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#36 The Tangueros
The couple: Monica Caivano and Gustavo Simplis, founders of Esquina Tango, Austin’s center for tango and Latino culture. The mission: Get you “out in the street dancing.” The commitment: “When I moved to Austin, only three other people danced tango.” Top 3 ways they’ll change your life: Plug into one…
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#39 The Horse Healer
The woman: Shelley Hill Smith (at far left), associate at Spirit Reins, an Austin nonprofit specializing in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. The mission: Improve the emotional and behavioral health of children and families with the help of horses. The commitment: “Parents tell us that they feel like they have their kids back.…
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#42 The Dance Director
The woman: Vicki Parsons, program director for the Butler Community School, Ballet Austin’s community dance center. The mission: From B to Z – or rather, ballet to Zumba – dance you to a healthier lifestyle. The commitment: “In January, I sent an email about New Year’s resolutions to everyone…
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#45 The Yogi Next Door
The man: Steven Ross, cofounder of Eastside Yoga – Austin’s own “mom and pop yoga shop.” The mission: Nourish your mind, body, and spirit in a neighborhood studio that’s as personable as an old-time Scottish inn. The commitment: “My wife and I sold our house and moved into an…
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#46 The Improv Teacher
The man: Andy Crouch, director of education at The Hideout Theatre, one of Austin’s major hubs for improvisational theater. The mission: Awaken your inner risk-taker with classes that’ll make you more confident, spontaneous, and present in everyday life. (They’ll also make you good at improv.) The commitment: “Nothing’s better than…
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#47 The Lindy Hopper
The woman: Laura Glaess, a leader of the Austin swing scene and co-owner of The Lindy Project dance studio. The mission: Welcome you to a world where “Lindy” is a secret password to community, camaraderie, and a ballroom packed with feverish dancing. The commitment: “I moved to Austin for the…
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#51 The Guitar Hero
The woman: Mandy Rowden, founder of Girl Guitar, a wine-guzzling troupe of amateur female guitarists. The mission: Encourage, cajole, and intoxicate women into finding their inner musician in a weekly girls-night-out setting (and then in front of a live audience). The tough love: “One lady didn’t want to perform…