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LIFESTYLE LETTER

FEBRUARY 2021 PUBLISHER

Bryan Hallman | bryan.hallman@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Happy February!

WELL, WE MADE IT THROUGH THE FIRST MONTH OF THE YEAR, AND NOW

Heide Brandes | heide.brandes@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart L AYO UT DESIGNER

Dana Rudolph

WE'RE READY TO LOOK FORWARD TO FEBRUARY AND SPRING. This month's issue is chocked full of interesting stories, wonderful photography and even some mouthwatering burgers. What can you expect in this edition of OKC Lifestyle?

One of the biggest stories we are so excited about is the Mysteries of the Spiro Mounds Exhibit that is opening at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. The Spiro Mounds in far east Oklahoma is one of the most important and largest sites of prehistoric American Indian culture ever discovered, and this exhibit allows you a glimpse at the history, art and mysteries of this long-ago civilization.

We also sat down with two organizations in Oklahoma City that are making a difference in their community. SixTwelve Creative in the Paseo is a community learning center that offers workshops and afterschool programs that help get kids outside and explore their own creativity.

Black Women Voices is a grassroots effort to make sure that ALL voices have a seat at the table when it comes to policy-making and conversations about race relations. This is especially fitting for Black History Month.

Guess what??? You can soon ski and snowboard right here in Oklahoma City. How, you ask? Well, check out our feature on the RIVERSPORT Adventures' newest heart-racing and fun center, slated to open this spring.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

If you are looking for a fun, unique and beautiful way to exercise, you might want to

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

learn about Oklahoma's largest nonprofit professional bellydancing school - The Aalim

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Dance Academy. You heard me right - we have bellydancing in Oklahoma City!

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

Don't forget about Valentine's Day. If you are struggling for ideas for unique gifts, we've

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

got a hyper-local gift guide that will be sure to knock their socks off.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Lastly, I went on a quest for the best burgers in Oklahoma City. As a foodie, this was a dream job for me, and I think you'll agree that Oklahoma City is home to some of the best burgers ever.

We hope you enjoy this month's edition of OKC Lifestyles. As always, thank you for your support.

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ON THE COVER The Lighthouse at Lake Hefner at sunset

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAYTEN STEWART 4

OKC Lifestyle | February 2021

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

Proverbs 3:5-6 OKC Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the OKC area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in OKC Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE FEBRUARY 2021 FEATURES 18 Mysteries of Spiro Mounds At Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Oklahoma’s Spiro Mounds Famed For Most Prehistoric American Indian Artifacts in the United States.

22 A Beautiful Way To Exercise, A Strong Community Of Dance Aalim Dance Academy Says Bellydance Is For “Every Body”

28 The Best of OKC The Beast Burger from The Fixx Lives Up to Its Name

28 32

32 Shop Local For Valentine’s Day Gifts Thoughtful Gifts From Local Businesses Will Knock Their Socks Off!

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22 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

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Around Town

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AROUND TOWN

OKLAHOMA UNITE US KICKS OFF TO ADDRESS NEEDS IN COMMUNITY More than 27 partners have joined Unite Oklahoma,a coordinated care network of health and social care providers. Partners in the network are connected through a shared technology platform, Unite Us, which enables them to send and receive electronic referrals, address people’s social needs, and improve health across communities. Unite Oklahoma is sponsored by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the Community Service Council.

Once a network partner identifies a person’s social needs, they can instantly send a secure electronic referral to the most appropriate network

OKC ZOO WELCOMES 2 NEW FISHING CATS The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden recently welcomed two fishing cats from Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, Illinois, as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s (AZA) Fishing Cat Species Survival Plan (SSP).

partner(s) for that specific service. Unite Us’ intuitive platform supports meaningful collaboration, community-wide care coordination, and secure, bidirectional data sharing.

For information, visit oklahoma.uniteus.com.

FEBRUARY IS LAST MONTH FOR RED PANDA CAM

The breeding pair, Chet, 11, and Anna, 10, are the

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s popular red panda

biological parents of six-year-old, Boon, and grand-

cam gives animal lovers worldwide the opportunity

parents of two-year-old, Puddles.

to enjoy endless hours of watching the Zoo’s red

“Chet and Anna’s arrival brings the Zoo’s fishing

pandas this winter. Experience a virtual visit to the

cat family to a total of five animals. This is espe-

OKC Zoo’s red panda habitat at Sanctuary Asia

cially exciting as there are only 27 fishing cats in the

from your smartphone, computer or tablet to watch

AZA animal population,” said OKC Zoo’s Curator of

Thomas, 7, and his daughter, Khyana, 18-months, as

Carnivores, Tyler Boyd.

they play, engage with their caretakers and enjoy

To learn more, visit okczoo.org

BIG FRIENDLY OPEN IN WHEELER DISTRICT The Big Friendly’s first brick-and-mortar location at 1737 Spoke St. in Wheeler District is now open.

