Thursday, February 21: At the Kennedy Center Opera House through Sunday, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater presents some of the pieces for which it’s best known—including “Revelations” and “Firebird”—along with one piece that recently joined the repertoire: Twyla Tharp’s “The Golden Section,” set to music by David Byrne. Tickets are $30 to $85. 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org.
So you think you can dance? The Fox reality show of that name is holding auditions today at the Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St., NE) starting at 8 AM and going throughout the day. Rules and other information can be found here.
The Spice Girls really, really are coming to DC—tonight at 7:30 at the Verizon Center. Melanie, Victoria (a.k.a. Posh, wife of soccer/fashion icon David Beckham), Geri, Mel B, and Emma know how to strut their stuff—especially when wearing the outlandish costumes made for this tour by Roberto Cavalli. As of now, tickets are still available—for $72.50, $92.50, and $122.50.
Don’t let snow keep you from good winter shopping deals. The third Thursday of every month, MidCityLive! puts on a Thursday Shopper Social in the retail area around 14th and U streets, Northwest. Boutiques and other stores offer discounts, socializing, snacks, and drinks from 5 to 8 PM. So get on over and shop away.
Friday, February 22: The movie Steep documents the dangerous world of extreme wilderness skiing. Director Mark Obenhaus traces the sport’s history and follows some of its most fearless practitioners to peaks in Alaska, Wyoming, Canada, France, and Iceland. It opens today at Landmark E Street Cinema, 555 11th St., NW; 202-452-7672; landmarktheatres.com.
Saturday, February 23: If you’ve ever strolled along 16th Street, Northwest, in DC, you’ve probably passed the mysterious and looming Temple of the Scottish Rite (1733 16th St., NW). The building, a Freemason headquarters, is opening its doors this weekend for a family-friendly day starting at 10 AM as part of the Warm Up to a Museum series. There will be performers, balloons, and live music. It may all seem rather out of place, but you should take this chance to check out the temple’s interior—it’s fascinating. Free.
If you long for the days of flapper dresses and zoot suits, you might want to head to a 1920s-style cocktail party celebrating the works of African-Americans who lived in France during that time. “When Harlem Came to Paris: A Tribute to the Harlem Renaissance” takes place tonight at 7 at the Alliance Française (2142 Wyoming Ave., NW). Entertainment will include big-band music and theatrical reenactments of works by writers such as Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes. Best of all, dressing up is encouraged—so break out your string of pearls or bowler hat. Buy tickets ($65) here. francedc.org.
Sunday, February 24: The Maple Sugar Festival at Brookside Nature Center (1400 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton; 301-946-9071; brooksidenature.org) is sweet fun for families. From 2 to 4 PM, kids and parents can watch demonstrations of maple-syrup making, starting with the collection of sap from trees around the nature center and ending with tastes of syrup and tiny pancakes. Every year, those who attend say they’ll never go back to the artificially flavored grocery-store stuff. (Also Saturday the 23rd from 11 to 2.) Free.
The Red Cross will host an Oscar party at Posh (730 11th St., NW) to celebrate the Academy Awards. Tickets ($95 to $150) include hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, and an Oscar swag bag. Dress is black tie. All proceeds benefit the Red Cross. For more information, call 703-584-8420. For other ways to celebrate the Oscars, click here.
Jazz pianist McCoy Tyner and his trio join forces with tap dancer/choreographer extraordinaire Savion Glover tonight at 7 at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Tickets are $20 to $45. 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org.What are you up to this weekend? Leave your ideas for great weekend and nightlife plans in the comments!
