Cirque du Soleil Crystal Opens at PPG Paints; Pgh Dance Council Presents Grupo Corpo (Wed., 1/17/18)

1) Since it’s beginning in Montreal, Canada in 1984 Cirque du Soleil (Circus of the Sun) has brought innovations to the circus world. Cirque shows utilize circus themes from around the world, employing continuous music and performers who additionally act as stage hands to change the set. Their colorful, spectaculars are created upon a central storyline. Now Cirque is taking up a notch by putting their creations on ice in Crystal. They have combined the acrobatic skills that the company is known for with world-class ice skaters. Crystal is the name of the show’s central character who is on a journey towards empowerment. Enter a dreamlike world with Crystal as her creative imagination transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. In Cirque productions the sets, costumes, music, and effects are almost as amazing as the performers. Maybe the Penguins can sign a few Crystal skaters to assist Sydney Crosby in scoring even more goals. 7:30 p.m. Cirque du Soleil Crystal continues through Sunday at the magical ice palace (PPG Paints Arena). 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

Cirque du Soleil Crystal beautifully combines acrobatics and ice skating. Photo: Matt Beard.

2) Grupo Corpo—Portuguese for “Body Group”—is a world-renowned dance company from Brazil. They’re based in Belo Horizonte, a major metro buzzing with avant-garde arts and culture, and Grupo Corpo embodies the city’s eclectic spirit. The company has created a host of original pieces that reflect multitudes of influences. Ballet and classical music are mixed with Brazilian and other dance forms and music of all kinds. Some dances are inspired by the work of inventive Brazilian writers, such as the very quirky Machado de Assis (author of novels including Epitaph of a Small Winner and Philosopher or Dog?). It may even be worth noting that Grupo Corpo’s hometown is known as the Brazilian hotbed of heavy metal. The company’s dancers and choreography are top-notch. They have wowed audiences from Asia to Europe. Pittsburgh Dance Council presents Grupo Corpo here. 8 p.m. Byham Theater, 101 6^th St., Cultural District. (MV)

3) It’s Pittsburgh Restaurant Week! Why is this important to you? More than 50 Pittsburgh restaurants are offering extra special deals through January 21, including multi-course meals or $20.18 specialties. Some of the participating restaurants are: The Twisted Frenchman, Lidia’s Pittsburgh, The Lemont, Revel + Roost, Bangkok Balcony, Istanbul Sofra, The Capital Grille, Silk Elephant; or, The Whale; Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, The Wooden Nickel, Vue 412, and Avenue B To view all participating restaurants and for more information, visit Pittsburghrestaurantweek.com. Let’s get out there and support all our great Pittsburgh restaurants!

Share on Social Media