My name is Julianne Kepley and I am currently a dancer with the Joffrey Ballet, in town to rehearse in the Milwaukee Ballet production of Michael Pink's "Romeo & Juliet." I will be dancing the role of Juliet with Milwaukee Ballet's Douglas McCubbin as my Romeo.

I've been to Milwaukee only twice before, visiting friends who danced here, and didn't see very much of the city on either occasion. But this time around I've been lucky enough to stay with Michael Pink (the Milwaukee Ballet's artistic director) and his family and really get to know it a bit more. Alterra became a quick favorite for coffee in the morning or lunch during the rehearsal day. I also love Soup Bros. Delicious, funky joint. Something you might find in Bucktown in Chicago. Also had a couple of great nights out, making new friends in the company, at the Britt Inn and La Perla for margaritas!

Milwaukee reminds me of my hometown of Atlanta in that you have to have a car to really get around. But the feeling of the city, the restaurants and businesses, are a lot like Chicago. Very neighborhood oriented and full of locals. I love that.

As we get closer to actually performing in May, I'll spend almost two weeks straight here in Milwaukee.

I'm hoping to do a little more exploring of this friendly city.