Arts & Entertainment
Fitness on 14th
Local fitness entrepreneur plans expansion in Sept.
Stuart Smith. (Blade photo by Michael Key)
I went apartment hunting with a friend a few days ago. When he asked for recommendations of diverse and thriving neighborhoods, I immediately thought of Logan Circle, an inclusive, all-encompassing neighborhood that’s growing rapidly.
One of its perks — about to get better — is BodySmith Personal Training which is moving into a new space and becoming a full gym in September.
The big gyms seem to garner all the exposure, but what about the little guys? The boutique gyms and personal training studios located directly in the District are worth mentioning. These locations offer something the big guys can’t touch and it gives the gym consumer options for their workout environment that suites their nature. Not everyone loves to be surrounded by large crowds, blaring music or sweaty machines, nor pay hefty membership fees.
Mint Fitness is a wonderful boutique size full-fledged gym, which has been open about five years in Adams Morgan. And while the price may be hefty for some, you will be pampered there beyond what you might receive in a larger facility.
There are other small gyms and privately owned personal training studio favorites scattered throughout the area and I trust each of them has something special to offer that may not be available in larger facilities. Balance Gym with several locations throughout Washington and one located in Thomas Circle is another example of the advantages of a smaller space.
But what about an intimate neighborhood workout space where everyone knows your name in the Dupont Circle or Logan Circle area that is also moderately priced? And where do you find some of the most extensively educated and experienced personal trainers in Washington? What about a private personal training space and a separate membership area all under one roof? Wouldn’t such an option be wonderful to have available? I know of no other facility that will be offering nor be in the same league as what the new BodySmith Gym will offer. Full disclosure — I’m proud to say I’m an independent personal trainer at BodySmith and the new location will be exciting.
It’s slated to open at 1630 14th street will be about 12,000 square feet and consist of two floors: one devoted solely to personal training and the other as a membership-only area. BodySmith will have a full spectrum of top-of-the-line free-weight equipment and a variety of fresh cutting-edge cardio equipment housed in the all above ground heavily windowed space. Also, housed within will be massage, physical therapy, an organic juice and shake bar, and parking, which is unusual for this area.
And owner Stuart Smith has a consistent record of celebrating and supporting the LGBT community that deserves recognition.
Smith has been the successful owner of the BodySmith Personal Training brand since he opened his first personal training space directly across the street from what is now Lauriol Plaza Restaurant in 1998. BodySmith has maintained several tables at each years Chef’s Best and regularly donates to Food and Friend’s and other local charities.
Smith also pumped his own pedals for a couple of Food and Friends sponsored AIDS Rides and consistently raised money for the battle against AIDS.
As the first BodySmith location quickly became a Dupont Circle favorite, Smith and his team embraced the culture around them. He even donned silver pumps and ran in the High Heel Race dressed as Mother Theresa one year.
The original BodySmith closed in 2004 after its lease ran out and Smith moved to the current Logan Circle location. Most of his trainers and clients went with him.
BodySmith Gym will require a monthly membership fee starting at about $69 a month for a year commitment and separate fees for the personal training-only area. For more information visit bodysmithgymdc.com.
Friday, May 1
Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
“Illusions The Drag Queen Show Washington, D.C.” will be at 7 p.m. at 2323 18th St., N.W. Come see this amazing D.C. drag show and laugh all night long while being amazed by the stellar performances in tribute to some of your old-time favorite classics as well as the latest pop favorites. Come see the likes of Madonna, Cher, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Beyoncé, Pink, and many more. Tickets are $12.97 and are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 2
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11:00a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Drag Queen Sip and Paint Washington DC will be at 4 p.m. at Town Tavern DC. This event combines the joy of painting with the lively energy of a drag queen, offering an hour and a half of fun, creativity, and entertainment. Participants paint a canvas while enjoying cocktails, all under the guidance of a glamorous drag queen host. Tickets are $47.19 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, May 4
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Tuesday, May 5
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, May 6
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more information, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 7
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
The new monthly 90’s Flashback Drag Brunch premiered at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 26. Performers included Logan Stone, Tiffany D. Carter and Charlemagne Chateau.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Celebrity News
Madonna makes rare club appearance in West Hollywood
Gay icon brought ‘Confessions II’ to The Abbey
A line of celebrities, “Drag Race” queens, influencers, media, and West Hollywood socialites lined the block around West Hollywood’s The Abbey, all clamoring to get into the invite-only celebration of owner Tristan Schukraft’s birthday. The rumor, which became verified gossip, was that Madonna, the Queen of Pop herself, would be taking the stage. Of course, the Blade had to be there.
With disco balls and Abbey statues covered in pink chiffon, it was clear. This party was a direct tie-in to Madonna’s much-anticipated “Confessions on A Dance Floor” album sequel, “Confessions II.” That night, the Abbey also unveiled its remodeled dance floor, a fitting collaboration.
The club was filled to capacity with a completely open bar, keeping the crowd liquored up. Go-go dancers in black leather collars and thongs lined the room, and celebrities that included Lilly Allen, Bebe Rexha, Tori Spelling, Julia Fox, Sam Asghari, Daniel Frenzese, Cynthia Bailey, Meredith Marks, Tom Daley, and more filled the VIP booths alongside World of Wonder personalities. It was a veritable who’s who of queer folk and allies.
The lights began to dim, the dance floor began to rumble, and Madonna graphics hit the screens. At around 1 am, it was time. Introduced by Addison Rae, Madonna grabbed the mic and started chanting, welcoming her “gays.” The venue resounded in thunderous chants of “freedom,” “mother,” and “bitch.”
Madonna was not there to perform. She was there to dance. She took the stage for about 15 minutes, keeping the crowd going with her naughty and fun commentary. There is no list that needs to be provided on how Madonna’s career has become part of queer culture. Going back to her dance music roots and going back to her gay fans is smart.
Released in 2005 (yes, it has been that long), “Confessions on a Dance Floor” was an instant hit, with four singles from the album being released. The album’s lead single, “Hung Up,” topped the charts in 41 countries with Billboard calling it the most successful dance song of the decade. The album had hints of 60s and 70s flair, mixed in with dance music prevalent at that time. The music still dominates at queer clubs across the globe.
Madonna knows we need a little queer joy; she also knows that fans miss the Madonna we all knew and loved. With the nation in such turbulence, we all need some comfort, and going back to a time when we felt safer and had more to celebrate just feels good. For the new album release, she has even partnered with Grindr for a limited edition vinyl release and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Her night at The Abbey presented snippets of her new music mixed in with some of her classics. The new material sounded good, sounded familiar in an exciting way, and shows that this diva has still got it.
“Confessions II” releases on July 3.
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