PhilaCulturati

Premiering at the Kimmel Center at Broad and Spruce on May 9th and 10th, “Spooky Action” is Miro Dance Theatre’s interpretation of Albert Einstein’s theory on the unexplainable relationship that quantum particles exhibited, even over long distances. Einstein coined the phenomenon “spooky action at a distance.” Part dance and part video performance,  Miro’s “Spooky Action” explores that relationship – and strikingly similar relationships between people.

The production is a seamless integration of contemporary dance, choreographed by critically acclaimed dancer and choreographer Amanda Miller, and cutting-edge video projection, created by filmmaker and video producer Tobin Rothlein. The video, projected onto high-tech backdrops which are intermittently opaque and transparent, acts as a fifth dancer to complement Miro’s four live dancers – Dana Dlugosz, Joy Havens, Scott Lowe and Paul Struck – on stage.

Tickets are $25 at the Kimmel Box office or www.mirodancetheatre.org

Wed, Feb 11^th – Sun, Feb 15^th, Pennsylvania Ballet at the Merriam Theatre on Broad Street (aka Avenue of the Arts), $25 (originally $95.50) Orchestra seats to ANY performance of Love & Longing. Reserve by phone or at Merriam Box Office ONLY, 215.336.2000, Act fast only 50 seats at this price available per show.

Nearby: The Naked Chocolate Cafe, 1317 Walnut St. OR try Misconduct Tavern, 1511 Locust St.

Y’know that cosmopolitan you’re dating, the one who says you don’t need to buy gifts on Valentine’s Day, well what that really means (not that anyone on this side of the computer knows this from experience) is that calling 1-800-Flowers and stopping by the CVS for a heart filled of generic chocolates is not the right idea of romance on Valentine’s Day. So create the romance but leave out the conventional crap. You’ll both appreciate a unique, cultured night out that doesn’t involve adhering to clichés. Case in point: Frank Sinatra songs, Oscar de la Renta costumes, Twyla Tharp’s choreography, contemporary ballet, ballroom dancing and classical music, add that to some dark hot chocolate in a cozy cafe or a local brew in a charming tavern and you’d have a romantic, yet slightly less conventional Valentine’s Day experience. 

Now before you let your mind escape to those elementary school field trips to the Nutcracker and flinch, let me assure you that contemporary ballet is not all about tutu’s and pliés. For starters Oscar de la Renta does not design “tutus;” he designs black tie ensembles that James Bond would covet. Twyla Tharp is a choreographer known for pushing the envelope by combining popular music with classical forms of dance (ie: ballet, ballroom dancing and so forth mixed with Billy Joel or in this case Frank Sinatra). And the general theme throughout these performances is the play between heartache and romance, and the dissection of romantic clichés. Need I say more?

But don’t stop there! Want some sweets for your sweetie? Let the Naked Chocolate Café whet your appetite with tantalizing desserts and beverages. This cookie sells itself, so just look at the website for jaw-dropping images of chocolates so sinful they’d tempt St. Valentine. Or for an even less conventional route, visit Misconduct Tavern over on Locust between 15th and 16th. This small tavern with its exposed brick, atmospheric lighting, and superb beer AND wine lists makes a great, away-from-the-Rittenhouse-crowds spot to warm up with your Valentine.