A Dancer's Guide to Boston

Delicate, classical melodies float from a sleek piano nestled in the corner of a brightly lit room. A sea of pink ballet slippers skims, brushes and pitter-patters on the worn floors. A diverse crowd of dancers step away from the double-barre and gather in the center of the room, prepared to learn an adagio combination of chasses, leaps and twirls. This is not a scene from a popular dance film; this is the vibrant atmosphere of an adult open class at the Boston Ballet.

            Located at 19 Clarendon Street in Boston’s South End neighborhood, the Boston Ballet provides the opportunity for students and recreational dancers to train in their 60,000 square foot, air-conditioned facility. According to their website, students under the age of 25 with a valid ID can register for multi-level ballet, modern and pilates and pay only $14 per class.

            “I think the classes offer a whole range of wonderful assets, from physicality to cardio, posture and musicality,” says Rachel Cossar, a dancer in Boston Ballet’s Corps de Ballet. “Not to mention, the people you might find in an open ballet class range through all ages and experience and can become a fantastic way to meet people and discover the city.”

            If classical ballet is not your forte, Boston offers an array of traditional and cultural dance styles such as ballroom and salsa. The Havana Club, located near Central Square in Cambridge, hosts Rueda Thursdays, an 18+ event that allows students of all levels to practice salsa with or without a partner. Admission is free during the month of May, but for the rest of the year $5 will include an hour-long lesson, coat check and an evening of dancing. Salsa lessons at the Havana Club are also available on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays.

            In recent years, popular television shows such as “So You Think You Can Dance,” “America’s Best Dance Crew” and “Dance Moms” have increased interest in learning both studio and street styles of dance such as jazz, contemporary, musical theater and hip hop. If you are searching for a studio where you can sample different styles and improve your versatility, drop-in on one of Jeannette Neill Dance Studio’s open classes. Open six days a week, Jeannette Neill’s instructors provide a unique and fun training atmosphere for only $17. Sarah Elentukh, the Artistic Director of Static Noyze Dance Company, finds that JNDS is a positive and challenging environment for any dancer hoping to increase their repertoire.

“Every week, Static Noyze hosts a company class where we share our signature style of hip hop. Jeannette’s has become our home, a place where we recruit new talent and a common ground for dancers to meet and collaborate,” says Elentukh, 25.

The dance scene in Boston has become so vibrant that Tarikh Campbell, a 2009 graduate of MIT and well-known hip hop choreographer in Boston, decided to create an online community for dancers known as “Dance Netwerk.” Dance Netwerk is a free digital space where local dancers, instructors, choreographers and crews share videos, post open classes and promote upcoming events. In an effort to engage and inspire dancers to train and take advantage of various opportunities, Campbell makes sure to reach out and connect with artists from all different realms of dance.

“I make sure to go out and support every member of my site. I’ve taken ballet classes, popping, locking, contemporary…all things that are extremely out of my comfort zone. Dance Netwerk gives dancers a chance to branch out and build bonds,” says Campbell, 26.

In addition to these well-established resources, Boston’s cultivated identity as a college town implies that there is a wide amount of dance opportunities available on campus. While various universities include dance in their schedule of fitness classes, many campuses have not one, but several student-run organizations devoted solely to dance. Joining a team often involves an audition process, but most teams host their own open dance workshops, often for free or extremely cheap prices. Tiffany Feng, a 22-year-old senior at Boston University, is a member of BU’s Fusion Hip Hop Dance Troupe and believes that participating in collegiate dance transformed her entire college experience.

“If you love to dance, or want to dance, or think you want to dance, go out and dance,” says Feng. “Joining a team on campus meant finding a tight-knit friendship group where we all bonded over our passion for movement and need for a creative outlet. We became a family, it doesn’t get much more real than that.”

Building Cultural Connections with the MFA Film Program

            “I used to be a nobody, until I discovered the Internet,” says Zola, a 27-year-old investigative reporter who makes his living as a produce vendor in China’s Hunan province.

In the film “High Tech, Low Life,” an award-winning documentary that juxtaposes the journeys of two citizen journalists, Zola represents a generation of young, brash and self-interested reporters hoping to make a name for themselves and take down China’s Great Firewall. China’s first citizen reporter, Tiger Temple, the other half of the film’s central pair, portrays a contrasting sense of idealism and endeavors to provide a voice for the suffering. Despite their different philosophies, these men paint a picture of individuals searching for truth and trying to improve freedom despite overwhelming obstacles and pressure from authorities.

