When I was a student at the University of Georgia, ballroom dancing was more than a hobby. As a member of the Ballroom Performance Group, I danced 20-plus hours a week and loved every minute. After graduation, carving out time to don my ballroom heels became tougher. I loved my career of writing and traveling so much that, subconsciously, it felt selfish to dedicate so much time to a hobby. How silly! This year, for the second February in a row, I performed with other BPG alumni— some of my best college friends—in Ballroom Magic, the annual student show. While it’s taken hard work to be performance- ready, for me, dancing feels like playing or even active meditation: It’s the only time my brain turns off.
I think some of those featured on our pages can relate. In this issue’s cover story, “Atlanta at Play,” our writers explore ways to let loose, through sports, interactive activities, games and the arts. No matter your age, our area has plenty of ways to play, from mah-jongg, pickleball and golf leagues to indoor rock climbing, theater camp and, yes, even ballroom dancing. Who knows? Perhaps you’ll find your next hobby right here in Simply Buckhead.
The rest of this issue is packed with other stories to inspire you. Amy Meadows shares stylist Melissa Young’s tips for building a capsule wardrobe; Angela Hansberger outlines how to plant a thriving cocktail garden that’s as lovely as it is delicious for cooking and mixing your favorite beverages; and Elizabeth Harper’s “Simply Approved” column explores some must-have outdoor items for spring.
We hope you enjoy reading this playful issue as much as our team has in creating it!
Jennifer Bradley Franklin
Senior Contributing Editor
