In a state where a Census Bureau’s survey estimates 1,078,354 people with Irish ancestry (reported by the Conde Nast Traveler), is  it any wonder that the largest, best known, and most decorated Irish Dance company was founded here? 

Over the next few days, the Trinity Irish Dancers will be everywhere all at once, gracing St. Patrick’s Day parades and celebrations from the South Side Irish to Aurora. Their precise step dance, set off with colorful costumes and tightly curled hair, sets the stage for a a weekend of celebrating all things Irish!

But the Trinity Irish Dancers are so much more than a local phenomenon. They are an international force, setting the standard for decades to come. 

History 

“The essence of what Trinity is and has always been stands on the shoulders of our balanced program. 

Our unique combination of performance, core, and team programming, the tools we provide, and the critical life lessons our dancers learn here put them in a great position to become increasingly balanced individuals.”

Mark Howard, Founding Artistic Director 

TheTrinity Academy of Irish Dance was founded in 1982 by Mark Howard, an ambitious, Emmy-winning choreographer. Howard trained at the Dennehy School of Irish Dance, where Michael Flatley, Riverdance star and creator of Lord of the Dance, also studied. The English-born, Rogers Park native began teaching when he was only 17 years old, according to Broadway World, and by age 20 he had launched the Trinity Academy of Irish Dance, leading them to unprecedented World Championship team titles for the United States—the first when he was only 25. 

By 1990, these formative years led to the creation of the nonprofit Trinity Irish Dance Company (TIDC), to celebrate and further his work.  This uniquely Irish-American company was the birthplace of progressive Irish dance, an innovative movement genre which “ushered in a new era for Irish step dance” (Chicago Tribune), according to their website, opening new avenues of artistic freedom that led directly to commercial productions such as “Riverdance.”

 As a competitive coach and choreographer, Howard would go on to redefine what was possible for American teams becoming the first to win gold in all categories, leading them to unprecedented World Championship team titles for the United States. 

Most importantly, according to their website, by using Irish dance as an instrument and a metaphor, TIDC redefines the medium with passion, flair, and precision. And…with a unique blend of uncompromising power and grace, TIDC sends a consistent message of female empowerment with a repertory that has elevated the art form for 35 years. 

Worldwide Tours and Performances

Considered an American treasure by critics and enthusiasts worldwide, as their website notes, TIDC has performed sold-out tours in Europe, Asia, and North America, appearing in distinguished venues, such as New York’s The Joyce Theater, Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center, UCLA’s Royce Hall, Princeton’s McCarter Theater, Ottawa’s National Arts Center of Canada, Tokyo’s Orchard Hall, and Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre, among many others. The Company has travelled to entertain dignitaries as varied as Monaco’s royal family, Irish and American presidents, Japanese royalty, and Indian meditation masters.

Upcoming Events 

Trinity Irish Dance Academy is training the next generation of Irish Dancers by hosting a 10-Week Spring Camp at Lakeview’s Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture 2936 N. Southport Avenue. The classes start on March  25, meeting on Tuesdays from 4:30pm-5:15pm through June 3. They also host weekly classes for 3 ½ – 5-year-olds (River Class)  geared towards learning to move their bodies, count music, take turns and perform on stage with older buddies.

For 6 – 12-year-olds (Cork/Derry Class) the Academy has Beginner level classes, where students learn the Light Jig and Reel, as their website says, to be ready for St. Patrick’s Day performances!

For more information, click here.

35^th Anniversary Celebration 

Trinity Irish Dance Company will launch its 35^th Anniversary season at the Museum of Contemporary Art in May 2025. Their milestone season will include other special local events and performances across the country to be announced.

Continuing TIDC’s longstanding history of pushing the boundaries of a cultural form, the Museum of Contemporary Art performances will include the world premiere of “The Sash,” choreographed by Trinity Founding Artistic Director Mark Howard, Associate Artistic Director and dancer Chelsea Hoy and guest contemporary choreographer Stephanie Martinez, founder and Artistic Director of Chicago’s PARA.MAR Dance Theatre. Completing the program will be a selection of TIDC’s diverse repertoire, featuring original music performed live by TIDC’s band, fronted by Killarney-born Brendan O’Shea. 

The four-performance series at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., May 16-18 will include:

• Friday, May 16: 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. – Opening night performance and 35^th  Anniversary gala celebration, featuring special guests: local Trinity Academy students that won the 2024 world championship gold medal for the United States
• Saturday, May 17: 2 p.m. matinee and 7:30 p.m. performance
• Sunday, May 18: 1 p.m. matinee

For tickets and more information, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

We all would be better off if we became more mindful of our spending. With purchases reduced to a quick click on a website it is way too easy to buy things these days! You may have heard of “no buy months”, where you eliminate all non-essential purchases for a set period. But concepts like that, though straightforward, often fail as they don’t set a framework for long term habits. A budget can also be difficult because it can feel like being on a diet. So, here are some strategies that can set you on a path to financial wellness:

The envelope method. This is an old but effective way to budget. You divide physical cash into separate envelopes for your expenses. Common categories include groceries, gas, rent, entertainment, etc. Once the envelope is empty you are done for the month. It makes you really consider every purchase. Paying with real cash instead of just using your phone also helps you pause before making purchases. 

