This week’s adventures
Here are the highlights of my week since I last hit your inbox on Friday.
Saturday after relaxing at home, Vance and I decided to take a walk on the beach, starting at our usual spot, 95th St. As we walked along the shore heading north, we decided to go on the boardwalk for a bit and there we discovered a great photo exhibit dedicated to sports in Miami. It features photos of Don Shula, Larry Csonka, the Marlins in the world series and plenty more. It was cool discovering what was on that path. And the view was breathtaking. Just look at the photo above.
Waiting for the curtain to rise at the Alvin Ailey show.
Alvin Ailey company taking a bow at the show’s conclusion.
That night, I went to see the incomparable Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the Arsht Center. It was a sensational show with a program that featured their classic piece “Revelations,” plus plenty of new works. The stellar, electrifying, slick and smooth dance numbers accompanied by music from greats like Duke Ellington, Ray Charles and Count Basie made this a remarkable performance and one I won’t soon forget. If you ever get the chance to see them live, DO!
Nick posing with his former teacher Sandra Lindner in the blue dress and a member of the Best Buddies International team.
On Sunday, Nicholas attended the annual Best Buddies Friendship Ball which was once again held at Milander Center in Hialeah. Nick had a fantastic time and got to hang out with his former high school teacher Sandra Lindner, who invited him to attend. If you’ll recall, Sandra was the friend I met for an afternoon snack at Starbucks last week.
The courtyard setting for one of the scenes during Dance Now! Miami’s “Havisham” at the Ancient Spanish Monastery.
The crowd making its way through the beautiful monastery to watch the final scene of “Havisham” by Dance Now! Miami.
Thursday, I made a last minute decision to attend a Dance Now! Miami performance at the gorgeous Ancient Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach. The performance was called “Havisham” and based on the character from Charles Dickens’ classic novel “Great Expectations.” The setting was ideal for telling the story through dance with accompanying music by the South Beach Chamber Ensemble quartet. It was an immersive show where we moved to different areas within the monastery to watch the story evolve. I can only hope they have more performances here. If you can get to a Dance Now show, do it. They love performing in unconventional spaces and are regulars at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, another beautiful spot. And by all means visit the monastery, it’s only $10 admission and a spectacular place to take in some history, lovely gardens and breathtaking architecture.
My chicken bowl from La Fogata BBQ
And tonight, while Nicholas and his girlfriend Ashley attended the Valentine’s Dance at Sandra DeLucca Developmental Center I went to a solo dinner at La Fogata BBQ on West Flagler St. I discovered it just while driving around and ended up loving the chicken churrasco bowl I ordered. It came with salad, fried cheese and rice and red beans and it was only $12.50! I brought plenty home. It was a great discovery and a great deal.
Aside from that, the rest of the week was busy as usual. I conducted lots of interviews, a few with people from Camillus House for an upcoming client profile I’m writing. It is a truly inspiring and heartwarming story and I can’t wait to share it with you once it’s published.
I also have to share a link to my article on Juggerknot Theatre’s Immersive Theater workshops/labs. You can click here to read it. This was so much fun to write because I love the work they do and love their fearless leader Tanya Bravo.
And last but certainly not least, I have to thank my husband Vance for making the most amazing stuffed peppers for dinner last night while I was at the Dance Now! show.
That’s all for this week. I’m looking forward to a relaxing weekend and hoping for an exciting Super Bowl on Sunday.
