Day 410-Get you Cheer on with This Guide to Holiday lights, Shows and Music in Pittsburgh

 

Christmas is the most wonderful time of year in Pittsburgh.  The holiday lights, shows and music give you so many ways to get your cheer on. If you join me in some of these experiences, you be like Buddy the Elf and want to spread Christmas cheer by, “singing loud for all to hear.”  

Lights Camera Holiday Action

1. Dazzling Lights -Pittsburgh Botanical Gardens- November 24 to January 2, 1024

This is the second year for this immersive light experience. Lights twinkle, sparkle and dazzle as you traverse through the trees, fields, tunnel illuminated installations, and snow at the Pittsburgh Botanical Gardens.  Grab a bite or  adult drink as you watch colours dance over a pond or throughout the trees.  Join me at Dazzling Lights and purchase your tickets here.  

2. Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden Phipps Conservatory-November  17-January 7, 2023

Phipps Conservatory not only gives you over 21 varieties of poinsettias, adorned trees, and a train display, but they have a magical shimmering illumined outdoor garden. This has become an annual Pittsburgh tradition because it had the "ah factor" each year.  Have a hot chocolate or an adult beverage as you stroll through the garden and the beauty. Join me for the Holiday Magic and get your tickets here.

Read more about The Phipps Holiday Magic experience on Day 180 , Day 251 and Day 313.

3. Zoo Lights Drive through-November 24 to December 30, 2023 (New walk-through Dec 15, 16, 22 and 23)

If driving through the lights is more to your liking, the Pittsburgh Zoo will take you on an illuminated safari.  You will be greeted by over 150 sparking, twinkling and moving wild life installations, newly added zoo babies and more. (There are also 4 walk through nights complete with live music) So, pack up your car, put on the tunes and join me for a ride through Zoo Lights and purchase your tickets here.

4. A Christmas Tree Stroll Through the City

Omni William Penn Hotel lobby

Pittsburgh is adorned with lights on bridges, buildings and trees. There are lit trees from the tip of Point State Park to the granddaddy evergreen at the City County Building. Make your own magic with a scavenger  hunt for decorated trees on a city walk. 

Take a tree stroll from the iconic towering Joseph Horn's tree on the now Highmark Building, then venture to the Fairmont Hotel  lobby tree, cross though the market square village to the PPG dancing illuminated tree, then head uptown to the City County Building tree. Visit the life size nativity at the USX Tower. On your way uptown, make sure to stop and view  lobby of the Omni William Penn Hotel. 

During your adventure enjoy a drink and find even more festive trees in hotel lobbies and restaurants. No tickets are needed for this free adventure of your own making.

Bring Up the Curtain and Enjoy Some Holiday Shows

1. Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley-City Theatre-November to December 17, 2023

City Theatre on the South Side  offers a size venue for a more intimate theatrical experience. Celebrate Christmas with the characters from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. This play takes place two years later, when love is sparked by an unexpected guest. The story transports you to  the 1800’s when our Christmas traditions such as a decorated tree began. Join me and celebrate with Austen’s charters at Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberly  and purchase tickets here.

2.Who’s Holiday-CLO-Greer Cabaret Theatre-December 1 to December 31, 2023

If you are looking for some adult comedy, go to Dr. Seuss’s Whosville and catch up with grown up Cindy Lou who lives in a trailer on the mountain in Who's Holiday. She enjoys her cocktail and more and rhymes her story galore. Join me with a cocktail for this funny witty show in the intimate The Greer Cabaret Theatre and purchase your tickets here.

 3. A Christmas Story: The Play-Pittsburgh Public Theatre-December 7 to December 23, 2023

The Christmas Story (The Play) will immerse you in the iconic holiday movie. Every year my son and I make it a ritual to watch the movie. Last year the play had us laughing over and over at nine-year old Ralphie’s quest for a “Red Ryder, Carbine Action, two-hundred shot, range rider air rifle with a compass in the stock” and the father’s acquisition of a major award.  Join me for this iconic lighthearted play and purchase your tickets here.

Read more about The Christmas Story:The Play experience on Day 390.

4.  CLO’s A Musical Christmas Carol-December 15 to December 23, 2023

The Dicken’s tale where Scrooge finds redemption and joy on Christmas morning is another holiday classic. The CLO kicks it up a notch with the addition of beloved holiday songs in A Musical Christmas Carol. The story with the injection of  holiday melodies heightens the spirit of the season. Join me for this charming event that has become a Pittsburgh tradition and purchase tickets here. 