Find the problem areas. Try to pick out your most problematic category of spending. First, identify your highest unnecessary spending category. Set a reasonable goal to reduce by half. Example: cutting eating-out by half. Track your progress. This works as you are not trying to eliminate the spending entirely but just reducing.

Slow shopping. This emphasizes thoughtful consumption rather than being impulsive. Have a mandatory waiting period before making non-essential purchases. Do your research, check out alternatives and compare prices. Maybe a secondhand option may work. Ask yourself, what is the value of this purchase, is it truly necessary? 

Create your own values-based budget. What really matters to you and your family? Is your health top priority? Do you value family experiences? Perhaps the education of you and your children is at the top of your list. Allocate more resources to these categories that are of high value to you. Then you can naturally reduce spending in other areas that don’t align with your priorities. 

The most effective strategy is one you can maintain. Try different approaches until you find one that will create sustainable habits without making you feel deprived. It’s not about spending money, it’s about spending on what really matters to you!

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

This weekend is all about women and wine with an event thrown in for the men.  Also, be sure to make the most of your last “extra hour” this Saturday as Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday!

Saturday is International Women’s Day!  Celebrate the strength, wisdom, and perseverance of women at the following two events taking place this Saturday.

Enjoy a day-long International Women’s Day at Gallagher Way (3635 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Join all-ages activities by starting your day with Power Yoga (9:30 a.m.) followed by Dance Cardio (10:15 a.m.).  Then continue your day by browsing through products from women-owned businesses at the pop-up marketplace, waking up your creativity gene with craft projects, posing at the photo ops with your besties, and sampling specialty cocktails in honor of your day.  Adding to the excitement is the Women’s Movie Marathon with Brave (11 a.m.), Barbie (1 p.m.), and Legally Blonde (3 p.m.).  So, gather up your girl gang for a day that’s honoring women!

Join Read & Run Chicago for their Running Tour of West Loop Women for International  Women’s Day.  Meet up will be at Madison Street Books (1127 W. Madison St.) with doors opening at 9:45 a.m.  Then at 10:10 a.m. the 4-mile, easy-paced guided running tour with several stops will take place.  The route and content are inspired by Connie Fairbanks’s Chicago’s West Loop Then and Now that celebrates 10 influential women in West Loop history.  Afterwards, it’s social time back at Madison Street Books for snacks, drinks, and the opportunity to purchase books.  Best of all, there’s no prior reading required to join this event!

The Uncorked: Chicago Wine Festival taking place this Saturday (7 p.m.-11 p.m.) has a new home this year at the Field Museum (1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.) in the South Loop.  Guests will be able to swirl & sip over 100 wines and bubblies from across the globe while exploring everything the incredible Field Museum has to offer.  There are three types of tickets: the VIP ($110), the Early Admission ($85), and the General Admission ($70) that all include your wine tasting.  However, only the VIP includes the food while the others will have food available for purchase.  In addition, a perfectly curated playlist by a DJ will have you dancing the night away.  Plus, new this year, is a fun Zero Proof lounge with non-alcoholic offerings.  It’s a complete experience for wine lovers!

On a smaller scale, there’s the Chicago Wine Fest at Hubbard Inn this Saturday (5 p.m.-8 p.m.) located at Hubbard Inn (110 W. Hubbard St.) in the River North neighborhood.  A ticket for this one-of-a-kind venue includes 15 tastings of a variety of wines, live tunes, giveaways, and more.  Whether you consider yourself a wine sommelier, or an oenophile, there will be something new for you to discover!

For the men who are left to their own devices while their women celebrate themselves, the annual Haymarket Sausagefest takes place this Saturday (12 p.m.-4 p.m.) at the Haymarket Pub & Brewery (737 W. Randolph St.) in the West Loop.  Guests will have the opportunity to sample a variety of encased meats and craft brews.  Plus, guest sausage makers and brewers will be paired up to compete for the People’s Choice Awards as voted on by you.  Enjoy the best sausages and beers in Chicago!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

As we set clocks ahead this Sunday, March 9, signaling the end of winter and the beginning of longer days, the city offers one last chance to enjoy the Olympic winter sport of Curling in Chicago! 

What is Curling? 

As described by NBC Chicago, two teams take to the ice to slide granite stones toward a target. Each player has a curling broom that they use to sweep the ice ahead of the stone. Sweeping warms the ice’s surface, changing the path of the stone and reducing its curl to movie straighter. 

