Even if you'll never be known as "The Romantic," you can't go wrong impressing your date this Valentine's Day, with a pair of tickets to BalletMet Columbus' Rendezvous at the Riffe: A Valentine Edition, Feb. 9-17 at Capitol Theatre.

 

Nothing spells passion like a night of dance highlighting legendary couples such as Fred and Ginger, Lois and Clark, Bonnie and Clyde or Hamlet and Ophelia.

 

"This year's production will feature stunning and sensual performances by our dancers, romantic and innovative movement by four very different choreographers and the premiere of two brand new works that celebrate passion and love," says Jennifer Sciantarelli, BalletMet's communications manager.

 

The event will include an enchanting new piece by Harrison McEldowney which pays tribute to the unforgettable couples; a premiere of Company dancer and Princess Grace Choregraphy Award winner Jimmy Orrante (set to the music of Simon and Garfunkel); Stanton Welch's Blue, which is set to music by Vivaldi and explores different emotions through the colors of chakras; and James Kudelka's There, Below, which uses the music of Ralph Vaughan Williams to create an intimate mood.

 

According to Sciantarelli, McEldwoney's work is well worth the ticket price.

 

"This work celebrates legendary couples and offers a humorous look at their potential relationship issues. With an ecclectic musical accompaniment from Aerosmith to Michael Buble, the piece is sure to be great fun," she says.

 

McEldowney has worked with BalletMet many times. "He always brings out the true comedic and genuine character of our dancers," Sciantarelli adds.

 

There are extra incentives for catching Rendezvous at the Riffe, other than impressing your Valentine's date. They include the following:

* Patrons ages 18 and up who order tickets before Feb. 1 will receive a free introductory ballroom dance class at the BalletMet Dance Academy.

* The first 100 guests at the Valentine's Day performance will receive a long stem rose.

* Prior to the Valentine's night performance, love letters will be read on stage by several personalities from NBC 4 and The River.

* On Feb. 3, during Gallery Hop, 853 Gallery will host BalletMet Exposed: The Sensual Prints, an exhibit of sensual and exquisite photographs of BalletMet's dancers by acclaimed photographer Will Shively. Dancers and the photographer will be a the gallery and prints will be for sale, as well as tickets to Rendezvous at the Riffe.

 

For more information or tickets, visit www.balletmet.org or call 614-229-4848.