Read more about A Musical Christmas Carol experience on  Day 312.

Sing a Holiday Song/Dance

1.Pittsburgh Opera -Song Shop- Holiday Concert -December 9, 2023

The Pittsburgh Opera offers free Song Shop events (January through May) at the Bitz Opera Factory. It’s a great way to experience opera in an intimate setting and sample opera before you commit to a full performance. The Holiday concert Song Shop is a choreographed collage of festive music sung by some of Pittsburgh's best voices. Join me at the Bitz Factory in the Strip District for a musical melody with the Opera. This is a free event and you can find the Song shop Schedule here.

Read more about the Song Shop formerly Brown Bag experience on Day 385.

2. Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra Holiday Concert -Pittsburgh Playhouse-December 21, 2023

Point Park Playhouse Presents brings a variety of international and local talent to the intimate Pittsburgh Playhouse theatre. This is the forth year  for the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra Holiday Concert at the Playhouse. This year Ann Hampton Callaway brings her blended jazz and pop style to the show.  Join me for some head bobbing and toe tapping at The Pittsburgh Jazz Holiday Concert  and purchase tickets here . 

Read more about Playhouse Presents experience on Day 409.

3. Pittsburgh Ballet Nutcracker-December 8 to December 28, 2023 and

Pittsburgh Orchestra Pops-December 15 to December 23, 2023

 The Pittsburgh Ballet's Nutcracker and The Pittsburgh Symphony Holiday Pops have become Holiday traditions for many. These both are world class companies that bring home the Christmas spirit  with two masterful shows. 

The Nutcracker, with Tchaikovsky’s famous musical score, contains snow, sugar plum fairies, dancing toys, ballet leaps, jumps and spins and more. You will also enjoy spotting the Pittsburgh references in the show: bridges, Kaufman’s clock, Pirate and Penguin dolls, and Steelers Terrible Towels. Join me for a magical night of dance and music and purchase tickets here.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra fills Heinz Hall with beloved holiday music.  There is also a sing along, dancing and Santa. You will not want to miss taking a picture in front of a gigantic adorned tree in the lobby. Join me for a sing a long with the Pops and purchase tickets here

Read more about the Nutcracker and Holiday Pops experiences on Day 90 and  Day 257. 

Bring In the New Year-First Night 2024

First Night Pittsburgh is the perfect way to bring all that Christmas and Holiday cheer into the new year. There is free entertainment, music in the streets,  a ball drop, fireworks and more. Join me  in the Pittsburgh best 2024 First Night Pittsburgh celebration and get VIP tickets here and free schedule events here. 

Read more about the First Night experience on Day 359

Look, I found Elf 

These are some of my favorite ways to celebrate the season in Pittsburgh. You may have others but no matter how you celebrate, it’s always the people around the tree and table that matter the most. 

When my son is home, I am instantly filled with Christmas cheer and like Elf, you will find me singing out loud for  all  to hear. I am filled with happiness as I explore the Pittsburgh holiday lights, shows and music with the one's I love.

Have a Happy Holiday and  Wonderful 2024

 

 

 

 

Day 409- Playhouse Presents-Noche Flamenca-Spanish Flamenco- an Explosion of Passion

 

The Pittsburgh Playhouse Presents (PP) brings a variety of internationally renowned dance and music performances to Pittsburgh. Managing Director, Kiersha Lalama, explains that, “Pittsburgh Playhouse remains steadfast to transform lives through art that captives, enriches, enlightens and entertains.” Noche Flamenca, the first show in the Playhouse Presents series, does just that. The show has the pulse of traditional Spanish flamenco dance, adds a modern twist and explodes with passion.

Refection

When I think of flamenco dance, I invasion a tall handsome man wearing fitted black pants staring into the eyes of a women in a red ruffled dress as they both rapid fire their feet. This company gave us that and so much more. 

The first half was a dance inspired by the paintings of  Francsico de Goya, a Spanish artiest that used art to send a message about the political injustices in 18^th and 19^th century Spain. Two men and two women told a story. They opened with claps, then taps on desks, and finally rhythms generated by their staccato steps. The rhythms alone were spellbinding then add in the expressions, the guitar, rhythm box and singer, and you are engaged in something so different. It's a show that transports you to Spain and dancing that radiates passion on steroids.  