A curling tournament is called a bonspiel. 

Upstairs at the The Gwen Hotel

On the Art Deco-inspired terrace at the Gwen Hotel, 521 N. Rush Street, the combination of curling lanes plus fire pits and hot cocktails equals major fun! 

Heat lamps are set up around the perimeter to keep things toasty and you can also hang out with a group around one of the fire tables.

+Your $25/person admission includes access to the curling court and firepit table for 1 hour along with a featured seasonal treat.

+Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes. The rink is artificial, not made of ice; however, the surface still may be slippery.

+Please ensure to arrive on time to maximize the most of your one hour experience.

Kaiser Tiger Curling in the West Loop 

At the  Kaiser Tiger, 1415 W. Randolph Street, curling season runs from Mid-November until Sunday, March 9.

To make it the best experience possible, they even have a Curling Master onsite to explain the rules, help with scoring, and ferry the stones back to your group. 

Curling is $80 per one lane per forty minutes. There is a maximum of four players per lane and due to space limitations, they don’t allow switching players on and off the courts. 

‘Chicago’s Best Beer Garden’ takes great pains to say that a reservation for a Curling Court does not include a dinner reservation. They highly recommend making a table reservation as well! 

NOTE: They do not refund cancellations, time changes, or re-booking, so please make sure you have chosen the correct date and time.

If you are looking to book further than four days in advance, have a larger group, or would like a book Private Event, please email events.kaisertiger@gmail.com For more information and reservations, click here. 

Harry Caray’s Tavern at Navy Pier’s CURLING BY THE LAKE

Harry Caray’s Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Avenue, offers a $100,  90-minuteCurling Rink + Igloo experience at their lakeside Curling Rink and adjacent cozy Warming Hut for up to eight guests.  They’re accepting reservations through the end of March. 

Their rink is made of Polyglide synthetic ice with “real ice feel and performance,” according to their website. 

New to curling? No worries, says Harry Caray’s! They provide simple, step-by-step instructions, making it easy and fun for everyone. 

Big party? Their cozy indoor Lakefront Lodge has room for an additional 12 guests and extend the party to 2 ½ hours for an additional $100.  The cabin-themed Lodge features a fireplace, leather seating, and cozy rustic touches throughout.  For reservations and information, click here.

The Oldest–Chicago Curling Club

Founded in 1948, the Northbrook -based Chicago Curling Club, 555 Dundee Road, welcomes all visitors and members. The facility has four sheets of ice, locker rooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, dining area, and a large social and viewing area. 

They’re open year-round and host bonspiels, summer camps andother events to promote community and fun, creating a warm and welcoming place where you can enjoy a competitive sport and make and expand friendships. For more information, click here.

 Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

I do many blogs about sleeping because good,  consistent sleep is one of the most important things for our health—especially mental health. Here are a few ways to ensure that you can get to sleep easier and stay that way.

Have a bedtime ritual. Whatever soothes you, do it every night. Maybe meditation, some light reading or a warm shower will get your mind and body in the right mood for sleep. Part of that ritual can include engaging your senses, especially smell. Perhaps a scented candle, some lightly scented lotion or a little essential oil like lavender to rub on your temples.

Have a sleep schedule. When you have a bedtime that’s close to the same time every night your brain remembers. When that time rolls around, it understands that it’s bedtime and you’re supposed to be tired and melatonin is secreted. Look at your typical week, count back 7-8 hours from your earliest wake time. Add 20-30 minutes for relaxing and that’s your fall asleep time. Wake at 7, back up 8 hours to 11pm. Add 30 minutes—so your ideal bedtime is 10:30. 

Create a soothing environment. Your bedroom environment has a lot to do with good sleep also. Bright colors are nice, but not for the bedroom. Think neutral colors or a pastel palette. Invest in a good mattress and pillows. You spend 1/3 of your life in bed, so it’s worth it to spend a little more. Have thick curtains to block out the light or use an eye mask. Temperature is also important; 65-67 degrees is ideal. Not too cool but also not hot enough to make you sweat. 

Utilize gentle sounds. Noise pollution can be a problem too, especially for people that need to sleep rather early in the evening. A white noise machine can solve this problem. There are a myriad of apps that can give you the steady sound of rain (my favorite) or any number of wonderful sounds to sleep too. 

Unplug from electronics. Remember that the blue light from our devices and television keep us from falling asleep. Unplug from everything at least 30 minutes before you want to sleep. This helps your mind wind down. Brain still spinning? Do a brain dump, take 5 minutes to write everything down that’s on your mind. Then plan your next day so you can go to sleep knowing you’ll be ready to go tomorrow. 

If you are not falling asleep, don’t lie tossing and turning. Get up and start your bedtime routine over. Make a hot cup of sleepy tea and relax. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago