A day in Miami by Rainer Krenstetter

I was born in Vienna, Austria, one of the most imperial cities in the world if not the most one. Finished my ballet education at the famous Royal Ballet School in London, England, and have been living most of my professional career, for 12 years in multicultural, young Berlin, Germany. For the last seven years, I'm a principal dancer with the Miami City Ballet.

In my opinion, Miami is so much more than just a summer destination during the winter months for Northern Americans or Europeans.

I m aware and know too well myself from all my friends and family visiting that Miami and its beaches are famous for sunbathing during the day and the nightlife during the night.

Living here for almost a decade soon made me explore the city differently obviously.

In the morning I suggest an original Cuban coffee at Little Havana. In general, the Hispanic population in Miami is something very unique to me-it almost is like being in the Caribbean's sometimes, so why not start your day feeling you are in Cuba.

After you are properly awake I love hanging around Coral Gables. The neighbourhood feels like its own little miniature city to me- great shopping, small galleries and definitely some great little bistros for a snack. I always like to eat light for lunch as, yes, it is very hot in Miami usually.

Another area I enjoy is Brickell in downtown Miami- getting the real city feeling with its skyscrapers inhaled while just walking around and embracing the vibe. 

Recently I explored Miami downtown from the water. I have been with some friends on a boat going the Miami river up and down, having started and ended the trip at Bayside. It's interesting how different a city looks from land compared to water.

The afternoon is definitely reserved for relaxing on the beach, so let's head to Miami Beach.

Just grab a spot between 5th and 43rd Street, depending on what you are looking for. Ocean Drive is for sure the most iconic place, but very touristic. I don't mind it at all as I love the mixture of locals and tourists combined. And yes, it's the best place to hear some German from  Austrian visitors... One of my favourite places although sad as it was his murder place, is the Versace Villa. Stunningly beautiful outside as well as inside.

Walking around Collins Ave you will find the most still real Art Deco houses. But as I said grab any spot and relax with the sun shining and swimming in the Atlantic.

In the late afternoon, I'm heading to Soho House on 43rd Street and Collins as I have an international membership with them. I just love this place and all my friends at Miami City Ballet say that it's my second home. To meet all different kinds of artists from all over the world in one house is just genius. As a ballet dancer, I enjoy the steam room to soften my muscles and relax therefore it happens quite often that I start having a chat with either an artist from the fashion business or film industry or another performing artist maybe from Broadway. So inspiring...

It's dinner time and Miami has everything one can imagine. From great burgers to fine dining restaurants. As we are on the coast, seafood is "big" here and with the mixed Latin population, you can find great Ceviche and other Peruvian specialities. My favourite cuisine is definitely Japanese-and my secret spot and dish is Tony's on Washington Avenue and the tofu with shiitake dish...

To finish the day meet your friends for a cocktail, or two, on one of Miami's multiple rooftop bars. The mojito at "The One" hotel is recommended and the view is magnificent. 

If you are interested in art and culture Wynwood is the place to be. But to be honest even small galleries all around Miami are worth exploring. A "must" is the Adrienne Arsht Center where Miami City Ballet is performing regularly. I would love to see you in the audience while I'm dancing on stage. If you are looking for an outfit for yourself to wear for some ballet classes Dancing Supplies Depot is the right store to go to.