The song, although I understood none of the Spanish, was intriguing with what seemed to be a Middle Eastern influence.  The second half included some traditional flamenco together with the percussion of castanets. 

La Puerta Luminsoa (Two People Looking into a Luminous Room) by Soledad Barrio contained relentless speedy foot tapping as her arms softly moved with the grace of a ballet. Her passion reached deep into her soul  and to me, she hit the pinnacle of this dance form. 

(For more on Noche Flamenca go to soledadbarrioandnocheflamenca.com or see the  tour schedule).

I will definitely keep this series in my toolbox for finding new experiences.The Pittsburgh Playhouse Presents is another place to explore international talent in Pittsburgh. The playhouse with it's three theaters is an intimate beautiful venue and the shows will not break your piggy bank. For more about the series and upcoming shows visit Playhouse Presents.    

 Other sources

https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/goya/hd_goya.htm

https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/shows-events/playhouse-presents/index

 https://www.soledadbarrioandnocheflamenca.com/

https://www.soledadbarrioandnocheflamenca.com/touring

Day 408-Pittsburgh Zoo (Special Event) Asian Lanterns-Vibrant Trip Around the World

 

The Pittsburgh Zoo is home to many exotic animals from all over the world. The The Asian Lantern Festival  takes you around the world using hundreds of cloth illuminated sculptures throughout the zoo. These works of art line the serpentine pathways taking patrons to the wildlife of the mountains, African savanna, jungle and the sea in vivid shades of reds, yellows, purples, and more. It’s a colorful vibrant trip around the world.

Reflection

The ride up to the zoo entrance on the mountainous escalator  drops you into another world like Dorothy landing in Oz, but this time it’s China. The gigantic pagoda is the focal point. It is surrounded by The Monkey King (from a famous 16 century Chinese novel), a blinking ornate bust (representing the Chinese Opera) and a Phoenix Corridor (Chinese legendary bird). The corridor connects to over 10 figures of a Chinese Dynasty. Everything pops with color against the night sky and many lanterns have moving parts that bounce, twinkle or wave to heighten the ahh factor.

White leopards start the journey

The white leopards in the mountains start the journey. My favorite was an installation of over 20 animals: zebras, elephants, giraffes, impalas, and lions from South Africa. They were located across the only real animal that came to greet us, a baby giraffe.

The sea section is complete with a shiny swimming blue whale. A tunnel of fish makes you feel as if you are diving in a coral reef.

There were so many sculptures that your head spins as you go from an animal to a bird, flower, tree or giant cobra. That’s right, a big red snake about the length of 10 people.  There is a photo opt at every bend. Your phone is snapping to the right, left, up and down.  

They thought of everything for this around the world experience. Music from Chinese instruments, Chinese acrobatics, traditional dance and pounding drums also entertain.  There are interactive games, lighted rainbow swings, and stepping pads that generate pulsating colors on a towering elephant.

 The Zoo’s Asian Lantern Festival not only takes you around the world but transports you to another world of vibrant color and entertainment.

Towering Elephant changes color by stepping pads

(The Asian Lantern Festival runs through October 29, 2023. The next event is Sip and Swirl  on November 11, 2023.  The Zoo Lights, a Christmas display, runs from November 24 through December 30, 2023. These special events help support the Zoo.  For tickets and more information on these events go to Zoo Events )

Other Sources

https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/event-category-events/

https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/event-sip-swirl/ 

https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/zoo-lights/

Day 407 Pittsburgh Opera Opens its 85th Season with A (Block Buster) Barber of Seville, Despite Some Unnecessary Modern Additions.

Rossini’s The Barber of Seville is an energized Italian comedic opera. The music will be recognizable  even to opera newbies thanks to Looney Tune's pairing, “Figaro! Figaro! Figaro! Figaro!” with the antics of Bugs Bunny as Elmer Fudd’s Barber. Pittsburgh Opera's The Barber of Seville, despite some unnecessary modern additions, is a block buster that will have you tapping your toes and laughing out loud.

Day 406- Wholey's Celebrates its 111th Anniversary by teaming up with Mancini’s Bakery to share a Whale of Sandwich with Pittsburgh

 

Wholey's Fish Market  and Mancini's Bakery are two business that have been woven into the tapestry of Pittsburgh for over 100 years. Ask anyone raised here, and they are likely to have a story about going to the Strip District for a Wholey’s fish sandwich or savoring a loaf of freshly baked Mancini’s Italian bread.  It makes perfect sense that these two would team up to celebrate Wholey’s 111^th Anniversary with a whale of a sandwich, 111-pounds of fish on a 200 pound bun, and then share it with Pittsburgh.