Through these separate narratives, the film’s director, Stephen Maing, unveils the complex relationship between a country, its citizens and the government. Moreover, Maing’s vision carefully weaves the significance of technology and the responsibility that comes with using said technology to disperse information and communicate discovered news or scandals.

According to Kristen Lauerman, the manager and assistant programmer of film and video for Boston’s Museum of Fine Art, these themes attracted the museum and inspired several exclusive screenings of Maing’s documentary throughout the month of April.

“Within the past few years, social media and the internet have gained monumental significance throughout the world,” says Lauerman. “The internet not only serves as a social platform, but it also serves a vital role in communicating world issues and connecting conversations.”

Lauerman, 29, earned her masters in film studies from Boston University and has been working for the MFA’s film department for over four years. The department aims to exhibit the finest in foreign, independent, classic and documentary cinema from around the world. Lauerman particularly seeks out films with strong, cultural relevance.

“We have a robust, year round program. We search for films that are strong enough to stand on their own and have a fascinating or timely subject matter. Boston is such a tech-oriented city, it makes sense to show films such as Maing’s documentary,” says Lauerman.

The Film Program at the MFA was founded in 1956 under the direction of Katharine Stone White. Carter Long, the current head curator, states that the program operates with the guiding philosophy that film is an important contemporary art form that fits perfectly in the context of one of the world’s foremost encyclopedic museums. Similar to his colleague Lauerman, Long strives to select films that provide a unique perspective on society and culture.

“I always look for films that provide a new experience, films that somehow subvert our expectations for cinema,” says Long, 33. “One of the things that continues to amaze me about film is its capacity to provide a window into other cultures, whether across the globe or across the states.”

Annually, the film program hosts more than four hundred screenings, many of which are screened as a part of numerous film festivals. These yearly festivals include the Boston French Film Festival (July,) Boston Festival of Films from Iran (January), Boston LGBT Film Festival (May), Boston Jewish Film Festival (November), the Boston Palestine Film Festival (October), and the Roxbury International Film Festival (June).

Although the MFA Film Program chooses to screen complex, contemporary and classic world cinema, Long insists that students in the greater Boston area have much to gain from their program.

“I believe strongly that watching films can be an incredible educational experience, not just in an academic sense, but in a way that can expand the individual and collective consciousness and inspire compassion for others in a way that is unmatched across other artistic disciplines,” says Long.

When the Film Program is not participating in their wide range of annual festivals, Long and Lauerman focus on integrating their program with exhibits throughout the museum and searching for new ways to appeal to the younger crowd that makes up a significant amount of the neighboring population.

“We have found that many of our retrospective series draw large student crowds. This past February we hosted a Stanley Kubrick retrospective which brought in more than 2000 people, many of which were students,” recalls Long.

Moreover, the MFA Film Program often arranges for visitors and students to interact with accomplished directors, such as Maing, during panel Q&A sessions.  These opportunities, as well as regular screenings, are available for $5 to undergraduates who present a current student ID. Tickets can be reserved over the phone, on the museum’s website or in person.

Museum of Fine Arts

1-800-440-6975

Mon-Sat 9 am to 9 pm


Sun 9 am to 6 pm

Austin, TX: Audacious and Appetizing

            Picture an eclectic city where hipsters and cowboys coexist together in perfect equilibrium. Imagine a utopia where people regularly indulge in calorie-laden barbecue and top it off with a scoop of ice cream made from natural and organic ingredients. Excite in the interactive experiences that result from uprooting some of the nation’s upcoming tech and mobile geniuses and transporting them to the center of the “Live Music Capital of the World.” Hop on a bicycle and enjoy a scenic view of college students, young professionals and trendy families engaging in community and appreciating the often-forgotten “great good places” such as the local coffee shop or spectacular public park.

This urban paradise is Austin, Texas. Austin has arrived, and it’s here to stay.

            On a breezy, late afternoon in March, the Zilker Metropolitan Park proved to be a great introductory location for basking in Austin’s bright blue skies, perfect 70 degree weather and not-so-far sights of humble but impressive sky line. The atmosphere pulsed with energy as families, large groups and individuals alike spread across the 351 acre park riding bicycles, flying kites, having picnics and simply relishing the outdoors. Zilker Park, located literally in the heart of Austin, includes Barton Springs Pool, a public swimming area fed by natural, underground springs.

After paying a $5 parking fee, my eager group of college spring breakers leapt from our vans and ran towards the open, beautifully manicured area of grass. After quick deliberations, we retreated to the waterfront and caught the last wave of kayak and paddle board rentals for the evening. Each boat rental cost $12, seats three people and includes a life jacket for each visitor. The sun set over Austin’s city backdrop as we paddled and raced along the lake.