The brewery and taproom, which started in a

their favorite weather season, winter!

Now through Sunday, February 28, 2021, get an exclusive real-time look at the Zoo’s red pandas with the Zoo’s red panda cam online at okczoo.org/redpandacam. The red panda cam will stream live daily with optimal viewing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. of either Khyana or Thomas.

converted school bus, now offers 24 different beer options on tap, each brewed on site.

Founder Joe Quinlin said opening a location in Wheeler District has been a dream in the making for over four years. Prior to opening this location, the beer bus regularly visited the Wheeler District Ferris Wheel.

“The Big Friendly is all about bringing people together and enjoying beer as a community,” Quinlin said. “This has been a labor of love, and we are honored to finally welcome Oklahoma City residents to our new taproom.”

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Would you like to get in touch with us? We would

The Big Friendly features a large outdoor patio

love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.

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OKC Lifestyle | February 2021

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NEW SKI OKC TO OPEN LATE SPRING, BRINGING WINTER SPORTS TO DOWNTOWN OKC

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RIVERSPORT TO ADD SNOW SKIING, SNOW BOARDING RIVERSPORT ANNOUNCED IT IS BRINGING ALPINE SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING TO OKLAHOMA CITY WITH A NEW INDOOR SLOPE, SKI OKC. The new experience is being made possible through a grant from Inasmuch Foundation and will open in late spring, 2021.

Ski OKC ­­will feature an infinite, articulating ski slope and will be installed inside RIVERSPORT’s Whitewater Center. Ski OKC will be included in Xtreme day and season passes, and single experience passes will also be available as well as lessons and camps.

“Inasmuch Foundation is a proud supporter of RIVERSPORT Foundation’s efforts to provide numerous activities for our entire community to enjoy,” said Bob Ross, president and CEO of Inasmuch Foundation. “The new indoor ski experience offers yet another adventure at the Boathouse District, but more importantly, it’s bringing a life experience

An added ramp offers the opportunity to practice jumps and a projected ski course offers slalom practice.

to our underserved youth who may never have the

ARTICLE STAFF REPORTS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

opportunity to ski or snowboard.”

10

“RIVERSPORT will be the first place in the world

“Our Inasmuch grant supports RIVERSPORT

you can snow ski, surf and whitewater raft all in one

Foundation’s Thrive Outside initiative to remove

location,” said RIVERSPORT Executive Director

barriers,” Ross said. “I hope other organizations and

Mike Knopp. “Ski OKC will be open to passhold-

even individuals will join the Thrive effort by buying

ers throughout the season, and we’ll offer ski and

RIVERSPORT passes or sponsoring groups of kids.

snowboard lessons. In the fall we’ll offer additional

It’s all about the collective impact we can have in

sessions for people to brush up on their skills before

opening doors for our underserved youth.”

they head out on their annual ski trip.”

“We’re also looking forward to incorporating skiing and snowboarding into our Youth Outreach programs. So many Oklahoma City kids would never

Passes can be purchased online at riversportokc.org.

get a chance to whitewater raft or surf – or ski – but now they can do it right here,” Knopp said. “This is

Located in Oklahoma City, RIVERSPORT offers a wide

about ensuring all kids have access to outdoor expe-

range of outdoor adventure and Olympic sports ex-

riences, even if we’re doing some of them indoors!”

periences including rowing, kayaking, whitewater

An added ramp offers the opportunity to prac-

rafting, surfing, biking, sailing, an 80 ft. tall adventure

tice jumps and a projected ski course offers slalom

course, high-speed slides and zip lines. It is operated

practice. Advanced augmented reality capabilities

by the RIVERSPORT Foundation, a 501(c)3 organiza-

ensure the experience will continue to expand as

tion, and all proceeds benefit the organization’s non-

technology advances.

profit outreach initiatives.

OKC Lifestyle | February 2021

The indoor ski simulator is covered in a specially-developed artificial ski grass called PoleSnow®.

The indoor ski simulator is covered in a speciallydeveloped artificial ski grass called PoleSnow®.

The low-friction fibers are misted with water to create a feeling similar to real snow. RIVERSPORT’s simulator also has a quick inclination system which turns a Blue ski run to a Black run in seconds.

