Sarah Rittner
Mission: African dance class
Where: Danza Viva dance studio, 46 Lake St., Oak Park, 708-848-8151
Price: $15
Difficulty level (1-5): 2
Experience: I was excited to venture into the world of African dance, known as a form based on tradition and strength. Participants were all ages, ethnicities and body types. Class began with us removing our shoes (African dance is primarily done barefoot) and warming up with some basic steps. Many of the moves mimic the natural movements of the body– jumping; arms swaying as if you’re walking; bending in a curtsy. I never felt unnatural, or like someone was judging my technique or my body. After my one-hour class I met with Danza Viva’s professional dance troupe, One World Dance Theater, 14 individuals of all races, religions and ages. The group performs everything: tango, hip-hop, jazz and Middle Eastern. Members told me that each of them has experienced moments in which they were judged by weight, height or body type. It finally hit the nail on the head.
Would I do it again? I already plan to return for more classes. Their motto: “There is a dancer inside of you, and it’s only desire is to be born.” This studio is not only rich in dance technique–it’s rich in culture, unity and spirit.
Michelle Hyde
Mission: Register online and interview with Selective Search dating service
Place: 35 E. Wacker Drive/
www.selectivesearch-inc.com
Difficulty Level (1-5): 1. The Web site is self-explanatory, and the in-person interview was a breeze.
Experience: Selective Search uses matchmaking techniques based on human resources recruiting principles, surveying habits to make a good match. The interview was comprehensive (do politics matter?) and personal (ever truly been in love?), but the staff makes you feel so comfortable that you’d divulge the name of your 4th-grade crush or the intimate details of your last hookup.
How did I do? I never found myself at a loss for words, but I did have to nosh on a foot sandwich when describing myself in social situations as Barbie’s little sister, “freaking Skipper,” to the company’s president and founder, Barbie Adler. She wasn’t offended: This Barbie gave me excellent dating tips to avoid falling into the “best friend” or “little sister” role. Though I’m convinced that the adjective “bubbly” is branded on my forehead, she encouraged me to play up my friendliness.
Am I glad I did it? Singles: Run as though you were being chased to Selective Search.
Amy Ramsey
Mission: Spend a day in a three-star kitchen
Place: Spring, 2039 W. North Ave. 773-395-7100
When: Saturday
Difficulty Level (1-5): 4
Experience: Metromix said I would “sweat it,” and boy, did I ever after 10-plus hours in chef Shawn McClain’s famed restaurant. In fact, if I hadn’t been surrounded by such good food (I highly recommend the butternut squash and apple soup), I might have sweated off a few pounds. As a novice, I was afraid to reveal just how little I knew, but the chefs were incredibly nice, helpful and, surprisingly, trusted me with a knife. Most impressive was the orderly chaos that ensued once serving started: It was like an elaborate three-ring circus, only with pots and pans instead of trapeze artists.
How did I do? Other than getting the hell out of the way when things got busy, I survived, which is a success in itself. Most of my day was a blur of chopping, breading, stirring and, of course, eating. I helped prepare crab cakes, pot stickers and skate fish. Although most of the menu’s dishes were out of my league, I bet I could make one if I could steal a chef to guide me. I left with only one slight burn (has this place not heard of potholders?), but with more knowledge of food preparation than I expected.
Am I glad I did it? Of course! I walked out of Spring with a fuller stomach and a deeper appreciation for the people who work behind the scenes in a restaurant, and I’m pretty sure some of the guys still owe me some recipes!
Dan Han
Mission: Perform at MovieOke
Where: Playground Theatre, 3209 N. Halsted St. 773-871-3793
When: 8 p.m. Feb. 2
Cost: $5
Difficulty level (1-5): 2
Experience: MovieOke’s like karaoke, but with movie scenes. The theater was supposed to provide free popcorn, but since they didn’t, I’m glad it was BYOB. You can bring a DVD and read along with subtitles, or you can read from a script. (Hurry! MovieOke ends Feb. 23.) People acted out scenes from “The Big Lebowski” to “Training Day” to “Nell.” I memorized Matt Damon’s bar scene with the Harvard snob from “Good Will Hunting” (“How you like dem apples?”) and performed with two Playground actors. I’m always a little nervous going on stage, but everyone there was so easygoing that I felt as if I were performing in front of friends (and no, it wasn’t the Old Style talking).
How did I do? I had my lines down, but I couldn’t nail the Southie accent. Later, I jumped in and read the part for Terrell from a “Star Trek” movie (we’re talking William Shatner era). It was absolutely hilarious!
Would I do it again? Definitely. Any experience getting on stage is fun, and MovieOke makes it alright even if you screw up.
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Who are they?
The Resolutionaries are metromix’s new Reader Review crew–hand-picked by you, our readers–to put their New Year’s goals to the test. We’ve been giving them coaches, classes and whatever else they need. Follow along as Amy becomes a chef, Dan gets in touch with his inner thespian, Michelle sets out to snag a Valentine and Sarah perfects her groove. Find their bios, pictures and more on metromix.com–and don’t forget to share advice and encouragement with