            In search for a vegetarian-friendly and casual, outdoor dining experience where we could sample traditional Texan BBQ, we headed towards Barton Springs’ nearby “Restaurant Row.” Our GPS led us to the parking lot of Shady Grove, a restaurant with a funky patio decorated with Christmas lights and Austin-inspired memorabilia. The hostesses and wait staff donned tie-dyed shirts emblazoned with Austin’s signature slogan, “Keep Austin Weird.” While taking our order, our waiter cheerfully informed us that the term was coined by Red Wassenich, a college librarian frustrated and displeased about Austin’s developing culture.

            Shady Grove’s relaxed atmosphere and fun menu has something to satisfy every palette. Those searching for southern comfort food can enjoy traditional favorites such as chicken fried steak. Others pumped up the authentic Tex-Mex flavors by asking the waiter to “make it shady,” a request that amps up your entree with jack cheese and Hatch green chili sauce. Vegetarians and health-conscious diners can opt for lighter options such as a protein-packed dinner salad or the ‘Hippie Sandwich.’ This crowd favorite paired a delicious medley of roasted and sautéed vegetables with melty mozzarella cheese and hearty rustic bread.

Although our entire party left full and satisfied, we were determined to experience dessert from Amy’s Ice cream, a well-known, artisan ice cream shop. According to the brightly illustrated board above the cash register, Amy’s rotates over 350 flavors ranging from a peculiarly fantastic avocado flavor to an undeniably-sinfully-perfect bourbon pecan spice. Their ice cream not only uses local and natural ingredients, but also has dairy free fruit and low fat frozen yogurt options.

I did not think my taste buds could handle anything too extreme, so after a few samplings I decided on a small size of their world famous Mexican vanilla mixed with cookie dough. Although I expected a weird, spicy kick, the ice cream was the best vanilla I have ever eaten. I was subtly reminded of Austin’s quirky and tech-conscious character as I chatted with my curly red server about spirit animals and signed my signature on the electronic receipt of an iPad.

Being in Austin during SXSW, we would have felt cheated out of the experience if we did not take an evening stroll along 6^th street. On almost every corner there was craft beer, artisanal cocktails, food trailers and live music showcasing the city’s superior nightlife. Parties and concerts spilled over from the venues and poured onto the streets, creating the vibe of an after hours block party. Despite being exhausted from our travels, the electricity buzzing through 6^th street immediately charged our spirits.

Suddenly, the sidewalk was crowded with a rowdy group of twenty-something’s frolicking through the streets in high socks, thick-framed glasses and bottom-revealing shorts; their take on modern Flinstone costumes. As I gazed wistfully at their odd, and frankly obnoxious antics, I knew that I would have to return to this unrivaled Weird-dom.

What to do:

Zilker Park Boat Rentals

2100 Barton Springs Road

Austin, TX 78746

(512) 478-3852 

Where to eat:

Shady Grove

1624 Barton Springs Rd

Austin, TX 78704

Amy’s Ice Cream

6th Street

1012 W. 6th St

Austin, TX 78703

Festivals to check out:                                                                                                         

SXSW

Keep Austin Weird Festival & 5K

23rd Annual Hot Sauce Festival 

Boston Residents Embrace Ancestral Eating

The Paleolithic diet, also known as the “Caveman diet,” is emerging as a popular lifestyle for athletes, students and young professionals in the Boston area searching for improved health and fitness levels.

“Why must you eat like such a Caveman?”

“Quit being such a Neanderthal!”

The terms “caveman” and “Neanderthal” once painted vivid images of a brute, slow-witted and boorish person armed with stone daggers, clothed in the hide of his dinner and equipped with culturally or intellectually backward ideology.

However, the ‘Stone Age’ also refers to a time period when humans lived active, hunter-gatherer lifestyles and modern day dietary illnesses such as diabetes and celiac disease were nonexistent. Hundreds of Boston residents have adopted a “Paleolithic” diet and lifestyle in attempt to achieve optimal health and nutrition.

According to Michael Cahill, the owner of Reebok Crossfit Back Bay, a fitness facility focused on intense athletic training and spa-like amenities, the “Caveman” diet is an emerging, popular trend among students, young professionals and athletes because it is simple and natural to our “primal” instincts.

 “Eating and living ‘paleo’ is neither new nor difficult to follow. The diet is basically fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, meat and fish. We stay away from all grains and legumes…we also avoid dairy. We embrace clean eating, light portions and full fat,” said Cahill.

In a world where inconsistent labeling and conflicting research permeates the health food market, fat and red meat have been stigmatized as ‘bad’ while whole grains and low-fat dairy have been heralded as ‘healthy’ and essential to a balanced diet and lifestyle. “Paleo-philes” beg to differ.