Ski OKC will be included in Xtreme day and season passes, and single experience passes will also be available.

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

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G R A PH Y

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|P HO

PR

SIXTWELVE CREATES A PLACE WHERE COMMUNITY CAN FLOURISH H

EI

O

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ARTS, SUSTAINABILITY AND A COMMUNITY GARDEN BLOOM IN HEART OF PASEO

14

OKC Lifestyle | February 2021

Children in SixTwelve's Pre-K classes work and learn in the community garden.

BUILDING AN ARTS CENTER Young taught elementary school for eight years before moving to Oklahoma City in 2006 to work as an education curator for the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. She always had a dream of starting an arts center, and in 2010, she left the museum to do just that.

“I’ve known since I was a kid that I really wanted to have a IN JANUARY, AMY YOUNG WAS ANXIOUSLY AWAITING THE

school. I also really loved music and the arts in general, and I

ARRIVAL OF A NEW ALBUM FEATURING SONGS WRITTEN BY

really wanted kids to have an educational experience that gave

OKLAHOMA CITY CHILDREN.

them exposure to the arts because arts were being taken out of

As the founder and director of SixTwelve, a community learning

the schools,” Young said.

center in the heart of Oklahoma City’s Paseo District, Young had

“I started this community center with a focus on education and

planned to help two local bands create their own album, but the

arts and sustainability. We bought the place in 2010, and it took five

pandemic that hit in March changed all that.

years to rezone and renovate it with the city.”

“I took the money, and we engaged with musicians, mostly

Located on the corner of NW 29th and Lee, SixTwelve opened in

from Oklahoma City and Norman and some from other states, to

2015 with after school programs and camps. During normal times,

record songs that were written by kids. We banded together with

SixTwelve offers a PreK Program, an After School Program, Camps,

another organization in Oklahoma City called SWAT Meet, Inc.,

Adult Workshops, Events, Residencies, Community Garden, Urban

which teaches kids how to write record and perform their own

Chickens, a Community Kitchen for teaching and food prep, an

music. We banded together with them and organized 20 different

outdoor performance stage, two residency apartments and a stu-

bands performing 20 songs written by the kids.”

dio. Young started the preschool in the fall of 2015, and a couple of

The music was mixed and mastered by Jared Evans of Black Watch Studio into an album called “Building Together.” In January, those vinyl albums were pressed and shipped to Oklahoma City.

years later, The Oklahoma City Girls Art School held its after-school program at the center.

“They quickly outgrew our space in a couple of years and moved

“It is so good,” said Young.

on to their own place. So we started our own after school program,

The fundraising album was one of the many creative endeavors

and it was going strong until this past spring when we had to close

that SixTwelve offers as a community education center.

“Community education is designed to foster a lifelong love of learning. We have a preschool, and during normal times we have

everything down. We moved everything to online until the summer, and then spent the summer just trying to take care of the gardens because we could be outside.”

CONTINUED >

an after-school program, adult workshops, events and residencies,” Young said. “We do camps for kids during the breaks and everything focuses on creativity and sustainability. We have a focus on arts, a community garden, and a community kitchen, as well as apartments upstairs for the artists residents we bring in.”

Children learn about sustainability through SixTwelve's educational programs.

Since opening in 2015, SixTwelve has hosted 16 different residencies, either in Oklahoma City or in Savannah, Georgia. The residencies host artists, writers, filmmakers, chefs dancers, musicians, and others who are willing to share their knowledge through educational programs like camps or workshops.

However, during the 2020 pandemic, SixTwelve had to cut back their offerings to just pre-K and remote residencies. The work in the community garden, however continued.

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

15

SIXTWELVE (CONTINUED)

Sustainable gardening is part of the SixTwelve curriculum.

“it’s been a really good semester and the kids have done some work in the gardens as well. They helped plant the seeds and watched the food grow.

Then they take it inside and cook it in the kitchen so they actually their food from yard to fork.”

The coming year remains up in the air as far as what kind of programming SixTwelve can offer, but Young said the mission remains the same. The Pre-K class, which is limited to eight students, will continue through the summer.

“Hopefully, this vaccine will bring a little bit more hope for bringing pre-K and after-school programming back in the fall. We’re just gonna take it one day at a time and see what is possible,” Young said.

SixTwelve is funded through a combination of tuition and class fees, donations and grants.

Tuition is based on a sliding scale based on what people can pay.

