Jeffrey Ballen
When it comes to taking the anxiety out of this ordeal, nobody does it better. 5 Longfellow Pl., Boston, MA .
The Dance Complex
Based in an old Odd Fellows meeting hall in Central Square, this institution’s performances—from new modern works to traditional Indian dance to showcases of cutting-edge female choreographers—celebrate diversity and always, always give you something to think about. On top of it all, the Dance Complex hosts regular festivals and eclectic classes, including flamenco, hip-hop, tap, bhangra, and, of course, ballet. 536 Massachusetts Ave. , Cambridge, MA dancecomplex.org.
Jeannette Neill Dance Studio
Aspiring professionals, athletic young adults, and spirited beginners gather at this gem of a dance studio, tucked away in an unassuming low-rise near North Station. Seasoned performers lead each class with enthusiasm, patience, and style. Plus, the venue attracts big-deal guest instructors such as Alvin Ailey principal dancer Matthew Rushing. A traditional mix of classes (jazz, ballet, tap) is complemented by funky hip-hop and video dance options. 261 Friend St., 5th Floor, Boston, MA jndance.com.
Dance Complex
Walk past this aging Central Square building and you'll hear lively drumbeats and rhythmic foot stomping. Walk in and you'll experience one giant Fame flashback. Four floors of studios allow ballet, capoeira, salsa, flamenco, tap, mambo, street funk, and samba to coexist like a little rainbow coalition of dance, while creating an unparalleled surge of collective energy—all for about 12 bucks a class. 536 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA dancecomplex.org.
Barneys New York
For shoe fiends, it's hard to top Barneys' rainbow assortment of Lanvin ballet flats, gladiators, and peep-toe Mary Janes. And that's just the beginning. Spread out across 3,500 square feet of first-floor space, the offerings are straight off the pages of Vogue: sky-high patent YSL stilettos, woven Prada platforms, badass Margiela boots. Recession? What recession? 100 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 2116, barneys.com.
Precision Pilates
Precision Pilates first came recommended to us by both a former dancer with the Joffrey Ballet and a new mom trying to shed baby weight. A 50-minute reformer class later, and we now know why: Mother-daughter team Nancy Higgins and Liz Rogers have attracted top instructors who specialize in everything from weight loss and spinal rehab to pre- and postnatal work. Pilates is easy to cheat at without proper instruction, so if you’re going to subject yourself to the rigors of the reformer and the torture of the “100,” you might as well do it with people who’ll keep you honest. Danvers and Ipswich, precisionpilatesplus.com.
The Dance Complex
From Capoeira to calypso, belly dance to ballet, the Dance Complex's unparalleled diversity of classes is as far-flung in origin as are its 60 instructors. Founded as a nonprofit artist-run organization, its grass-roots approach to dance training attracts the expertise of prima ballerinas and flamenco artists alike. Classes, which operate out of six studios in a historic Central Square building, are sometimes complemented by live music or drums. Traditionalists won't be disappointed, but the inclusive atmosphere and affordable, drop-in classes may just also compel you to find out what the heck Bachata is about. 536 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA dancecomplex.org.
Clementine
With the opening of the Street and Chestnut Hill Square, the western ’burbs have experienced a retail renaissance of late. Yet nothing compares to the experience at the always-darling Clementine, in Wellesley. Owner Judi Rizley selects the most exclusive designers and styles for her boutique, from Piazza Sempione’s fitted fall jackets and Repetto’s luxe ballet flats to elegant dresses from Harvey Faircloth. One stop here practically guarantees you’ll never show up at a soiree in the same brand—let alone the same outfit—as someone else. 445 Worcester St., Wellesley, MA 2481, ourclementine.com.
Flat Top Johnny's
Flat Top Johnny's runs the table. It's really no contest, considering most of Boston's pool halls are either shabby gin joints or cheesy meat markets. Flat Top's, by contrast, has a mellow punk vibe, a mix of Kendall Square professionals and Central Square rockers, and good tables. There are cool specials like Monday's nine-ball tournament and Tuesday's women's night. (God, even pool halls are going PC. Whatever happened to ladies' night?) The food's surprisingly good, and there's a beer for every palate and wallet—although we don't recommend drinking nine PBRs while playing your buddy for 20 bucks. One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA flattopjohnnys.com.
All the Republicans on the statewide ballot
Throw in GOP state chairman Ray Shamie, "Literacy Czar" Gerry D'Amico, and the Dukakis cabinet. They just don't get it, do they?
Tess & Carlos
Tess Enright knows what she likes—and, more to the point, what she does not. The sartorial littérateur has no interest in words like "trendy" or "hip," instead preferring ones like "seasonless," "ageless," and "assured." Her stores are filled with pieces she thinks every woman should own, in understated colors that purposefully override fad: Piazza Sempione cashmere coats, Prada ballet flats, Jil Sander suiting. Three locations include a new Newbury Street outpost, but Tess herself sticks close to Newton, where she's been doling out straightforward advice since 1999. 1241 Centre St., Newton Center, MA 2459, tessandcarlos.com.
The Dance Complex
From Capoeira to calypso, belly dance to ballet, the Dance Complex's unparalleled diversity of classes is as far-flung in origin as are its 60 instructors. Founded as a nonprofit artist-run organization, its grass-roots approach to dance training attracts the expertise of prima ballerinas and flamenco artists alike. Classes, which operate out of six studios in a historic Central Square building, are sometimes complemented by live music or drums. Traditionalists won't be disappointed, but the inclusive atmosphere and affordable, drop-in classes may just also compel you to find out what the heck Bachata is about. 536 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA dancecomplex.org.
Jinx Cahill
When Star wanted to know how Joan Kennedy lost 20 pounds, the tabloid called Jinx. Thirty-nine years old, Jinx herself used to weigh 40 pounds more than her current 110, and now keeps herself (and her clients) trim with an exercise regimen that combines yoga, modern dance, ballet, and "Marine Corps training exercises." "They flow from one to another," she explains. "It's not just physical fitness that my students get out of this, it's a self-identification. I love the people who come in here. Some of them have become so advanced, so fit, that i wonder what's left for them after me. The Israeli army?" Boston, MA
Chestnut Hill
Edged out Burlington by the skin of its alligator wallets. Chestnut Hill, MA
Julien
Marvelous setting, fancy French food. Bring your wallet. Hotel Meridien, 250 Franklin St., Boston, MA .