Glenn Allen Sims and other members of Alvin Ailey

Opening Night of Alvin Ailey 2014 weekend- held on Friday February 28th- as Artistic Director, Robert Battle stood before us and enthralled the audience with the news that Chicago is the city that has the most Alvin Ailey performances outside of New York,in its history; I suppose I was a lil taken back. Perhaps it’s because Desiree Rogers was seated three rows ahead of me or perhaps it was the sheer magnificence of understanding the power and sophisticated ambiance that I was a part of in the theatre. I’m not sure…but by 4-Corners, I was sure this was an experience. It was a delightful to connect with my past co-workers from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. It was also a thrill to connect with members of the company like Chicago native Reynaldo Gardner. It’s always a delight to connect with Chicago alum, Vernard Gilmore as he dance to perfection, Revelations. After the evening performance, we partied the night away with the members of the company (Alvin Ailey) at the fella’s of High Society new spot. Club Dome. The Mardi Gras party was impressive. DJ Scott Gucci Roxx and Chicago radio personality UB Rodriguez, served on the turntables and it was a real good luck for the city. Kudos Gentlemen…

The following Saturday, March 8th, served as the date Chicago hosted its annual Midwest Awards Ball. I’ve been very vocal that my time spent a part of the ballroom scene in my early 20’s provided me with life experiences and a skill-set to be successful in the real world. I have also been vocal that lately, ballrooms failure at embracing quality has in effect chased out many of the quality players and vested stakeholders. As I began to see more and more of my east coast pals arrive in the city, I knew it was my responsibility to come out, support and show the beauty and diversity of the city. I am so happy I made this decision. I had an AMAZING time. It felt reminiscent of the functions held in the early 2000’s. It was a highly competitive environment and everyone was in good spirits and cheering on the contestants. It was great running into old friends and even new friends of cyberspace. This too, was a good look for the city and I am proud of the event. Hopefully we can stay on course and the city as a whole will benefit and return to the days when Chicago sent chills down the competitions back…Kudos to Ayanna Balenciaga, Tyanna Milan-Ebony  and Tone Balenciaga. Great jobs guys!! I enjoyed myself….Deo