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Photo courtesy Society Hill Dance Academy

With the holidays quickly approaching and the mad rush of post-Thanksgiving shopping a few days away, it’s probably a good idea to start picking up gifts for those close to you as soon as possible.

Society Hill Dance Academy has a great deal up, which gives you the opportunity to give the gift of dance this holiday season; three outstanding holiday gift packages, catered specifically to those who really want to hit the dance floor.

- Dance Like The Stars: Includes 8 private lessons, 40 group classes, and 5 dance parties. $850 (40% off regular pricing)
- The Savvy Santa: 3 private lessons, 3 groups classes, and 3 dance parties. $350 (30% off)
- The Rockin’ Reindeer: 25% off any Open Class Cards!

My pick of the bunch is definitely the Reindeer package. You can pick up 10 class cards for $112, 20 for $187, and 40 for $300.

For more information on the holiday packages, or for more info on the Academy, be sure to visit their official website.

Society Hill Dance Academy
409 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 574-3574
www.societyhilldance.com

Galleries hosting Days (top) and Giorni (bottom), (all photos by M. McClellan)

Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art this weekend and you’ll find that there’s much more to see and hear than you may have been expecting. First is a pair of sound installations from Bruce Nauman, a visual, audio and performance artist, who’s been making art for nearly 40 years.

In these installations (which open Saturday), entitled Days and Giorni, visitors walk through a corridor of sound, in otherwise empty galleries. The seven pairs of speakers that Nauman uses in this piece are directional, so that as you walk through you go from hearing a cacophony of voices to being able to pick out individuals.

The second installation that’s opening this weekend (this one on Sunday, November 22nd), is a full room piece by Dutch artist and designer, Marcel Wanders. Entitled Daydreams, this is “a dreamlike, multimedia installation of objects personally selected by the artist to represent pivotal points in his extraordinary career.” Visit this exhibit and you’ll feel a little like Alice in Wonderland — everyday objects are larger or smaller than is typical, a stack of chairs teeters and a butterfly gently drifts upwards from enlarged china patterns projected on the wall.

Days (in the main museum building) and Giorni (in the Perelman building) will be available for viewing November 21st through April 4, 2010 and Daydreams will open (in the Perelman) November 22 through June 13, 2010.

Starr Restaurants are doing their part to help save the holiday lights. (Photo by B. Krist)

Due to budget cuts in Harrisburg and Philadelphia, The Friends of Rittenhouse Square have to raise all the money to fund the annual holiday lights in Rittenhouse Square. And they have to raise the necessary money by November 30.

Restaurants on the square, including Devon, Parc, and Barclay Prime, are trying to help.

Through November, Devon is a offering a special fall prix-fixe menu, giving diners four-courses for just $35. (Check out the full menu below.) AND the restaurant is donating $5 from every purchase of the special menu to help light the square.

Stephen Starr is also supporting the effort by donating money from specific purchases at all five of his Rittenhouse Square area restaurants. Each restaurant has one designated cocktail that will help fund the lights. Every time that cocktail is ordered through the end of the month, Starr Restaurant Organization will donate a $1 to help light the square.

The cocktails:

* Romarin at Parc
* Twizzle at Continental Mid-town
* Sidecar at Butcher and Singer
* Mojito Suave at Alma de Cuba
* Schramsburg “Mirabelle” Rose at Barclay Prime

So far the Friends of Rittenhouse Square are about half-way to their goal, but they still have a lot more money to raise.

So this weekend when you go out, why not help fund the Rittenhouse Square holiday lights by enjoying a cocktail or two. Of course, you can also make a donation online at the Friends of Rittenhouse Square website. It just may be a little more fun to do it over dinner and drinks…

Friends of Rittenhouse Square [Official Site]
Struggle to make season bright on the square [Philadelphia Inquirer]

Below, we have the full menu of Devon’s special prix-fixe dinner.
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Photography courtesy BalletX, Photo By Bill Hebert (BHPhotos)

BalletX is back at the Wilma, opening their third season as the theater’s resident dance company. The cutting-edge company’s Fall Series features three world premiere pieces, two by visiting choreographers and one by BalletX’s co-artistic director, the ever-talented Matthew Neenan.

