Alyssa Antalis is one of my all-time favorite dance teachers. (I have to say that because she has very embarrassing videos of me tap dancing when I was eight.) Really, though, she choreographs dozens of dances year after year and never runs out of ideas. How? She travels to Las Vegas once a year with her family (her mother, Sharon, owns a dance studio in Indiana, Pa.) to inspire new routines -- and also have a little fun. We talked about all of her favorite things in the country's biggest party city.
Bon Voyage: Why is Las Vegas one of your favorite places to visit? What keeps you coming back?
Alyssa Antalis: Here are my top ten favorite reasons!
1.) Shopping! Each hotel has so many great places to shop…some are affordable and others are not, but window shopping is always an option. The Forum Shops at Caesar’s are my favorite, followed by the Fashion Show Mall at the end of the strip.
2.) The Water Show outside the Bellagio is a must. The dancing fountains are choreographed to music and change all the time. I always make sure I see at least one during the day and one at night. I think they run every 30 minutes, but it is worth it to get a good spot a few minutes early. Also check out the gardens in the Bellagio. The flowers are beautiful, and they always change for the seasons.
3.) The rides on top of the Stratosphere are a must if you are looking for an adventure. You can hang off the edge of the tallest building in the city and the views are unbelievable.
4.) Riding the rollercoaster at NYNY is something you should do at least once.
5.) You can’t leave Vegas without seeing a Cirque du Soliel show. They have quite a few running right now, but my current favorite is Beatles Love at the Mirage. There is a brand new Cirque show at the Wynn that I can’t wait to see.
6.) Headliners put on amazing shows in Vegas. Loved seeing Celine Dion, Bette Midler, and Elton John at Caesar’s, as well as Barry Manilow at the Hilton. I'm looking forward to seeing Garth Brooks at the Wynn next.
7.) It is totally worth it to hop in a cab and go to downtown Vegas. It is a whole different atmosphere. The street is covered in a giant electrical canopy that turns into a light and music show in the evening. It is a must see!
8.) Gambling! If you want to win, stay away from the slot machines! (When I get the urge to lose money fast, the Wheel of Fortune slot machine is my favorite.) Learn to play blackjack and craps -- if you are a beginner, find a nice dealer during the day to help you. At night it is way too crowded to learn.
9.) There is an awesome club in each hotel. The lines can be so long, but if you meet the right people during the day, it is pretty easy to get your name on the list. Find one club and stick to it for the night because it is way too expensive to hop around.
10.) Impersonation shows are everywhere! Some are cheesy, but they are so much fun. “Legends in Concert” at the Imperial Palace is a classic. I have seen it least three times, and I continue to go back!
(Alyssa, right, and her friend Kellie with a Justin Timberlake impersonator in Las Vegas.)
BV: What can visitors do while in Las Vegas to avoid looking like tourists?
AA: Stopping to take pictures every step of the way causes major traffic jams, so limit yourself to a few really good ones. Also, Paris sells giant Eiffel Tower shaped drinks, New York New York has giant Statue of Liberty drinks, etc. As fun as they may be, if you don't want to look like a tourist, stick to regular cups. Finally, as you are walking down the strip, men will be handing out cards with naked girls and 800 numbers (as if you would actually get a visit from the same girl on the card if you called the number) -- only tourists take them.
BV: What should visitors pack in their suitcase before coming to Las Vegas?
AA: Fashion varies a lot from day to night! For day, pool/sun attire is a must! (Bathing suit, cute cover up and flip flops). If you aren’t spending the day by the pool, just anything casual is completely appropriate. It is so, so, so hot in the summer, so if you can’t be found at the pool bar, you are crazy. At night, you will see everything! I would recommend a cute black dress or even dark jeans and a dressy top with cute heels. A lot of people dress over the top in Vegas at night (actually, day time too) but try to keep it classy.
BV: What foods should no visitor leave Las Vegas without trying?
AA: Well, it depends how much you want to spend! There are so many great restaurants in Vegas that you could go to a different one every day for a year and not run out of options! If you have the money, Michaels is an unbelievable restaurant that can be found at Southpoint Casino, just a short cab ride from the strip. If you are looking for a great view, check out the ‘Top of the World’ located in the Stratosphere. The restaurant is continuously turning and makes one full rotation per hour. It is the best way to see the entire city while enjoying a 5-star meal! Each hotel has their own signature restaurants, so I recommend trying a different one each time! Stay away from the chains -- you can eat there at home! And you will see 24-hour buffets everywhere. You will get a good deal, but the consequences the next day may not be worth it.
BV: What is your favorite memory while in Las Vegas?
AA: There have been so many that it is so hard to pick just one! I have always said that New Year’s Eve is an overrated holiday, but let me tell you, ringing in the New Year in Vegas was unbeatable! We went to a private party at the Golden Nugget downtown -- a five course dinner, unlimited drinks, live music, and dancing all night.
(Alyssa and her friends and family in Las Vegas for New Year's Eve 2009.)
BV: What is your favorite travel destination (other than Las Vegas)?
AA: If I am looking to relax, definitely a resort on a tropical island. Lately, I’ve loved Punta Cana, Jamaica, and the Bahamas! If I am looking for a fun weekend getaway, New York City is probably my destination of choice!
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