The Dance Center of La Grange offers classes for all ages in Pre-Ballet, Creative Movement, Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Tap and Choreography. DCL believes dance should be enjoyed as an art form versus a competitive event. Since their opening in 1996, Robin Hill's (Teacher/Director/Owner) teaching philosophy has remained the same, to "Emphasize technique and style in all my classes. I also encourage a high level of motivation, energy, and most of all, fun!" DCL has two studios in the same building fully equipped with professional spring floors, ballet barres and mirrors.
Check out their class schedule and special offers on their website. For any other questions, contact Robin directly at [email protected].
Brandolino's Encore Music Center, owned and operated by Bobby Brandolino, offers a full line of professional instruments and accessories. The store also offers private lessons, instrument repair and rentals. Video, audio and lighting services are also available.
Trinity Academy of Irish Dance is a prestigious dance school and training program with locations based around Illinois and Wisconsin, including one located in Elmhurst. For more than 30 years, the academy has provided students and audiences with inspiring performances and special programs. The academy offers a wide range of class options for students, including solo and extracurricular classes such as the river program, county program and province program, as well as the Trinity Performance Troupe.
Teachers offer students professional lessons in dance as well as sportsmanship, and also provides community outreach services and summer programs. Over the years, dancers from Trinity have earned 32 world titles and have been featured on shows including “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “Good Morning America” and “The Martha Stewart Show.” Students are welcome to try a free class to see if the academy is right for them.
Improv Playhouse is a professional theatre company and performing arts training center. The organization runs an acting school that offers comprehensive courses in acting and improvisational comedy. Classes are offered for both youth and adult actors. Improv Playhouse also offers corporate programming, talent management services, day camps and model training. This location is the studio office, and does not typically hold performances. Instead, its performances are held at the theater at 735 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Libertyville.
With over 650 students, Cary-Grove Performing Arts Centre is the place to be if you want to dance and sing. Open since 1998, the studio provides a place for both beginners and accomplished dancers of all ages to explore many different disciplines. Classes offered include ballet, tap, jazz, modern, pointe and hip-hop. Also available are pre-dance classes for ages 2-1/2 to 4. Voice and piano lessons for any level are provided, as well as swing choir classes for those who want to combine their love of singing with dancing to pop and Broadway music.
The iWireless Center is the main multi-purpose arena in the Quad Cities area. Located along the banks of the Mississippi River in Moline, Ill., the arena hosts hockey and basketball games, in addition to concerts from some of the nation's biggest acts.
iWireless Center Parking
Parking is widely available at the iWireless Center. The main parking lot is located adjacent to the area, while an additional parking structure sits across River Drive from the facility. For events, parking runs anywhere from free to $10. City lots are also available further away from the iWireless Center, but there are typically enough spaces in the arena lots to make that the better option.
Hotels Near iWireless Center
The most convenient option is the Radisson on John Deere Commons, which is just a short walk away from the iWireless Center. Plenty of options are also available across the river in Davenport, Iowa, where there are three high-end hotels (Isle Hotel, Hotel Blackhawk, Comfort Inn and Suites) with reasonable prices.
Seating at iWireless Center
For the best sight lines in sporting events and concerts, check out the seating along the sidelines, which gets visitors close to the action without paying dearly. For family-friendly deals, go to the 200-level, where there are usually good deals on tickets.
Food at iWireless Center
The food is pretty generic at the iWireless Center with options like burgers, brats and pizza. One specialty, though, is Whitey's Ice Cream, which is a local company and a novelty within Iowa and Illinois.
Beer at iWireless Center
The iWireless Center offers a modest selection of beer with brands like Leinenkugel's and Coors, but certain stands do offer some local microbrews. Prices are pretty reasonable, ranging from $3-8.
Parking Alternatives at iWireless Center
The MetroLINK bus system has a hub near the iWireless Center, so there are multiple routes that drop off in front of or near the arena. There are a couple taxi companies that run there.
What to Bring to iWireless Center
Being an indoor arena, there is no need to bundle up or use sunscreen. However, seat cushions are a good thing to bring along, as only certain seats have cushioning.
Insider Tip for iWireless Center
If you're going to the concession stands, be sure to get the Whitey's Ice Cream for just a couple dollars (usually $2-3). Not only is it rated as one of the best ice cream companies in the nation, but it is a very good value.
Author's bio: Michael Benson is a life-long Illinois resident and an avid traveler throughout the Midwest.
Wilmette Theatre has been a staple of the community for more than 90 years. The theatre was renovated in 2006 and now offers a classic movie experience in an updated environment. Aspiring actors can visit the website or establishment to learn more about acting classes offered throughout the year.