“Grains make you feel lethargic. Low fat dairy products have been processed like crazy and contain unnatural chemicals that our bodies cannot efficiently process. Yes, carbohydrates are important for energy but we can get them from vegetables and fruits. We don’t need refined grains and the excess sugar that comes with them,” asserted Cahill passionately. Cahill, previously a real estate agent, was laid off during the 2010 housing, mortgage and real estate crisis. Although he had already been practicing Crossfit, an elite form of athletic training, his transition into the fitness industry sparked his desire to begin following a paleo-friendly eating regimen. After approximately two years, Cahill credits the Paleolithic diet for his accelerated fitness performance, increased day-to-day energy and overall happier life.

As a strong advocate of the Paleolithic diet, Cahill introduced “Paleo Power Meals,” a catering meal service that delivers paleo entrees and sides to Boston Crossfit boxes once a week. According to their website, PPM was started by a trained, culinary chef who lost 40 pounds over the course of three months while following the paleo diet. The meals’ prices are approximately $12-15 and include meat-based proteins that are exclusively grass-fed or line caught and organic, “farm to table” produce.

For many individuals, eliminating comfort foods and American dietary staples such as bread, pasta, milk and cheese is a daunting enough task. However, people who follow “strict” paleo also take into consideration what types of oils they cook with, whether produce is organically grown and if their meat and fish are wild, sustainable or grass-fed. These details seem minute but several paleo converts believe that these qualities in food are significant and essential in living the true, primal way.

Colin Snyder, a 32-year-old Boston resident, is one of 516 members in the online group and forum, “Living Paleo in Boston.” Following the ancestral lifestyle in the greater Boston area is a challenge for everyone including seasoned veterans and the “paleo-curious.” This online support group’s provides opportunities for people to connect, share and learn through potlucks, lectures, cooking classes, farm tours and other outings. Snyder has been following an on and off primal “eatstyle” for about 10 years. After experiencing significant improvements in his energy and stamina, Snyder affirms he will “never willingly touch gluten again.” Inspired by his personal transformation, Snyder is working on what he describes as an “experimental food start-up” in which he creates and delivers pre-packaged, paleo meals.

“In the past couple of years, the overall prepared food market has been pretty stagnant, but the gourmet and specialty prepared food segments of the market have been doing very well despite that,” Snyder commented.

Snyder attributes the increased popularity of paleo ingredients as a trend response to Boston’s movement of people “eating more prescriptively,” but hopes restaurant owners will embrace paleo marketing the same as “gluten-free.” In addition to independent restaurants, Snyder has noticed the surge in paleo-friendly offerings in local Boston-based chains such as Boloco and casual, ethnic cuisine establishments such as Brazilian BBQ and Asian-style hot pot. However, Snyder asserts that the availability of paleo food in the commercial food industry is “mostly by accident rather than by design.”

 “People are realizing that if they try to have some solid standards behind what they eat, their prepared food options become limited (read: virtually non-existent).  My hope is that I can lure back some of the folks who were forced to give up on prepared food,” said Snyder.

            Matt Kim, a 26-year-old Back Bay resident, believes that Boston’s wide demographic of young professionals is an ideal niche for marketing paleo products. “Boston has a huge community of twenty, thirty-something year olds who are willing to splurge on their health. They are also scarily connected to tech and emerging trends. Crossfit and paleo exploding on the blogosphere and more and more professionals are committing their time and money to this lifestyle,” said Kim.

Kim began eating paleo earlier this year after a New Years resolution to improve his health and eating habits. Although he personally believes the diet is too strictly regimented for a lifetime commitment, Kim began noticing significant changes in his body after only a few weeks:

“My cravings for carbohydrates or sugars were completely gone. Body fat was melting off and I was getting stronger and more defined…I work in a high-stress banking environment. Switching to paleo helped my anxiety, increased my energy and improved my sleep and moods.”

Kim’s regulated moods and sleep are explained in the book Primal Body, Primal Mind: Beyond the Paleo Diet for Total Health and a Longer Life. According to the author, Nora T. Gedgaudas, the paleo diet stresses the importance of a holistic approach to wellness and an adequate omega-3 intake. Omega-3 fatty acids are critical to the human nervous system and brain function but are commonly disregarded or placed low on the health ‘priority list.’ Gedgaudas believes eliminating the modern reliance on sugar and carbohydrates for fuel is key to reaping the full mind and body benefits of the paleo diet.

