Around the Harris Theater

I figured I'd start with my week at The Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance.

The Harris Theater is home to Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, where we recently celebrated an evening of Crystal Pite for our 40th Anniversary Winter Series. It is home to 29 other Chicago-based music and dance companies and is host to "celebrated artists and ensembles from throughout the world."

Many of my friends from other dance companies have performed here numerous times and I, for one, am so grateful to be part of one of its highly acclaimed resident companies.

For those continuing to perform here and for those returning, I've compiled a list of some of my favorite places near and around the Harris Theater of Chicago.

• Best Coffee: Hands down- Intelligentsia Coffee, 53 E. Randolph St. Located just a block west from the theater, this is a great spot if you're in between shows and also conveniently located if you're on your way from public transit. My favorite is the Turmeric Tonic tea!
• Post-show Cocktails: Chicago Athletic Association, 12 S. Michigan Ave. The dancers and friends of Hubbard Street love gathering here after our last performance of each series. Our preference is usually in the library on the 2nd floor where it's a bit quieter and more private. The game room or Cindy's rooftop can also be super hot spots when they're not too crowded. There's also a small bar menu available for hungry dancers. I recommend the burger and the rosé.
• Late night Dinner: Cherry Circle Room. This little hideout is located in the back of the game room of CAA. It is one of my all time favorite restaurants. Great decor, cool vibe, easy-going and friendly wait staff, the food is phenomenal! I couldn't recommend this place more. Just make sure to invite me next time you go :)
• Breakfast/Brunch: Wildberry Cafe, 130 E. Randolph St. Right across from the Harris Theater. This is one of Chicago's top-rated brunch spots. I actually have never eaten here but have heard that it's delicious. Seems like a great place if you have time before your matinee performance.
• Other places of note: Mariano's is also across the street if you prefer to buy your own groceries (fresh fruits and greens, hot meals, kombucha, etc..), Maggie Daley Park, next door to the theater is the perfect spot to sit and eat said groceries or read and relax in between shows. They have a fun ice skating rink if you're here during the winter. Macy's, CVS, and Walgreens are all within a few blocks in case you need to hit the MAC makeup counter or you forgot your hairspray. Athletico Physical Therapy is located on the basement level of the Pedway system in case of any lingering pains or injuries occurred during tech and performances. They are some of the greatest therapists I have ever encountered. Lastly, The Blackhawks Store, 333 N. Michigan Ave, is not too far away. Grab a cool jersey as a memento to remember your time in Chicago. I'm partial towards a Duncan Keith jersey.

Let me know in the comments if I've missed anything or if you'd like to add your favorites!

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago's 40th Anniversary Winter Series

What is this all about?

I've been a professional dancer now for 6 years. Not too long, I know, but long enough to really feel some type of way about a lot of things regarding this career path.

I've read Dance Magazine, DanceSpirit, and Pointe Magazine since childhood. These are the publications that I would always, always, always refer to when it came to anything dance related. Auditions, health, inspiring stories, performances, new companies, people to watch, and even fashion. 

Now, I've never considered myself to be a fashionista or someone who follows all the trends. I like comfy clothes, good jeans, nice sneakers, a classic heeled boot, t-shirts and sweaters. I like basics and I also like unique items. I like old and new clothes. Really- I like it all, for the most part.

Over the course of my career, I've tested out many different items and brands to wear to class or rehearsal. Most of these brands I also love to sport outside of the studios. My problem is that I had to guess for years what kind of cotton content would work best for dance socks. Which jacket can I wear to rehearsal and out to the grocery store? What's the best bag to take with me on tour? The magazines mentioned above have tried copying dancer's styles but somehow they never seem to get it just right. They also have great articles about the lifestyle of professional dancers but they only skim the surface.

I'm trying to create a place, a go-to, for all things fashion and lifestyle specifically for dancers. Follow and learn with me as I interview, mention, and highlight friends, places to go, things to eat. I also hope to share in-depth articles and tutorials on the nitty-gritty of professional dance life. Union vs. non-union, grant writing, fundraising, company management, etc...

It's everything you didn't learn in school and everything I wish I knew already.