The first piece, Philly choreographer Meredith Rainey’s They Break, starts off peacefully with the impression of meditating bodies rising from the sea. Set to haunting music and full of mysterious gestures, the dancers – men and women both clad in fabulously flowing fabric – hurtle through a series of emotions. Their beautiful movements range from tender and graceful to violent, rough, and jerky.

The second piece, Alex Ketley’s Silt, is also peaceful at times but punctuated by spasm-like fits of incredible movement. Starkly designed to draw the audience’s attention directly to the dancer’s bodies, the stage is spot-lit, the dancers black-clad, and those who aren’t in focus retreat to the back of the stage to perch on black chairs. The dancers are artfully paired with one another, performing extraordinary lifts and movements that make you marvel at what the human body is capable of.

The last dance, entitled Last of the Year, is set to a mash-up of upbeat classical music. Neenan’s choreography simply sparkles, forcing a smile onto your face as the ceaselessly energetic dancers perform almost inhuman movements of extraordinary athleticism. With vibrant costumes in dazzling colors, the piece is a striking contrast to the calm and monochromatic dance that precedes it. The choreography is filled with humorous touches that frequently elicited chuckles from the audience (Humorous dance? Yup!), and the dancers’ enjoyment was palpable and contagious, ending the evening on a high note.

BalletX is always thrilling to watch. The dancers are gorgeous, the choreography is frequently magical, and the company’s energy vibrates through the house. The company is a true Philly gem, and it’s just too bad that the show only runs for four days. Make sure to catch it this weekend!

Ballet X Fall Series
November 19th – 22nd
www.balletx.org

The Wilma Theatre
265 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 546-7824
www.wilmatheater.org

(Clockwise from bottom left) The Spectrum, the iconic home of the 76ers; the Phillies celebrate their 2008 World Series victory; and The Legendary Blue Horizon. (Photos courtesy of the Philadelphia 76ers, by R. Kennedy and by G. Widman)

It’s no secret that, for some many most Philadelphians, the city’s sports teams are a legitimate reason to get up in the morning. It’s a testament to our loyalty that 25+ trophy-less years didn’t get us down too much — but now that teams like the Phillies are serious title contenders, our “We’re #1!” foam fingers are raised higher than ever. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Dear Philly Sports Fan,

You guys are everywhere. Here are some grand-slam stats to throw out at the game.

1.   Sports fans can always find a big game in Philadelphia, home to eight professional sports teams: Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), Philadelphia Phillies (MLB), Philadelphia Union (Major League Soccer), Philadelphia Independence (Women’s Professional Soccer), Philadelphia KIXX (Major Indoor Soccer League) and Philadelphia Wings (National Lacrosse League).

2.   Philadelphia’s newest soccer teams, the Philadelphia Union and the Philadelphia Independence, kick off their first seasons in 2010 at the 18,500-seat Chester Stadium located along the Delaware River.

3. The Philadelphia Phillies won the World Series in 1980 and again in 2008.

4.   For three years in a row (2006-2008), PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) ranked Citizens Bank Park number one on its “Top 10 Vegetarian-Friendly Ballparks” list.

5.   Philadelphia’s Penn Relays is the oldest and largest amateur field relay.

(Clockwise from bottom left) The Flyers' Danny Briere; Citizens Bank Park; and soccer fans, excited for the debut of the Philadelphia Union. (Photos courtesy of the Philadelphia Flyers, by G. Widman and courtesy of Major League Soccer)

6.   On March 2, 1962, legendary Sixer Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a single basketball game, an all-time record that nobody has been able to touch.

7.   The Ring magazine called The Legendary Blue Horizon boxing hall the best boxing venue in the world.

8.   In 2008, football fans from all over voted Philadelphia number one in FOX Sports’ poll of “NFL’s Top 10 Fan Bases.”

9.   The Philadelphia Flyers played an exhibition game against Moscow’s legendary Red Army club on January 11, 1976. The Flyers controlled virtually every facet of the game and won 4-1, proving that they were the best team in the world.

10.   Forbes named the furry green Phillie Phanatic America’s top sports mascot in 2008. (Maybe it was good luck!)

This Thanksgiving, We’re Thankful For… [uwishunu]

The Official Philly Brag Book [gophila.com]

This Saturday and Sunday, Crossing Vineyard and Winery is hosting the Nouveau Wine Festival to celebrate the release of its 2009 “Le Nouveau”.

