San Francisco Ballet danced at Ravinia quite a few times when I was with the company (1972-1985). I loved dancing at this festival. We would ride the train from downtown Chicago out to the venue. The audiences were enthusiasic and wonderful. This was, IMO, one of the most enjoyable outdoor festivals for which we ever performed . Chicago loves the arts! Does SFB dance there regularly anymore? Too bad if they don't!

Gina, thanks for the memories! No, I don't think SFB does Ravinia anymore. What was it like?

Dean and I were there in 1984 and saw multiple SFB programs. We enjoyed the entire experience. It's an outdoor venue with a large, covered mainstage area, lawn dinners, etc. The weather is a bit muggy (when not outright thunderstorming), but that, too, is part of the charm. We have to be in Chicago in mid-August for an ABA workshop, and I'm currently debating whether I want to go to the pops concert that happens to be on offer that weekend....

I enjoyed that warm, muggy weather! Ravinia is very park-like, with beautiful landscaping and trees. I remember the fragrance of honeysuckle and hydrangias floating through the air in the evenings, and lots of candlelight... Beautiful homes surround the park, which seems a bit unusual to me. It really feels like a park set right in the middle of a lovely neighborhood. I just liked Chicago in general. Of course, I wasn't there in the middle of winter, which I imagine must be pretty miserable! The museums are fabulous (Chicago Art Institute...WOW!) and I remember really good restaurants. I remember the audience being very warm, welcoming and enthusiastic. We also danced several times at the Blossom Festival in Ohio and at Wolftrap in Washington D.C. But, I liked Ravinia the most...