When she isn’t stretching her body out at home or in physical therapy, eating a regimented diet of protein-rich foods, rehearsing four to six hours a day during season or starring in beloved shows like George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker and Dances at a Gathering, Miami City Ballet principal dancer Tricia Albertson somehow has enough energy leftover to explore her bustling Flamingo/Lummus neighborhood in South Beach, which borders 5th Street to the south, Lincoln Road to the north, Alton to the west and, of course, the beautiful oceanfront Lummus Park to the east.
Albertson graciously spared us a few precious minutes to dish on the hidden gems nestled in her tourist-filled ’hood and useful hacks for making the most of Flamingo/Lummus. Take a peek into her life below.
When did you decide you wanted to dance?
I grew up in Santa Cruz, California. I started at a small studio there when I was four years old, but I didn’t really get serious until I was about 12. From ages 12 to 15, I did summer programs at the School of American Ballet in New York, and that’s when I really fell in love. I was definitely hooked.
Describe a typical day during the ballet season.
I usually get up around 7:30am and do a little meditation before I start my day. I’ll do a small exercise to get my body out of bed mode, and then I usually eat a big bowl of oatmeal or something with a lot of nuts and fruit and chia seeds to get some protein. Depending on my schedule, I’ll usually have around four hours of rehearsal in the studio. I try to fit in physical therapy and a massage if I can. I leave around 6:30pm, and then I’ll eat a huge dinner, do some sort of hot bath and hang out with my cat, Simone.
What are your go-to neighborhood spots?
I’m a Citi Bike member, so a lot of times I’ll hop on a bike and ride down to South Pointe Park (1 Washington Ave), bring a book and a blanket, and hang out. I also love Rosinella (525 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach; rosinella.net), this old-school Italian restaurant that’s family-owned. I’ve been going there since I moved here 22 years ago.
How do you let loose?
I like to go to Salsa Central Miami Beach for classes taught by Ricky Torres. I haven’t been going much because I’ve been dealing with a couple of minor injuries, but—oh my god, I love it. That’s the only thing that could keep me up late.
