If you get out of your comfort zone, fun abounds
![Illinois graduate student and Pangaea Dance Co. director Ishara Gamal dances during the Bellies for Life benefit at the High Dive in Champaign. Throughout Champaign-Urbana are many opportunities to see a variety of music, art and dance performances. Adam Babcock](https://dailyillini.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/07/194_507d752439909.imageo.jpg)
Illinois graduate student and Pangaea Dance Co. director Ishara Gamal dances during the Bellies for Life benefit at the High Dive in Champaign. Throughout Champaign-Urbana are many opportunities to see a variety of music, art and dance performances. Adam Babcock
July 23, 2006
While the University campus remains a great place to find entertainment and experience the arts, students should not feel limited to the confines of campus.
Both Champaign and Urbana boast excellent and unique opportunities for students seeking to satisfy their left brain. Whether you are looking for movies, music, theater or art, your answer may be closer than you think.
You just may have to step out of your comfort zone to find it.
If it is movies you are looking for, both the Goodrich Savoy 16 theater in Savoy and the Carmike Beverly Cinemas in Champaign offer the newest releases in mainstream cinema.
If it’s an independent film, your best bet is either the Boardman’s Art Theater or the Virginia Theater in Champaign. The Virgina Theater also plays classic movies throughout the year.
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All four theaters are within a 10 minute drive, and all can be reached by bus using Champaign’s MTD.
Interested in watching or participating in a theater production? The Champaign-Urbana Theater Company offers a unique opportunity to all members of the community. Shows are held periodically throughout the year, and students are welcome to try out for roles or assist in production.
Champaign-Urbana also boasts an excellent music scene. From Brahms to Bernstein, the C-U Symphony has something for everyone in its 47th concert season coming up in the fall.
If live music is what you are looking for, C-U offers many bars and restaurants with live performances. In Urbana, the Canopy Club at the Thunderbird plays host to many local bands, but also features many of the big national acts that come into town. Recent performances at the Canopy include the Smashing Pumpkins and Garbage.
The High Dive in Champaign also offers an extensive look into the local music scene, with plenty of live performances throughout the year.
For a facsinating look at life beyond this planet, the William M. Staerkel Planetarium offers many shows that engage the audience while educating them on the wonders of outerspace.
And if you feel the need to move your feet, the Phillips Recreation Center and the Independent Media Center in Urbana give a variety of dance lessons. Beginning or intermediate instruction in salsa, tango, rumba and belly dancing are available.
So don’t feel confined to immediate campus area. Stretch your legs east of Lincoln Avenue and west of First Street. C-U is ready to see you and welcome you to the community.
Entertainment in C-U
Movies
Boardman’s Art Theatre
126 West Church Street, Champaign, IL, 61820
Carmike Beverly Cinemas
910 Meijers Drive, Champaign, IL, 61821
Goodrich Savoy 16 Theater
232 Burwash Ave, Savoy, IL, 61874
Virginia Theatre
203 W. Park
Champaign, IL 61820
Theater
Champaign-Urbana Theater Company
For more info, visit the Web site at http://www.cutc.org/
Music
Champaign-Urbana Symphony
For more info, visit the Web site at http://www.cusymphony.org/
The Canopy Club
708 South Goodwin, Urbana, IL 61801
High Dive
51 Main Stree Champaign, IL 61820
Dancing
Phillips Recreation Center
505 Stoughton St. Urbana, IL 61801
Independent Media Center
202 S. Broadway Ave. Ubrana
Other
William M. Staerkel Planetarium
Parkland College
2400 West Bradley Avenue
Champaign, IL 61821