Mid-Winter Break Datebook

Oh, hey! You have a week off from school. Hooray! So, you're planning on spending the first two days sleeping and the rest being bored and texting people about how bored you are, right? Awesome. I mean, seriously. That sounds rad.

But, listen, just in case you want to you, y'know...DO something, here are some ideas (Art, you see, doesn't take a mid-winter break. Because adulthood is just one long, unrelenting winter. JK!)

DANCE


Break a Heart @ On the Boards Feb 11 - 14 more info

In a city known for dance artists with a theatrical flair, Break a Heart features some of Seattle’s most beloved practitioners as they band together in a love-themed cavalcade of dance conveniently scheduled around one of the most unfortunate holidays of the year. From OtB's blog: "The performance itself was varied, bombastic and hilarious. I knew I was in for a treat as I was knocked out of my seat giggling during the first segment."

Farewell by Spectrum Dance Theatre at the Moore Theatre Feb 18 - 20 more info

A feverish, dreamlike theatrical meditation on America's relationship with China, Farewell is part of Spectrum’s ground-breaking three-year Initiative, Beyond Dance: Promoting Awareness and Mutual Understanding (PAMU). PAMU brings collaborators from across the nation and world to create dance theater pieces that examine issues relating to personal liberty, freedom, security and social justice.

The Sleeping Beauty @ Pacific Northwest Ballet Feb 4 - 14 more info

Teen reviewer Tucker C says "filled with fanciful and intricate sets and costumes, excitement, and breathtaking dance, Sleeping Beauty takes a hold of you and won’t let go until the curtain comes down."

THEATRE

Company @ Seattle Musical Theatre Feb 12 - 28 more info

It's Friends, only a musical, and set in the 70s! Bobby has a bunch of girlfriends, a bunch of married friends who all want to set him up, and not a single birthday wish "not even to get married." Sondheim's groundbreaking work was one of the first to deal with contemporary problems in a musical.

Speech & Debate @ Seattle Rep Jan 15 - Feb 21 more info

Although she takes issue with 20-somethings playing teenagers, our reviewer, Emma K., says "as a piece of theatre, Speech & Debate thrives" The Stranger's Brendan Kiley calls it "nervy" and "witty." Teen reviewer Lamar G. calls it "hilarious."

Arcadia @ Driftwood Players Feb 5 - 21 more info

Teen reviewer Monet C says "This is a play for those who are unafraid to laugh their heads off. This is a wonderful, refreshing show with many endearing qualities."

MUSIC

Russian National Orchestra @ Seattle Symphony Feb 17 more info

With so many great composers born there, it should come as no surprise that Russia's National Orchestra is, like, fully off the chain. London's Evening Standard said "They played with such captivating beauty that the audience let out an involuntary sigh of pleasure at the end." and Gramophone magazine asks "Should human beings be able to play like this?"

Seattle Pops: Tribute to Stephen Sondheim Feb 18 - 21 more info

With Broadway successes like Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, A Little Night Music and Sunday in the Park with George, Stephen Sondheim is hailed by The New York Times as "the greatest and perhaps best-known artist in the American musical theatre." Marvin Hamlisch celebrates Sondheim in this very special tribute at the Pops.

MOVIES

The Red Shoes @ Northwest Film Forum Feb 12 - 18 more info

A landmark in film style and themes, The Red Shoes has become a touchstone to cineastes, lovers of dance and filmmakers ranging from Vincente Minnelli to Martin Scorsese. Its astounding production design, music and choreography, and its shockingly sumptuous color palette and revolutionary treatment of dance on film now may be rediscovered and savored anew. Ages 10 and up.

VISUAL ART

Alexander Calder: A Balancing Act @ Seattle Art Museum Weds - Sun 10 - 5, open 'til 9 on Thurs & Fri more info

Alexander Calder: A Balancing Act...(despite its lame title) is top notch...go sooner rather than later because you'll want to come back again, and again, and again." - Stephen Cummings, i don't know about this

Vortexhibition Polyphonica @ Henry Art Gallery 11 - 9 Thurs & Fri, 11 - 4 Sat & Sun more info

This exhibit breaks all the rules. 19th-century paintings hang next to contemporary art and photography, textiles and costumes, ceramics, and many other little-known art objects from the Henry's collection, with objects grouped not based on history or medium, but by their artistic relationship to one "hub" artwork.