 “The brain and the body simply have to have certain raw materials to work with in order to function properly.  It is abundantly clear that all the brain-training in the world cannot create a nutrient where there is none, or remove a problematic substance which does not belong,” writes Gedgaudas in the book’s preface. Although Gedgaudas insists that strict paleo is the only way to achieve prime physical and mental health, many enthusiasts understand that diets are rarely a “one-size-fits-all” and paleo may not be suitable for every lifestyle. To some, paleo seems like the “scientology” of the food and health community, but for many Boston residents it’s a straightforward path to improved health and nutrition.

Digging into Debt-ridden Pockets

The typical scenario for undergraduate students attending nationally ranked colleges is four years, top-notch academics, countless experiences and tens of thousands dollars’ worth of debt.

This upcoming May approximately 4000 Boston University students will culminate their undergraduate careers on Nickerson Field. The Class Gift Committee asks seniors to dig into debt-ridden pockets and give back to BU’s legacy before receiving their diplomas.

Schyler Cain, an employee in the Boston University Development and Alumni Relations office, works as the Class Gift Coordinator. According to Cain, many students are under the false impression that tuition alone covers the cost to operate Boston University. In actuality, revenue from government aid, alumni donations, the institution’s endowment and other sources fill the gap. Last year, approximately 39% of BU’s graduating class donated to the gift campaign. This year, Cain aims to increase that number to 45% with a grand total of $75,000 in donations.

For some students, donating to the class gift is an unnecessary and unfair expectation. Xavier Nunez, a 22-year-old senior in the College of Arts and Sciences, believes that this is another moneymaking scheme for the university.

“I have paid more than enough monetary dues to this university. Alumni relations should focus on graduates that are two or three years into their careers and have disposable incomes. Tuition, books and commencement itself are expenses I’ll be covering the next ten years of my life,” Nunez says.

Other students such as Patrick Clark O’Brien, a senior in the College of Communications and active member of the Class Gift Committee, are enthusiastic about giving back to the university despite their financial circumstances.

“I am a student who paid almost half of BU’s expensive tuition completely on my own. My parents have three children and cannot afford to pay for private university via their checkbook," says the 22-year-old O’Brien. “We only ask for a donation of $20.13. Last week, I spent that much money going out downtown and in Allston.”

In addition to increasing donor participation, Cain hopes to dispel the myths that a donation doesn't make a difference and will go “into the black hole of BU's endowment.” Last year, BU raised $8.5 million from gifts under $100. Cain believes that there is strength in numbers and seniors can really make a positive impact on the campus and future students.

“One of the wonderful things about our Class Gift program is that students have the opportunity to support any initiative on campus that they feel has impacted them. However, back in the 40s and 50s some of the classes did sponsor on campus projects like the pillars in Marsh and those are pretty cool to see,” Cain says.

Haley Smith-Fries, a member of the class of 2012, chose to donate because she was able to specifically designate where she wanted her donation to go.

“I was President of the Ballroom Club and am well aware of the costs that surround dance lessons, costumes and performances. I thought it would be a good way to say ‘thank you’ and commemorate my time at BU,” says Smith-Fries, a 23-year-old alumnae currently working as an administrative assistant at a well-known ballroom studio.

In order to encourage donor participation, the Class Gift Committee has hosted several events in hopes of enhancing the sense of community and providing incentive. In the past, Class Gift Committee has run campaigns such as Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore jumping into the Charles River and the chance to throw the first pitch at a Red Sox game. The most recent event, a dance party hosted at the popular Kenmore nightclub Tequila Rain, included VIP line access for donors and $20 credit to an account with Uber, a boutique cab service company emerging in popularity.

Kim Kinsman, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences, attended the most recent event and felt as if she had been taken advantage of.

“The event was cool because I ran into some people I haven’t seen since freshman year, but capacity was filled so early that some people who donated were not even allowed in. It’s clear that they don’t follow through with their promises, so I’m skeptical about donating,” said Kinsman, 22.

Bryan Adams, a Coordinator of Programs at Student Activities Office, acknowledges that alumni donations are important for any private institution.

“Alumni giving has a huge difference on rankings and public perception. If alumni are invested in giving back, people will see BU as a quality institution worth supporting or joining. This participation is taken into account when national publications and organizations rate us,” says Adams, 26.

In addition to senior events and incentives, enhancing BU’s reputation seems to be a huge draw for seniors graduating into an increasingly competitive workforce. Mark Guo, a 22-year-old senior in the School of Management, believes the value of his diploma increases as the school’s rankings go up.

“I want to see BU continue to rise, because I know what a great university it is. Even though I have paid so much, I can't possibly pay back the university for the opportunities I received while at BU,” says Guo.