Young had learned how important it was for kids to be in nature

Just recently, SixTwelve unveiled a new art

and to be outside, but also to understand where their food came

installation that went up at the beginning of the semester called the

from. Because SixTwelve has a focus on sustainability, it began

SixTwelve Garden of Light that was made possible by a donation

offering monthly outdoor gardening workshops that have continued

from the Kirkpatrick Family Fund and matched by the Young family.

during the pandemic.

“Everything focuses on how to grow your own food and how to have a garden, so we focus on soil nutrition, water conservation and collection, permaculture and using what you have to direct water to where you want the gardens to be,” she said.

“That was put into motion last December, and I’m so grateful for it because it brought some light and wonder and curiosity to the neighborhood and to the property,” Young said.

“Those are things that we definitely want to support for lifelong learning. Curiosity is one of the most important things in life.”

“All of our plants are either edible or medicinal, and our trees are fruit producing. Everything is on the outside of our fence so that our

For more information about SixTwelve, to purchase the fundraising al-

neighbors can take food if they need it. We try to encourage people

bum or to enroll in the Pre-K class, visit sixtwelve.org.

to volunteer in the gardens if they do take the food.”

Pre-COVID, SixTwelve also began offering cooking classes for both adults and children.

“It took 10 years to raise the funds to get the kitchen. We finally have a teaching kitchen, which the kids can use or adults can use.

But this year, during the summer, I had an outdoor classroom put in so that we could have our pre-K outside. We reduced all the programs just to pre-K to keep them safe and not have too many people in the building,” Young said.

16

OKC Lifestyle | February 2021

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

17

ancient mysteries of the spiro mounds at cowboy & western heritage museum OKLAHOMA'S SPIRO MOUNDS FAMED FOR MOST PREHISTORIC AMERICAN INDIAN ARTIFACTS IN THE UNITED STATES. The Spiro Mounds Archeological Center.

Photograph by By Heide Brandes

18

OKC Lifestyle | February 2021

ARTICLE SETH SPILLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Our st aff h as worked for years t o create a worldcl ass, exciting and coll aborative present ation of a people who h ave been overlooked for t oo long."

THE SPIRO MOUNDS ARE ONE OF THE

Nations, the descendants of the Spiroan peo-

UNITED

IMPORTANT

ple, and with contributions by 17 humanities

ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITES, AS

STATES’

MOST

scholars from nearly a dozen universities and

WELL AS AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIND

museums from across the United States.

UNMATCHED IN MODERN TIMES. Yet,

The Spiro Mounds were the location of one

despite creating a sophisticated ancient cul-

of the largest and longest episodes of looting at

ture, the Spiro people are nearly forgotten in

any American archaeological site in history—

the pages of history books.

comparable to that of Mesa Verde in Colorado

How did these incredible works of art and

and, sadly, several others across the country.

other treasures from all over North America

Both looting and New Deal/Works Progress

end up hidden for hundreds of years, and why?

Administration (WPA) archaeological excava-

Opening February 12, 2021, at the National

tions came together in a near-perfect storm

Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, “Spiro

at Spiro. In 1935, the public’s imagination was

and the Art of the Mississippian World” will

peaked when the Kansas City Star called

seek to answer these questions and more

the site’s discovery a “King Tut’s Tomb in

in the first major presentation on the Spiro

the Arkansas Valley,” and identified it as the

Mounds ever undertaken by a museum,

greatest source of Mississippian iconographic

representing the first, and possibly last, time

material ever found.

these artifacts will be reunited from various collections across the country.

Embossed copper plates, wooden sculptures, thousands of pearls and beads, large

“We are incredibly pleased to announce this

human effigy pipes and engraved shell

unparalleled exhibition, which will give proper

gorgets and cups are just some of the items

honor and representation to the culture and his-

found at Spiro. In fact, nearly 90% of all

torical impact of the Spiro people,” said Natalie

known engraved shell created during the

Shirley, Cowboy president and CEO. “Our staff

Mississippian period (900 – 1650 AD) was

has worked for years to create a world-class,

discovered at this one site.

exciting and collaborative presentation of a people who have been overlooked for too long.”

This exhibition will share the art, history and culture of the Spiro people through roughly

This exhibition will include the reunification of a range of items looted and archaeologically excavated at Spiro that have not been together since the early 1930s and 1940s.

175 objects, as well as an accompanying pub-

“The quality and quantity of material

lication, website, public symposium and panel

found in at Spiro are unprecedented,” said

discussion. It was created in collaboration with

Eric Singleton, Ph.D., Museum Curator of

representatives from the Caddo and Wichita

Ethnology. “We are grateful to have the support CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

19

"

ANCIENT MYSTERIES (CONTINUED) of the Spiroan descendants, the Caddo Nation and the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, as we prepare this exhibition. Without them, this exhibition would not be possible.”