Day 405-The Benedum Sparkles at The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Chandelier Event

 

 

The Benedum Center for Preforming Arts  greets patrons with an ornate concave ceiling adorned with paintings, gold trim and four crystal chandeliers in the lobby. There are  ninety more throughout the venue. The granddaddy, a 20 feet tall by 12 feet wide, chandelier hangs high above the audience.

 Once a year everything sparkles at this home to some of the biggest shows and brightest stars (pun intended) when  the lights are lowered for cleaning. Friends of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust are invited to an eye level view of the brilliance, stand on the stage and a history tour during the “ The Chandelier Event.”

Day 404-Climb Aboard a Train, Bike or Caboose for A History Tour in Titusville, Pennsylvania

 

The Titusville  area, about 2 hours from Pittsburgh, will take you back to the start of the US petroleum industry in 1860’s. The  Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad rides through the oil country, now Oil Creek State Park.  You can bike the trail along the train tracks through the park then stay overnight in a real caboose car at the Caboose Motel. This is a place to climb aboard a history tour of where the oil rush started in America.

Day 404-Carnegie Science Center Skywatch-An Evening Under the Stars and Date with the Cosmos

 

High powered telescope aimed at the the moon

 Skywatch at the Carnegie Science Center offers evening stargazing a few times a year. A planetarium tour of the Pittsburgh sky is paired with a visit to the observation deck to view the night sky though high-powered telescopes.  With the help of the experts, you can make a date to explore the cosmoses and enjoy the beautiful Pittsburgh skyline. It’s an evening under the stars.

Day 403- Body Glove Inflatable Paddle Board - Ocean Adventure

 

About 18 years ago I tried a stand-up paddle board (SUP) at Lake Placid. My friend, whose middle name should be Mr. Outdoors had one before they were a thing.  I guess all those dance classes paid off because I stood right up on the board. I was hooked and took off exploring the lake.

Day 402- Pittsburgh Hills are Alive with CLO’s Sound of Music

 

The Sound of Music is one of those musicals that most have seen either in a school production, or on  TV during the holiday run of the movie with Julie Andrews. The 1959 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical is a masterpiece. Even with so much play, this show never loses its appeal because it is about love, strength and hope. This CLO production hits the mark of perfection with its set, vocals, and characters, bringing Pittsburgh alive with the Sound of Music.

Day 401- “Architects of Air: Daedalum”- Inflatable Immersive Installation that Transports to Another World

 

There is an inflatable world located in the Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. "Architects-of-Air: Daedalum," is an air-filled space that is inspired by the Greek figure Daedalus, the creator of the labyrinth.  Traversing through this exhibit of only air, vinyl and natural color from the sunlight is no corn maze or house of mirrors. It is an experience that feels like you entered another universe or world-someplace that is definitely not a former Pittsburgh parking lot.  

Day 400-Revisit Lauderdale-by-the-Sea - A Summer Cocktail of Fun and Relaxation.

 

On Day 400 of  blogging,  I thought that I would revisit a travel experience that has become my happy place. I discovered Lauderdale-by-the-Sea (LBTS), a quaint 1.5-mile area between Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach. It is a mature paradise (Day 290) with a motto, “Relax You’re Here.” That is exactly what you do when cooling off with some gelato sitting in one of the pastel Adirondack chairs that line the town square. You can stroll to town center to find many charming restaurants or snorkel/scuba dive (Day 292, Day 334 ) on the coral reefs which are swimming distance from the beach.  This place will grab you and keep you coming back for more of its a perfect summer cocktail of fun and relaxation.  

Day 399-Drybar Hair Blowouts- “Hair Toss, Check My Nails-Baby How You Doing?-Feeling Good …”

 

Drybar, a California based company, has a positive mission to “provide happiness, confidence, and empowerment to people with all hair types."  I question if a good hair day can do all that but when my hair looks good, I do feel better.  This place claims to be the master of the blowout: giving you that glam hair that is seen in magazines.   I wanted to try the Drybar experience to see if would make me act out Lizzo’s song, with a “hair Toss, check my nails and feeling good ...”

