers, best host, best people. Well, theatre people are just best ;)

I've hit up The Box a couple of nights to watch their improve group. Hilarity every time! No…read moreseriously, I know we say we LOL but do you really? Come here and you will ALOL (actually laugh out loud), I promise. Our latest trek out to The Box had a special guest appearing with the troop, Mr. Bob Odenkirk. Saul Goodman to those of you who only know him by his character name. This guy is funny! He could have easily overpowered the group but each and every member of that troop is so strong and incredibly talented that it was a great blend! They have a cute little concessions corner too. Trust me check out their improve group, you will not be disapointed!

Not sure what to do on a Friday/Saturday night? Have people visiting from out of town? Then I…read morehighly recommend considering The Box for a night out. Girls night, date night, family night - whatever you chose your poison to be - the Box should be included. It was a great experience and my face was hurting from laughing so much. The performers are very talented and quick on their feet. Definitely recommend this as an ABQ experience.

I'm not sure this is the permanent location for this group but during their run of the Ugly…read moreChristmas Sweater Revue it was. The show was great! A variety of comedy, music, improv, dancers and an overall great show for a great price. If you get the chance to see a how, definitely take it. Oh, and you might want to make sure your show is kid appropriate before you haul in your brood.

I have been a fan of the jungle book since I first read it as a kid. It was difficult how a small…read morecast, small stage, theater group was going to do this story justice. They did that with imagination and physicality and great acting. All actors were on the stage all the time with each actor seamlessly morphing characters and stage positioning till it all seemed perfectly normal for a them to be the tree Mowgli was climbing and the next being the monkeys he met at the top. A lot of fun for people who love good story telling. P.S. This is not presented at the usual location do check your ticket for the correct address.

This was just a fantastic experience. The performance was schedule to take place at their patio but…read moreAlbuquerque was hit by a much needed rain which delayed the Flamenco. The staff was very accommodating in offering us many different options like watch the performance indoors or return the next day. We were lucky to watch such great performers that night and even though it was a bit packed indoors it was a pleasure to see them give their best. A must visit when in Albuquerque.

4.5 stars I took…read morethe beginning-intermediate class last Saturday with Valeria (normally the beginning class is Monday nights, but I can't always make that with my weird work schedule). I had always wanted to take a flamenco class, but never got the chance to. The location was easy to find and I must've driven by it a hundred times before and never noticed. They had a "tablao" on the previous night. I was thinking that class would be outside, since the website had said outdoor classes would be resuming soon. It was inside a cute little house with a kitchen, dance studio, and gift shop. Guess I had gone in the wrong door, but Valeria helped point me towards the class. She mostly spoke in Spanish during the class, but it was easy to understand. I think my previous dance experience helped, but some parts of the class were still a challenge. Valeria is tough, but you can tell she wants to help you improve and feedback is done in a way to make you better. All of the other ladies in the class were friendly and welcoming. It was a little steep at $31.50 for a drop in class, but it was worth it. I hope I'll be able to join again. My hope was that there would be live music during the class, but guess that's more for the rhythm class instead. 2021 #40