I have lived in New York City long enough to be considered a real New Yorker. When I’m not working, I can most likely be found at the gym where I instruct barre fitness classes, on the G train, or in line at my favorite Brooklyn bagel place.

Growing up in Rochester, New York (proudly home to the garbage plate, Eastman Kodak, and Wegman’s Food Markets), I was a competitive dancer all throughout school, including my years at Ithaca College. Dance brought me all across the country, introduced me to people I am still connected with today, and taught me everything I know about tenacity, discipline, and the rewards of hard work.

I still take drop-in dance classes every now and then — an enormous perk of living in New York City, but most of my dancing these days is done at concerts. I’ve seen Beyonce, Harry Styles, Madonna, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Brandi Carlisle, Bruce Springsteen, John Mayer, Taylor Swift and more — I just love live music! Despite what feels like relatively mature taste, you’ll never guess what Spotify Wrapped said my age was this year…