Day 398 - Coopers Rock-Almost Heaven West Virginia Hiking- Easy/Intermediate to Views

 

 I started the first few days leading up to summer with a visit to Coopers Rock State Forest, a place that requires minimal hiking effort to partake in breathtaking views of West Virginia’s plush mountains. Hiking is one adventure that you can make as easy or challenging as you desire. I especially enjoy hikes with a view.  Coopers Rock State Forest in West Virginia, is only about 1.5 hours from Pittsburgh and boast that the canyon views will have you singing the lyrics from John Denver’s song, Country Roads: “almost heaven West Virginia.”

Day Day 397- Eric Jones is Back at Liberty Magic- His Skill Dazzles (June 15-July 2, 2023)

 

Eric Jones is back at Liberty Magic, a Pittsburg intimate space dedicated to the art of magic.  I saw Jones dazzle the audience in 2019 (Day 234.) Jones was a top 12 semi-finalist on the television show America’s Got Talent where his sleight of hand illusions repeatedly mesmerized viewers and the judges earning the descriptions: “Brilliant” (Simon Cowell), a “Superhero” (Mel B.) and “Mind-blowing” (Heidi Klum.) He is back at Liberty Magic to show off his skills in a new show, Immaculate-Deception.”

Day 396 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater- Connects with Pittsburgh- Spreads Joy and Unity through Dance.

 

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, founded in NYC in 1960 by Alvin Ailey, was one of the first contemporary dance companies in the US. I love the history of the company and its mission to bring dance to the community “using the beauty and humanity of the African-American heritage and other cultures to unite people of all races, ages and backgrounds.”

It’s been 20 years since they visited Pittsburgh. This company was part of the very first season of the Pittsburgh Dance Council which is now in its 53^rd year.  There was excitement in the air for this anticipated Pittsburgh reunion performance of two, 2022 world premier dances, and Revelation by Alvin Ailey, created in 1992.  On May 9, 2023, Pittsburgh welcomed back Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, a company that brings  joy and unity through dance.  

Day 395- Broadway in Pittsburgh-Dear Evan Hansen-So Real and Relevant

 

Dear Evan Hansen tackles real life issues, elevating discussions on difficult topics such as suicide and mental health through song. Evan (Anthony Norman) is an awkward high school teen struggling to fit in and Connor (August Emerson) is a troubled teen who doesn’t.  When Connor ends his life, Evan fakes their friendship to help the family cope and befriend the sister, his school crush. Social media adds fire to this fabrication which results in Evan acquiring a group of friends and the sister’s affection.  This all sounds so messed up, which is exactly how life really is at times. Dear Evan Hansen, through a beautifully written musical score, is so real and relevant. It strikes a chord with anyone who has felt left out or alone. 

 Refection

Opening the play, Evan writes a letter to himself, an exercise given by his therapist to combat his low self-esteem, anxiety, and loneness. He writes, “Today is going to be a good day…” but it really is not.  

Day 394-Alvin Ailey revisited - Dance for Pittsburgh

 During the pandemic Alvin Ailey kept the dance going with virtual "Ailey All Access."  They are finally back to Pittsburgh after 20 years. Their show was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will bring 2 new works and "Revelations" choreographed by Alvin Ailey in 1960, to Pittsburgh on Tuesday May 9, 2023. For tickets go to trustarts.org.

Revisit April 2020 post:

During this “stay home” period, I have been in search of new “art experiences.” New York based Alvin Ailey Dance Theater offers "Ailey All Access"- weekly full-length dance videos from their repertory every Thursday, Ailey dancer conversations on Instagram live every Wednesday and Saturday at 1 pm, and virtual dance classes.  This is an opportunity to experience this modern ballet dance company whose mission is to use “the beauty and humanity of the African-American heritage and other cultures to unite people of all races, ages and backgrounds” through dance. 

Day 393 Pittsburgh Playhouse, Men on Boats- A Historic Comical Expedition: An Adventurous Spirit is Inclusive

 

Point Park Conservatory Theater recently brought Men on Boats, a tale of John Westly Powell's 1869 river exploration of the Grand Canyon, to the Pittsburgh Playhouse.  This play inspired by Powell’s actual travel logs intertwines history and humor.  It uses an all-female cast as male explores. This twist  celebrates the adventurous spirit in all of us.   

Refection

Powell (Haley Holme), a one armed Civil War veteran and a motley crew of 10, navigate 4 boats through sharp turns, rapids, whirlpools and waterfalls to map out this unknow territory.  There are many punches of humor such as hysteria ensuing when snakes are discovered in a boat and  Powell climbing  to safety with one arm.  

