Hearts Aflame

Ah, Valentine’s Day. Whether you like it, loathe it, or are in it only for the excuse to eat even more candy than usual, you can’t deny that it is in fact a holiday that occurs each February 14. Between the recent icy weather, the ongoing (and going, and going) pandemic, and the general dread that seems to pervade our every waking moment, it seems like a strange time to celebrate anything, let alone love. But after the dumpster fire that was 2020, Valentine’s 2021 is a chance to set a positive tone for this year by reminding those you care about that you are thankful to have them in your life.

There are as many ways to do this as there are humans on the planet. Cards are popular for a reason: They’re cheap, accessible, and helpful for those who have a hard time expressing themselves. You can even go the extra mile and get one from a local shop like Chirps and Cheers in Midtown Oklahoma City (405/506-6336 or chirpsandcheers.com) or The Snow Goose in Tulsa’s Utica Square (918/749-6043), which both have dozens of heart-felt V-Day options. Candy is a classic, but rather than stopping at Walgreens last minute and getting a subpar box of Russell Stover’s, find something more specific to your significant other’s palate at Glacier Confection in Tulsa (glacierchocolate.com) or Ganache Patisserie in Oklahoma City (405/286-4068 or ganacheokc.com). P.S. if your friend does like chocolate, Ganache has GIANT chocolate hearts filled with dulce de leche that are tres magnifique.

"The Firebird" publicity shot. Photo by Shevaun Williams

For those who want to plan a little together time—even if it’s just curled up on the couch—there is one event that seems custom made for Valentine’s Day. This weekend, the Oklahoma City Ballet’s presentation of The Firebird has everything one expects from a good love story: a heroic prince, an enchanted mythical creature, maidens in need of rescue, and an evil sorcerer. The music, composed by one of the most influential musical minds of the 20th century, Igor Stravinsky, ensures those feelings of love, loss, despair, and triumph reverberate throughout audience member’s souls. Add the beauty and mind-blowing attention to detail artistic director Robert Mills has become known for during his decade-plus at the Oklahoma City Ballet, and you have a performance that you and your significant other will talk about for years to come.

The Firebird has three performances: Friday, February 12 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, February 14 at 2 p.m. The Oklahoma City Ballet is committed to keeping everyone safe, so social distancing will be enforced, and even the dancers will wear masks artfully incorporated into their costumes. However, for those still weary of venturing into the cold, you can purchase a virtual ticket, which allows viewers to watch the performance at home as many times as they please for two full weeks. In-person tickets range from $30-$90, and virtual tickets are $34.

Studio rehearsals for "The Firebird" Photo by Kate Luber

Whether you want to dress up and go out or throw on your clean sweatshirt and stay in, being transported to a magical land where good can triumph over evil through the power of dance (and love) is a journey that you and your special person and go on together.

For more information, call (405) 843-9898 or visit okcballet.org/performance/the-firebird to purchase tickets.

Written By

Karlie Ybarra

Managing editor Karlie Ybarra loves to explore her home state—and meet many of its animal citizens—any chance she gets.