The Spiroan people, along with other Mississippian groups across the eastern half of North America, created a world equal to that of the Aztec, Maya or Inca, consisting of trade networks and highly developed social, political and religious centers.

The exhibition will explore the archaeology and history of Spiro and its relationship to other contemporaneous Indigenous communities in North and Central America, highlighting community development, religious and ceremonial activities, farming and hunting practices and daily life.

It will also illustrate how ecological factors, specifically the occurrence of the “Little Ice Age” beginning in 1350 AD and lasting until 1650 AD may have led to the site’s decline and ultimate abandonment. The exhibition also showcases contemporary Indigenous art pieces that explore the ideas of origin and connect the art and artistry of the Spiro people to their modern descendants.

Human face effigy with deer antlers. Leflore County, Oklahoma, Spiro Site. 1200 – 1450 AD. Wood.

COSMIC TWINS, by Starr Hardridge.

Muscogee (Creek). 2016

For more information, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org.

20

OKC Lifestyle | February 2021

EVERLASTING FIRE PLATE, by Chase Earles and Starr Hardridge. Caddo & Muscogee (Creek),

OTTER TURBAN, by Woody Crumbo, Potawatomi, Ca. 1940, Otter fur, silver, silk.

Human head effigy plate.

Leflore County, Oklahoma, Spiro Site. 1200 – 1450 AD.

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The dancers at Aalim perform in shows and festivals throughout the state and beyond.

A BE AU T I F U L WAY T O E X E RC I S E , A S T RO N G COM M U N I T Y OF DA N C E

The Aalim Dance Academy offers classes that study dance beyond just the moves.

AALIM DANCE ACADEMY SAYS BELLYDANCE IS FOR "EVERY BODY" Ayperi Al Jawahir

22

OKC Lifestyle | February 2021

ARTICLE BY HEIDE BRANDES PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHOCTAW PHOTOGRAPHY AND PROVIDED

The Aalim Dance Academy offers classes for all levels of belly dance.

IN THE HEART OF OKLAHOMA CITY, WOMEN ARE

Adult students are up to 77 or even older, so you can

SHIMMYING AND SWAYING TO THE SOUNDS OF

start belly dancing at any age.

EGYPTIAN MUSIC, THEIR HIPS BOUNCING TO A

Before the pandemic, we had two children’s classes,

STACCATO BEAT, THEIR TORSOS UNDULATING

one for ages 5 to 9 and then one for ages 10 to 13, but our

LIKE WATER FLOWING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN.

main focus is adult classes.

These women range in age from early teens to late 70s, and they come in all shapes, sizes, colors, races

Q: IF SOMEONE IS INTERESTED IN LEARNING TO

and backgrounds. Some are early into their journey into

DANCE, BUT HAS NEVER DANCED BEFORE,

Middle Eastern folkloric dance - known as belly dancing

WHAT DOES AALIM OFFER?

- and others have decades of training behind them.

AYPERI: A lot of people who come to our studio or who

The Aalim Dance Academy of Oklahoma City is a

are interested in classes sometimes don’t feel comfortable

nonprofit professional belly dance studio located in

coming to classes because they’ve never had a dance

Oklahoma City, and students of all ages are learning the

class or they’ve never had any type of movement-based

ancient and beautiful art of dance.

classes. They just don’t feel coordinated enough.

It’s also a beautiful way to exercise, said Ayperi Al

I let them know that our classes, especially our “intro to

Jawahir, board president and head instructor at Aalim.

belly dance” classes - which is where everybody starts out -

We sat down for a Q&A with Ayperi to learn all about

are accessible for all. We start from the ground and work our

belly dancing in Oklahoma City.

way up. We start with the basic steps and strive to make our classes accessible for all because we understand that we

Q: TELL US ABOUT AALIM DANCE ACADEMY. AYPERI: Aalim Dance Academy is a 501(c)3 nonprofit

didn’t all start dancing when we were 3 years old or whatever. We really want to give everybody a chance to dance.

dance school, and we specialize in dances from the Middle East, North Africa, Greece and Turkey, otherwise

Q: WHAT ARE THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL

called belly dancing here in the West.

BENEFITS OF BELLY DANCING?

Most of our classes are for adults, and many of the peo-

AYPERI: Belly dancing is great for you, and any sort

ple who start dancing at our studio have never even had

of movement can help boost your mood. The best

dance classes before. And we get all ages of students.

thing about using belly dance as exercise is that you

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

23

STRONG COMMUNITY OF DANCE (CONTINUED)

don’t feel like you’re exercising - you’re dancing

online format. We offered pre-recorded classes, and

and you’re having fun.

then live virtual classes.