The company’s physicality is impressive as they row, swim when capsized, and kick through the water lined perimeter of the unique set. The occasional crew's rhythmic chants and percussion accompaniment emulates the monotony of a three month river ride. Their body language, like a pantomime, immerses the audience in the adventure.

Similar to the musical “Hamilton,” this play fueled my further investigation of the 1869 expedition. Fact cards about the original journey in the Playhouse lobby heightened the historic experience. 

Powell’s trip was the first recorded passage of  white men entering the Grand Canyon.  Men on Boats, gives us the first women.

It is a fresh perspective to see someone, who looked like me, conquer nature, even if that part is a fiction. What is not a fiction, are the numerous adventurous women that I have met and who’s stories are yet to be told. Men On Boats reminds us that the spirit of adventure and exploration is all inclusive.

(Pittsburgh Playhouse 22-23 season brings a variety of music, dance and drama to downtown Pittsburgh.  The Point Park Conservatory 22-23 season ends with  Sense and Sensibility -  go to  Pittsburgh Playhouse for tickets )

Spiritual Reflection

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ. (Galatians 3:28)

 Other Sources

 https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/index

https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/shows-events/conservatoryTheatre/sense-and-sensibility

https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/shows-events/index

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/canyon-john-wesley-powells-first-expedition/

 

 

Day 392 Le Patin Libre-Pittsburgh Dance Council-Contemporary Dance on Ice- Not Disney on Ice

 

Pittsburgh Dance Council, a programing division of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust brought a unique outdoor dance experience to PPG Plaza on a chilly night with Le Patin Libre from Montreal. Since 2005, this group has reached the pinnacle of inventiveness by developing their own art form - contemporary skating.  They combine modern dance with the ability to glide which brings a new kind of visual experience that sure is not Disney on Ice.

 Reflection

Pittsburgh Dance Council brings new dance experiences to Pittsburgh (see Day 263  and Day 352 ). A cold Pittsburgh night could not keep many adventurous patrons way from  this dance on ice. These six skaters, or should I say dancers, transformed PPG Plaza into a magical world of storytelling by combining  movement, music and skating.  Their name, Le Patin Libre (French for “Free Skate”) is fitting. They were  not confined to any particular style of skating. They moved with intense speed, slow grace  and enough control to be motionless. 

tap skating 

The skates were fitted with microphones to amplify the sounds during “tap skating.”  The added clapping on the ice and from the  audience heightened the beat.

They called the second part of the show “pure glide.” The motion was freeing like watching the murmuration of birds in the sky with coordinated patterns or the changing configurations of a school of fish in the ocean.  At other times it was eerie  when the music clamored and creaked  like a sinking ship as they moved forward and back resembling a wave. 

motion resembling a wave

Le Patin Libre pushes the limits of dance with contemporary skating.  The excitement in seeing something so different yet so beautiful made this "not Disney on Ice experience" super cool on a cold night (pun intended). 

Braving the cold for Le Patin Libre

( For more information on upcoming events from the Pittsburgh Dance Counsel go to trustarts.org  or here. The next show is Alvin Ailey on May 9, 2023, see Day 376.)

Other Sources 

https://trustarts.org/production/81904/le-patin-libre

https://www.lepatinlibre.com/

https://trustarts.org/pct_home/events/series/pittsburgh-dance-council

 

Day 391- My First Celebration of International Women's Day revisited: Celebrate the special women in your life in March

 

 March 8th, International Women’s Day, is a day worth embracing.  It is a celebration with a political history but it is also a day to appreciate women.  In psychologist  Maslow's principle, the human need for  love and belonging  is third on  his  list to reaching our best self or self-actualization. This need can be  expressed in deep friendships  so I was excited when my friend invited me to my first celebration of La Festa Della Donna  (Italian International Women's day) in 2016.  Since then, throughout the month of March I  try to find creative ways to reach out and  celebrate the special women in my life. 

Day 390- Carnegie Science Center- Fun for Adults-Climb Aboard for Locomotion Weekend

 

When my son was younger, a visit to the Carnegie Science Center was more like a mad dash though the exhibits. You can take your time to explore when it's an all adult excursion. The Carnegie Science Center has so much to absorb and stimulate new knowledge even for us older folks: Sky Watch, lectures, 21+ Nights  (Day 217), the Rangos Giant Theater (Day 277) and traveling exhibits. Recently, my father and I climbed  aboard during the Science Center’s train weekend.