COUNTRY VS. TOWN: QI HOLTZMAN

QI HOLTZMAN grew up in Northeast China. Her father played classical cello, and her mother was a theater actress, allowing her to watch countless performances as a child and all throughout her adolescence. “The arts were ingrained in me, and after watching so many performances, my inner desire was to become a dancer. Every time I heard my dad playing the cello, I couldn’t help but dance along to the melody,” she says.

Fortuitously, a local professional dance teacher approached Qi about her potential interest in professional dancing school. It took some convincing, but her parents finally agreed to take her to audition at one of the most prestigious dance schools in the nation. Qi was accepted, one of only 12 girls and 12 boys between the ages of 10 through 12 throughout the entire country. With the support of loving parents, 11-year-old Qi left to pursue her passion.

After extensive training, at age 22, Qi received the national highest award for a professional artist, the Wen Hua Award. She traveled the world as a principal dancer for four years with the Chinese National Dance Company and collaborated with world-class artists Zubin Mehta and Yi-Mou Zhang.

In 1999 Qi arrived in the United States, received a scholarship to the California Institute of Arts and earned a Master of Fine Arts. Upon graduation from Cal Arts, Qi opened her own dance school, and nurtured it into two dance schools with hundreds of students. A few years later, she and her husband Steven met in Pasadena, California.

Qi, Steven, and their daughter live in Hinsdale, where they enjoy the natural beauty of each season unfolding. Previously, they lived in Switzerland, where Qi studied German, achieving fluency. To immerse herself in the intricacies of jewelry, she trained with the Gemological Institute of America to advance her knowledge of gemology.

Before the family left Switzerland, Qi was invited by Seymour Holtzman, Steven’s father, to join the CD Peacock family business. She shines in the role of Vice President of Top Client Engagement and values the friendships made with amazing clients and the dedicated sales team. “We are grateful to be in the business of celebrating unforgettable moments and delivering happiness to our clients.”

Qi embodies her guiding principle of remaining committed to life-long learning. She thrives in any country and continues to develop new passions. Qi paints, is a golfer, and has enjoyed blending her Asian and western cooking styles to develop new recipe—especially when cooking alongside their daughter.

“Raising our daughter has been one of the greatest learning experiences of my life. Over the years, I’ve learned how to care for her in the best ways possible. Whether it’s learning to knit to make items like hats and dolls or cooking new recipes for her, she challenges me, and I continue growing and transforming as a mother, which also teaches me to be a more understanding person.”

Mantra? Every challenge is an opportunity to rise. On your reading stack? Chinese Herbal Medicine, A Woman Makes a Plan: Advice for a Lifetime of Adventure, Beauty, and Success, Growing Up With the Impressionists: The Diary of Julie Manet What organizations do you support? I am passionate about the performing arts. The moment Steven and I landed in Chicago, I connected with the Joffrey Ballet and joined the Women’s Board of the Joffrey Ballet. CD Peacock has been a proud sponsor of the Joffrey Ballet since 2021. We love children and our community. CD Peacock supports the Hinsdale Community House to aid the development of the Youth Program and Counseling Center. CD Peacock is also a contributor to Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois (LCFS). Together, we hope we can make a difference in protecting children, strengthening families, and building futures for those who have experienced trauma. Our family works together to serve the community, and we are proud to be Chicagoans. Favorite Workout? Pilates on the reformer—I love to challenge myself. Best grooming tip? Never go out without sunblock. Guilty pleasure? Dark Chocolate. Music you love? Classical music. Yoyo Ma’s music is food for the soul. The cello is my favorite instrument; it sounds so beautifully deep-rooted. Favorite holiday tradition? I have experienced and celebrated many festivals and events in multiple countries with a lot of international friends. As a child, I fondly remember my mother diligently sewing me a new set of clothes to wear on New Year’s Day every year. On New Year’s Eve, I felt like almost everyone in China was celebrating simultaneously. There is a live broadcasting concert 5 to 6 hours long every year. During that time, the streets were empty; it seemed as though every Chinese citizen was watching the concert, enjoying time with family, and making traditional Chinese delicacies such as dumplings, fish and long noodles, to bring hope, happiness, comfort, and prosperity into the New Year. When it was past midnight, I particularly remember steaming dumplings being served with the sound of firecrackers outside. This warm feeling has always remained special in my heart. So now, no matter what country we celebrate the New Year in, I always make dumplings for my family, and I hope our daughter will carry on this tradition.

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is I am in Lululemon most of the time if not at work. I am very active, and I love nature. Favorite walk On weekends, I walk to town to grab a coffee at Café La Fortuna. I usually pick up the New York Times and Chicago Tribune from Danette at Hinsdale News Agency. Then, I just walk around town and take in the sights. Can’t leave the house without Hermès Rose Ikebana. Place to celebrate Home. Best quick bite or hidden gem Toni Patisserie and Café Favorite festival or special event Hinsdale Kitchen Walk and The Holiday Ball. The best thing about the town The town is filled with beautiful trees, nice people, clean streets, quiet neighborhoods, and many kids who can still walk or ride bikes to school. The perfect day Having friends over and making dinner with my family.

WHEN IN TOWN

What is your style? Clean lines, simple and bold. Favorite Walk The Lake Shore by Navy Pier. Can’t leave the house without? Sneakers. Best quick bite or hidden gem Chef Paul Virant just opened a restaurant in Chicago, Gaijin. It is a hip place for Japanese Okonomiyaki and a fun experience with friends and family. I also enjoy his restaurant Vistro Prime in Hinsdale. Favorite festival or special event The premier of the Joffrey Ballet each year. The best thing about the town The liveliness of the city; I love the fast-moving pace. The perfect day is Riding bikes and exploring something new in the city with family.