Head to the Bucks County family-owned vineyard, dedicated to using environmentally sustainable growing techniques, for a taste of their handcrafted wine.

Of course wine will be on sale, perfect for your upcoming Thanksgiving meal, and Crossing is offering discounts during the festival!

Nouveau Wine Festival
Crossing Vineyard and Winery
November 21st and 22nd
12 noon to 6pm

www.crossingvineyards.com [Official Site]

Giovanni's Room, hosting a Read-a-thon this Saturday, Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC

Friday

Ballet X’s Fall Series
The Wilma’s wonderfully talented resident dance company, Ballet X, launches their Fall series this weekend. Be sure to check them out!

Last Day to Order MANNA Pies!
That’s right, today is the last day to order your Thanksgiving pies from MANNA. Not only are they delicious, but the funds go towards helping folks. It’s win-win right there.

Holiday Craft Show in Mount Airy
Get your holiday shopping done BEFORE Thanksgiving hits, by stopping by this craft show. Because hey, handmade gifts are the best kind.

Saturday

Science Behind Luminescence @ Wagner Free Institute
How do all those critters manage to glow in the dark? Stop by the Wagner Institute to learn all about it, with hands on activities for kids ages 6 to 12.

Tori Ensemble @ Crossroads
Blending Korean traditions with jazz and new music, the acclaimed Tori Ensemble is performing in Philly at Crossroads music in University City. $20 for members, $30 for non-members.

University of Pennsylvania Choir
Looking for a great musical event on the cheap? The University of Pennsylvania Choir is performing today, and admission is only $5. Nice.

The Wine School @ Pinot Boutique
Come learn about all the wine basics at a great little boutique in Old City, thanks to the Wine School of Philadelphia.

Temple Teams Come Home
Temple’s football and basketball teams compete at home this weekend. Go support ‘em!

Read-a-thon @ Giovanni’s Room
Nearly two dozen authors are coming to Philadelphia’s favorite LGBT bookstore, helping raise funds for the shop’s restoration.

Sunday

Philadelphia Marathon
Get your run on or go cheer for your friends. Aaron has all the details, here.

Located across the street from historic Eastern State Penitentiary, the beer and American comfort food specialist has some history of its own: Jack's is located in a 19th century firehouse, and it's got the pole to prove it. (Photo by J. Holder)

Jack’s Firehouse [gophila.com]

Photos by Samantha Lazar

The Pinot Wine Boutique is a favorite spot for Uwishunu blogger Samantha Lazar. And it’s easy to see why. With their fantastic collection of wine knick knacks, from fancy glasses to elaborate wine carrying cases, it’s the sort of shop a wine lover could easily get lost in. And this weekend, Pinot invites you to spend a little more time inside the shop, learning about wine, instead of browsing through their trinkets.

Tomorrow, November 21st, instructors from the Wine School of Philadelphia are stopping by the Pinot Boutique to give a two hour course on general wine knowledge. You’ll learn all about swirling, sniffing, sipping, and understanding wine, all in two hours. It’s an introduction to wine class, and one of the most popular at the school.

The course is only $37 a person, and starts at 5PM. So swing by, get your learn on, and check out one of Old City’s most charming boutiques.

The Wine School at Pinot Boutique: Wine 101
Saturday, November 21st, 2009
5PM, $37

Pinot Wine Boutique
227 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA19106
(215) 627-WINE
www.pinotboutique.com

As we mentioned earlier today, Thanksgiving is just one week away. That means that whether you’re cooking, finagling an invitation or making the meal yourself, it’s time to get your plans in order.

I’ve got plans to have dinner with my husband’s family in Virginia (oh joy, holiday traffic), but if I were staying in Philadelphia, I’d be awfully tempted to hang up my apron and head over to terra, the new spot from Chef Eric Paraskevas.

He’s offering a fairly traditional menu of Spinach and Sweet Cranberry Salad, Roasted Butternut Squash, Roasted Turkey with Herbed Pan Gravy, Pecan Chorizo Stuffing, Green Bean Cassole, Green Chile and Cheddar Mashed Potato, Cranberry Orange Compote, Cheese Biscuits, Goat Cheese with Pear Rosemary Relish and two kinds of pies.

The meal will be served family-style between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. (or until the food runs out). Reservations are not required and it costs just $30 a person (not including drinks, tax and tip) to belly up to that substantial spread. Truly, something to be grateful for!