vol. 82 / bust a move 🕺Take more chances. Dance more dances.
VOL. 82 / BUST A MOVE
Let’s dance. This week Mandy Helmlinger, founder and artistic director of Richmond Urban Dance, is joining us as guest editor. Her vision is to bring the high quality hip hop dance scene typically found in LA and NYC to RVA. Mandy has over 35 years of dance training and experience in performing, teaching, choreographing, and directing. Bust a move, Mandy…
There's a vibrant and growing dance scene in Richmond, you just have to know where to look! There are studios for all styles, unique venues, and amazingly talented creatives that embrace the dancer life. Here are three favorites to start your search whether you've been here forever or are new to the area!
Richmond
Urban Dance
Sure, we're a bit biased here -- but we love our dancers! Check out a variety of Richmond Urban Dance classes, from pre-school to adult, that are open to all experience levels. PRO TIP: If you're nervous about trying a master class, consider the adult beginner or RUD Fit classes first. And don't miss the 3rd annual I AM HIP HOP show on June 7 and 8. This isn't your typical recital! There will be plenty of special guests, surprises, and we get HYPE! Best of all, proceeds from the show support the Richmond Urban Dance scholarship fund. Grab your tickets fast!
Perk: The first 10 Here. members to email us about "I AM HIP HOP" score free tickets to the Richmond Urban Dance performance of their choice in June.
Dogtown Dance Theatre is a beautifully renovated dance space located in Manchester on the south side of the James River. It's home to independent performing artists and studios looking for space to create and train. They offer a wide variety of classes from contemporary to pole. Their next main stage performance is by RVA Dance Collective “Four Seasons.” Grab your tickets for the shows on May 31 and June 1.
Perk: The first five Here. members to email us about "Four Seasons" will receive free tickets to the performance of their choice at Dogtown Dance Theatre.
Dancers of RVA is a collaborative project focused on capturing the passion of RVA dancers and showcasing the beautiful landscape of our city. The photography by Katrina Boone is stunning. And it’s a great way to learn the personal stories of the dancers in our area and perhaps even get featured! Give them a follow on Instagram @DancersofRVA and get inspired!
Not just any oyster knife, one made locally from oak bourbon barrel staves from Richmond based Reservoir Distillery! Made exclusively for Grid Supply Co. with a special promo code for Here. members. Use "HERE" for 10% off.
Let’s get down to business. You’re in for a real treat with this week’s guest editor – Jack Lauterback. You likely know Jack as the co-host of "Mornings with Melissa and Jack" on 103.7 Play, have read his “Punch Drunk” column in Style Weekly over the past 10 years, or follow his lively RVA commentary @Jackgoesforth. This week, we asked Jack to let us in on his top three ways to explore this place we call home. Take it away, Jack!
It's almost the weekend. Time to EAT, DRINK & MOVE! I'm a big fan of the work hard, play hard mantra. If you want to overindulge that's fine, but life is all about balance. You have to make up for all that playtime somehow. Here's how I attempt to do it.
Fuel
Up
Any proper workout requires fuel and while I'd gladly eat nothing but Tostitos and salsa for every meal, the value of putting the right nutrients in your body has finally been impressed upon me. Thanks Courtney! My favorite way to go about this - without upping the calorie count too much - is bowls. Proteins, veggies, fruits, quinoa or brown rice (sometimes.) It's relatively foolproof. Plus it makes up for the 8 1/2 I'm going to have Friday night. Mmmm, 8 1/2.
Chug water. All day, err day. Then you won't feel too bad meeting friends late on Saturday afternoon at Virago Spirits for some of their incredible in-house handcrafted cocktails. Check out that huge pot still in the middle of the room. And then check out what's coming out of that pot still. Also, take a Lyft.
Warning, the following recommendation is not for the weak-stomached. Occasionally on Sundays my fiancee and I want to have a few beers, but, we also feel like we should be working out. So we simply figured why not do both? Starting at our place in the Fan we can easily cover 7-8 miles and 4-5 breweries, stopping at each for a beer before continuing our run. Again, caution is advised -- especially after a couple of heavy IPAs. PS. Final Gravity Brewing in Lakeside actually has a running club, that yes, involves drinking beer.
Side tip: For every mile you run and beer you have -- donate $1 to Richmond Animal League or Richmond SPCA. You don't have to, but it sure does make you feel better about running tipsy down Monument Avenue.
Member Perk:Book a stay on Sharp's Island, located in the middle of the James in downtown Richmond, in May or June and score a hidden treasure (a bottle of Belle Isle Moonshine). Just let us know when you've booked a getaway and plan to paddle over.
vol. 80 / sidekickThree ways to celebrate RVA with your favorite sidekick!
VOL. 6 / SIDEKICK
Grab a sidekick because this week we're exploring ways to celebrate River City with our moms (or someone else you share a bond with), our pups, and ourselves. Read on, explore, and connect!
For
Mom
Cheers your mom, and anyone else special in your life, this weekend. Hardywood West Creek is hosting Cheers to Mom, a family-friendly Mother's Day festival complete with pop-up photography sessions, food vendors, last-minute flower arrangements, and plenty of shopping while you sip. Local vendors include Candy Valley Cake Company, Lyla Taylor Boutique, KEVA STYLE, and more.
If beer isn’t your thing, consider the Mother's Day Rooftop Shop n' Sip at Kabana for a Bottomless Brunch Buffet, Bloody Mary Bar, and Mimosa Bar! And best of all, local makers will be on hand so you can treat your mom to something nice right on the spot. Make sure to check out the handmade earrings from dagNABit, rings by Ko Designs, and magical confections by A Secret Forest. Seating is first come, first serve or you can book a discounted skyline couch package if you’re rolling with a group of 6+ (a bottle of Chloe Rosé is included).
Pack up your pooch and head to Ellwood Thompson's tonight and The Graduate on Saturday! Both Richmond favorites are hosting "Pups & Pints" events. At Ellwood’s you’ll find a pup-friendly happy hour featuring music by Aerica Lauren, discounts at the bar in The Beet Cafe, and a chance to share some love with Richmond Animal League. The crew from Suncrush Beer will be on hand offering samples of their new gluten-reduced, sparkling ale creation. On Saturday you’ll have a second crack at celebrating our furry friends in Richmond as The Graduate plays host to a special happy hour with 20% of proceeds supporting Richmond Animal Control and Care (RACC). The Graduate (pictured), which is known for its dog-friendly policies and BarkBox, is pulling out all the stops with giveaways, ice cream for your pup, opportunities to adopt a dog, and live music from Erin Lunsford and Prabir Mehta.
Vitals:
Pups & Pints on the Patio / Ellwood Thompson's / Thursday, May 9 / 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Pups & Pints / The Graduate / Saturday, May 11 / 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
For
You
Cake shake is all you need to know. At Coco + Hazel, located in the Tuckahoe Shopping Center, you can order a cake batter milkshake, topped with a big ol’ slice of confetti cake, whipped cream, and served in a cherry rainbow sprinkle rimmed glass. If candy is more your speed, do yourself a favor and order the Candy Land, which includes your choice of strawberry or vanilla milkshake topped with cotton candy, whipped cream, rock candy, and two lollipops! And if you want to make it a family affair, bring your crew and attempt to take on the “Family Challenge,” a jumbo-sized banana split built for four!
Go