And it’s easy on the body, especially for people who may have had injuries or bad joints.

In our beginner classes, everything is very, very

Q: YOU’VE MENTIONED HOW AALIM IS A FAMILY OF DANCERS. CAN YOU EXPLAIN?

low impact, and there is not a lot of jumping or

AYPERI: Belly dance is a cultural dance, and it

hopping. When you go further into your belly dance

comes from the Middle East, North Africa, Greece

journey, you may come across specific dance styles,

and Turkey. And in our classes, not only do we study

such as Debke or Saidi, which have more hopping

the movements, but we also study the culture and

and more jumping. Turkish folkloric style also has a

the music, where the dance comes from, and the

lot of hopping and jumping.

different stylizations from each of those areas as well.

When you go through your dance journey, you get to choose where your journey takes you.

It’s quite the community. Everyone in our studio becomes great friends. If someone needs help with something, we’re there to help them out. We’ve

Q: BEING NONPROFIT, HOW ARE YOU

got each other’s backs. Our community has really

DIFFERENT FROM SAY OTHER DANCE STUDIOS

come together, especially during the pandemic to

THAT ARE NOT NONPROFIT.

help the studio to survive.

AYPERI: One thing we strive to do as a nonprofit

Many of our students find an escape and a family

organization is to reach out to the community. We will

of friends when they come to class. They learn with

do community shows such as different art festivals,

others, laugh with others, grow as dancers with others.

different fundraisers like the Kidney Walk, and other

It’s hard to explain, but you get instant friends who are

events like fairs, OKC Open Streets, nursing home

there to support you both in dance and in life.

shows, children’s events, you name it.

Throughout the pandemic, we’ve been offering free virtual shows to help keep our community entertained. We’ve done numerous shows just throughout the pandemic.

Q: HOW DOES ONE SIGN UP FOR CLASSES AT AALIM? AYPERI: They can go to our website, www.aalimokc.com, and we have our classes listed there under

During normal years, our professional dancers will

the classes section on the website. They can also call

perform at events, such as birthday parties, wedding

us at 405-844-0304. We have classes ranging from

celebrations, anniversaries, corporate events, area

introduction to belly dance to advanced and specialty

restaurants and competitions.

classes. We also have gift certificates available.

Q: HOW HAS YOUR DANCE STUDIO SHIFTED

Q: ANY PARTING THOUGHTS?

DURING THE PANDEMIC?

AYPERI: Belly dancing is an amazing gift for your

AYPERI: Typically dance classes are done in

physical well-being and your mental well-being. It’s

person, but because of the pandemic, we knew we

fun. It’s a community. It is a way to safely learn a

would need to shut down. We have so many students

beautiful art form. It’s great exercise too!

and teachers who are either high risk, or they live

Simply, it’s a beautiful way to move and to exercise.

with or take care of someone who is high risk. We wanted to make sure to keep all of our students, our teachers and our volunteers safe.

We immediately shut down our studio for in person classes, and we moved all of our classes to an

24

OKC Lifestyle | February 2021

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OKC Lifestyle | February 2021

L E T T I N G

V O I C E S

FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH, AND IN OKLAHOMA CITY, A GROUP OF BLACK WOMEN LED A GRASSROOTS EFFORT TO HELP UNDER-REPRESENTED VOICES BE HEARD.

“Black Women Voices opens an opportunity to showcase

Black Women Voices formed in June of 2020 as a way to

the knowledgeable Black women throughout various sec-

include women who are minorities in conversations about

tors in Oklahoma City who have important contributions to

race. BWV held panel discussions about different topics

health and healthcare, education, law, science, child wel-

that affect black women.

fare, economic security and other issues that affect our daily

In June, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and his wife

lives,” said Perkins in June.

hosted a televised panel discussion on race after protests

“Through this project, we aim to broaden exposure to

and police violence rocked the nation. The panel included

lenses on social problems and solutions provided by Black

religious leaders and law enforcement, but many other

women in Oklahoma City in hopes that elected leaders and

African American activists said they felt left out.

other influencers will learn from and apply those lenses into

“We learned that the governor was having a round table about race, but we were not included. It is really vital and critical to be part of the conversation,” said Skye Latimer, one of the founders of the Black Women Voices.

their policy decision making.”

The group held monthly panel discussions through December 2020.

