If you think Valentine's Day is a silly Hallmark holiday that exists only to make single people feel bad about themselves, we've got news for you: You can still enjoy it! Stop scoffing at canoodling couples, and check out some special Valentine's Day theater, dance or comedy. After all, one is the loneliest number.
Experience the movements of love through dance:
Valentine's Weekend: River North Chicago Dance at Harris Theater for Music and Dance
The sensual magic of dance adds some extra "umph" to any Valentine's Day. River North Chicago Dance returns to the Harris Theater with world premieres by Robert Battle, the artistic director of New York's Battleworks Dance Company, and by Chicago choreographer Julia Rhoads, who recently performed at the Museum of Contemporary Art with Lucky Plush Productions and is the woman behind RNCD favorite "In the Oasis." Lauri Stallings, Artistic Director Frank Chaves and many more will dance it up for people who attend the performances on Friday or Saturday.
"Duets for My Valentine" at Park West
Dance moves often times translate to the movements of love: Flirting, seduction and hesitation are all part of the L-O-V-E game. In this special-for-Valentine's Day performance, Luminous Arts Productions and Chicago Tap Theatre present passionate duets that feature almost every type of dance, including jazz, modern, tango, tap, swing, ballet and even cha cha. Performances by a bevy of dance companies, like Luna Negra Dance Theater and Chicago Dance Crash, add even more diversity to this show. Whether you're currently in love or just into the idea of love, this show will turn heads.
Go for theater:
LOVE-O-RAMA: Annual Pre-Valentine's Day Dance Party Benefit for The House Theatre of Chicago at Grand Central
If you haven't seen a play at the House Theatre, this event's the perfect intro. And even if you're a sworn House fan, we recommend checking out this annual love-filled benefit. Singles, couples and all other kinds of lovers can chill with House company members as they drink, dance to music spun by a live DJ, make-out (in the titular booth) and win raffle prizes like a Nintendo Wii, Apple iPhone, spa package and more.
Laugh at your least-favorite holiday:
"Corn Productions Gives You VD" at Cornservatory
A few laughs can cheer up even the loneliest person on the planet. Corn Productions understands the pain of your singledom, and wants to help you forget it all. And through this special Valentine's Day sketch/improv comedy show, which focuses on sex- and relationship-related themes, chances are you will. But you'll also leave with something that outlasts any lovey-dovey feeling: VD! OK, we're kidding—there aren't any STDs goin' around the Cornservatory (that we know of), but you're still guaranteed a million-and-one laughs.
Valentine's Day Comedy Jam! with Shayla Rivera at Joe's Bar
Valentine's Day sure would suck without some jokes. Mikey O. Productions, the Latino jokesters-about-town, present Puerto Rican comedian Shayla Rivera. She'll get the laughter flowing with her jokes, which draw from her life experiences as a woman, a rocket scientist, a mom, a wife, an ex-wife and, of course, a Puerto Rican. If you haven't already seen her on Showtime, CBS, NBC, Galavision, Telemundo, Oxygen or Lifetime, now's your chance!
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