Yet another artistic triumph for the Boitsov School

By Joan Hadac

Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge

(708) 496-0265 • joan.hadac@gmail.com

Have you ever been excited about seeing a great film, concert, stage performance or sporting event—so much so that you marked it in red ink on your calendar, months in advance—only to miss it?

That’s what happened to me recently, when I missed a public performance led by the Boitsov Classical Ballet School.

I had a scheduled medical appointment on July 23, but it ran much longer than expected and left me incapacitated longer than I had anticipated. So I missed Madame Elizabeth Boitsov, her young ballet students and her invited professional dancers at a performance at the Clearing Branch Library. I had planned to be there, camera in hand.

A gaggle of girls of eager to see a guest professional dancer clusters near a doorway at the Clearing Branch Library. The girls are students of the Boitsov Classical Ballet School. –Photo courtesy of Kim Hernandez

Anyway, the library’s main meeting room was filled to capacity. Every seat was taken, as was every space for appreciative spectators to stand. In fact, I hear the crowd overflowed out into the hallway. It was, by all accounts, yet another artistic triumph for Madame Boitsov, her students and guest dancers.

Thankfully, others took photos, including Kim Hernandez (who you may know better as Yoga Momma, one of the best yoga teachers in the Chicago area). Kim was kind enough to share the photos you see on today’s front page of the Clear-Ridge Reporter & NewsHound.

A note of thanks goes to Clearing Branch Manager Rob Bitunjac for once again making the space available to the Boitsov School.

Thanks, of course, to Madame Elizabeth Boitsov for continuing to bring dance and culture to the Midway area. Her presence here is truly a blessing to us all, and all of us should support her efforts.

Her school, located on Archer, just east of Soukal Floral, accepts students for ballet classes. Visit boitsovballet.com. It’s worth exploring.

A tip of the cap also goes to 13^th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn, who as I understand it was instrumental in bringing Madame Boitsov here in the first place, several years ago. The alderman continues to be a first-class public servant who has a keen understanding of the importance of “quality of life” issues.
• It’s not every day that the Garfield Ridge Satellite Senior Center has a capacity crowd, but “Elvis” did exactly that on July 22.

Maryln Homan, 86, danced with an Elvis tribute artist and then stole a kiss from the king. –Photo by Cosmo Hadac

Hugo’s Elvis, one of the best Elvis Presley tribute artists you’ll see or hear anywhere, took our community’s seniors and military veterans on a whirlwind tour of the king’s career—from his early days in the 1950s and all through the ‘60s.

The audience enjoyed a solid 90 minutes of Elvis memories and fun, plus a free pizza lunch—all paid for by the generosity of three local business leaders: Geno Randazzo of All Exterior Contractors, Mike Riordan of the Mike Riordan State farm Agency and Al Cacciottolo of First Rate Realty.

What a day!

• Sorry about the last-minute notice. This one’s my fault. Join the Clear-Ridge Historical Society for its next program, “Stories From Around Chicago” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3 at the Clearing Branch Library, 6423 W. 63rd Place.

Join YouTuber Luis Gusto as he takes everyone on a journey around Chicago, highlighting various neighborhoods including Clearing.

No admission charge, but donations are always welcomed by the non-profit CRHS.

Joan Hadac

• Children and families are invited to dance and sing along with the Wendy and DB Trio, at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9 at the Clearing Library. Be dazzled by songs from their latest album, “Into the Little Blue House,” a collection of original blues songs for kids and families that explores community, caring for those around us and how learning to live together can make the world a better place. The show—essentially for children up to age 9–comes alive with puppets and props for non-stop excitement.
• Last but never least, bingo is played every Thursday at the Rhine VFW Post, 5858 S. Archer. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and games start at 6:45. Also, please remember that the post rents out its hall (capacity 200) for parties of all kinds, at a price that is more than reasonable. For details, call the post at (773) 284-9025 and leave a message. Someone will get back to you fairly quickly. Thanks to longtime Commander Charlie Johnson and crew for running one of the best VFW posts anywhere.