“Everyone felt a collective exhale, like we finally got to be

“It would have been great to talk about the black expe-

heard. We got to share our insights and our wisdom, and we

rience in Oklahoma or in America, based on education or

felt uplifted to have been given that opportunity,” said Latimer.

health and things like that. We had a conversation about

The Black Women Voices group is already making plans

what a future conversation would look like and then Black

for 2021, and Latimer said it was important to continue the

Woman Voices was formed.”

upward momentum.

In response, the Black Women Voices group hosted

“ I would just encourage anyone who listens to our

its own roundtable discussion on race and social justice

conversations and supports black women’s voices to con-

issues, which was live-streamed through the Black Women

tinue to do that with all communities, like our indigenous

Voices Facebook page.

communities and our LGBTQ folks,” Latimer said. “Make

Bailey Perkins was one of the hosts of the event. She plays a key role in shaping state and federal public policy decisions and

sure that there is a seat at the table and opportunity for all voices to be heard.”

strengthening civic engagement in Oklahoma. Other founders were Vanessa Morrison, Maurianna Adams, Sheri Camille

Follow Black Women Voices at @BWVOKC on Twitter,

Landry, Ajay Pittman, Noor Jihan and NIkki Nice.

Instagram and YouTube and Facebook.

BLACK WOMEN VOICES BRING UNDERREPRESENTED VIEWS TO THE TABLE ARTICLE BY HEIDE BRANDES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

27

banging burgers

in okc

ARTICLE BRYAN HALLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BRYAN HALLMAN AND PROVIDED

OKC LIFESTYLES' PUBLISHER GOES ON QUEST FOR OKC'S BEST BURGERS

I’M A FOODIE. I have always loved to eat and, to be

LITTLE MIKE’S

honest, with you I think I’m pretty good at it as well.

Little Mike’s Hamburgers is easily one of the best burg-

Each month this year, I’m getting out and about to look

ers in Oklahoma City. Located at 6724 Northwest Expy,

for the best of the best of local food. This month I’m

Oklahoma City, Mike’s is worth the drive to get to. The

starting with burgers.

famous onion fried burgers are made with fresh and sim-

Cheeseburgers and my favorite food. Well, everything

ple ingredients. I had the double meat cheeseburger with

is my favorite food, but burgers are my go-to. I tried four

an order of large fries, and I could tell the meat and the

locations in and around the OKC area. Here is my list.

toppings were fresh. The fries were fantastic.

I like Mike’s so much that I’ve gone back twice. The onion rings looked amazing and several people raved about the fried pies. I even had another customer tell me she drives to Mikes for the corndogs.

Little Mike's

28

OKC Lifestyle | February 2021

NIC’S GRILL What hasn’t been written or said about Nic’s Grill that I can add to? Nic’s is located at 1201 N Pennsylvania Ave, Oklahoma City. I had never eaten at Nic’s and as I asked friends about burger locations in the metro.

THE FIXX The Fixx at 644 W Edmond Rd, in Edmond, is a true hidden gem.

Nic’s was on everyone’s list. The atmosphere is as good as the

I tackled the BEAST. What an amazing burger! Cheddar, bacon,

burgers. I got a seat at the counter and met a guy from Texas who

hotlink, house-made chili, grilled onions and jalapenos make this a

was in town for the holidays, and he said while in town, he’ll eat

burger that is truly fitting the name.

there every day.

The chili was scrumptious, and the hotlink had the perfect amount

I had the Cheeseburger Basket with an egg and bacon on it. The

of kick. I have to be honest - the fries at The Fixx were my favorite.

meat is fresh and cooked perfectly. Nic’s serves up great curly fries

A full line of salads, sandwiches and great starts are on the menu

as well. I may have to try the chicken fried burger next time. Again, I

as well. A full bar and a great selection of beers make this a perfect

can’t add anything other people haven’t said about this place.

place for a casual dinner or after a round of golf.

CONTINUED >

Nic's Grill The Beast Burger

by The Fixx

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

29

BANGING BURGERS (CONTINUED)

Paddy Wagon

PADDY WAGON

OTHERS TO CONSIDER

Paddy Wagon at 3600 N May Ave, Oklahoma City was awesome.

Here are some others that are must-try suggestions. The

Paddy Wagon makes a great burger but what truly makes this

onion burger at Bel Mar CC in Norman is just AMAZING from

place special are all the add ons and sauces. I had the double meat

the house-made bun to the pickles. The word is they may be

cheeseburger, grilled onions, spicy mayo, lettuce and pickles. I had a

opening a burger bar that is open to the public this Spring.

large fry and large onion ring as well.

The burger was cooked perfectly and the spicy mayo really put it

The Trails Bar and Grill at Rose Creek Country Club has The Brunch burger. It is like breakfast on a bun.

over the top. I imagine with all the sauces and add ons you could eat

Johnnie’s is a local tradition and has several locations in

here every day for months and still not have the same burger twice.

and around the metro. I’m a #9 guy with extra sauce, extra

The staff was amazing and walked me through the process.

onions and large onion rings.

The Garage also has several locations around the metro and offers lots of options for a burger lover. All locations have keto or low carb options.

For March, I’m searching for the metro’s best chili dog.

If you have suggestions, let me know at bryan.hallman@ lifestylepubs.com

30

OKC Lifestyle | February 2021

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LOCAL’S CHOICE

SHOP LOCAL FOR VALENTINE'S DAY GIFTS THOUGHTFUL GIFTS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES WILL KNOCK THEIR SOCKS OFF!

ARTICLE HEIDE BRANDES PHOTOGRAPHY KIMBERLY RICHELLE & PROVIDED

VALENTINE’S DAY IS COMING FAST. If you still have to get that gift for that special someone, consider shopping local for unique gifts that will knock their socks off!

Earn those hugs and kisses with these curated local gifts from right here in Central Oklahoma. When you shop local businesses in your community this Valentine’s day, much more of your money stays local.

32

OKC Lifestyle | February 2021

The gift of fashion from Krista Anne's Boutique.

Dinner at Bellini's.

Kendra Scott New Ansley Heart line

Golf membership at Rose Creek Golf Course A bottle of wine from OKC's Water's Edge Winery

A selection of smell-good gifts from Tin Lizzie's.

THE GIFT OF FASHION from Krista Anne’s Boutique, 7602 N. May Avenue | DINNER AT BELLINI’S RISTORANTE & GRILL By Tommy Byrd.; 6305 Waterford Blvd STE 100; call 405-848-1065 for reservations. | GOLF MEMBERSHIP AT Rose Creek Golf Course, 17031 N. May Ave., golfrosecreek.com | CANDLES, LOTIONS AND ROOM SPRAY from Oklahoma’s The Jam Room; Tin Lizzie’s, 905 N. Broadway Ave. | KENDRA SCOTT’S THE ANSLEY HEART was introduced in January and is the newest play on the Heart, available in necklaces and earrings. Even better, if you visit any Kendra Gives Back event, you donate 20% of your purchase back to a local cause. Visit kendrascott.com or visit the story at 1452 S Bryant Ave, Edmond. | LOCAL WINE from Water’s Edge Winery, 712 N. Broadway Ave.

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

33

FEBRUARY

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

13

for the biggest Mardi Gras celebra-

THE FIREBIRD

It's an incredible day of green, purple,

tion and party! Collect thousands of beads and drink SoCo Hurricanes!

Civic Center Music Hall,

and gold New Orleans style fun! Visit

201 N. Walker Ave., Oklahoma City

eventbrite.com for information.

The OKC Ballet returns as Prince Ivan discovers a group of maidens held captive by an evil sorcerer and his only hope is a tiny magical bird.

Artistic Director Robert Mills will put his own spin on the classic tale of good over evil which features

34

18 FG GALLERY AT FULMER GROUP

1101 N. Broadway Ave., Oklahoma City

Located within Fulmer Group Law in historic Automobile Alley, FG Galley

17

is a non-profit art gallery committed

AN EVENING WITH MICHAEL BUBLE IN CONCERT

tions. All proceeds go directly to a

to bringing together local artists & charitable community organizalocal charity organization chosen by

Chesapeake Energy Arena,

the featured artist. For information,

an exotic score by Igor Stravinsky.

Oklahoma City

visit fulmergrouplaw.com.

Visit okcciviccenter.com.

The concert originally scheduled for April 3, 2020 has been rescheduled for

13

February 17, 2021. Michael Bublé will

MARDI GRAS BAR CRAWL

Tour in February, and Michael's new

be returning to his hugely successful “An Evening With Michael Bublé”

Oklahoma City Area Bars,

single, "Gotta Be Patient," a collab-

Would you like to get in touch with

104 Flaming Lips Alley

oration with Barenaked Ladies and

us? We would love to hear from you!

The Mardi Gras Bar Crawl is coming

Mexican singer Sofia Reyes has just

Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

Saturday, February 13. We're turning

been released. For information, visit

OKC using the Get In Touch link and

Oklahoma City into Bourbon Street

chesapeakearena.com.

let us know what you think.

OKC Lifestyle | February 2021

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