Ballet Nacional de Cuba

February 3 & 4, 7:30 pm

The legendary Ballet Nacional de Cuba makes its western Canada premiere in Victoria.  Founded in 1948 by Prima Ballerina Assoluta Alicia Alonso, the Nacional - with its mix of flawless ballet technique and Latin passion - is Cuba's chief cultural export.  This evening of mixed repertoire features 25 principal dancers and soloists in a program selected by Alonso herself to showcase the talents of this formidable group.
Tickets to this show at the Royal Theatre can be purchased through www.rmts.bc.ca, at the Royal Theatre box office, or by calling 250-386-6121.

www.dancevictoria.com

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

December 16 - April 9

The wonders of nature like you've never seen them: through the lenses of prize-winning photographers from around the world.  This visually striking exhibition from the Natural History Museum showcases more than 100 photographs in 18 categories (including Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Endangered Wildlife, One Earth, and Photojournalist of the Year), chosen from more than 40,000 international entries.  Each photo and accompanying caption tells the inspirational, astonishing, and often humourous stories of our natural world.  Photography themed events, activities and presentations will take place through the run of this exhibition.

www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

Victoria Film Festival

February 3 - 10

For 10 thrilling days, filmmakers, writers, and actors gather to dazzle audiences with their latest cinematic visions.  With over 150 new films each year, the Victoria Film Festival buzzes with world premieres, exclusive screenings, and discussions surrounding the boldest, most vivid cinema from around the world.  Ticket cost varies by event and screening.

www.victoriafilmfestival.com

Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries

May 17 - September 16

The Royal BC Museum hosts this blockbuster exhibition.  Imagine the thrill of discovering something new about a creature that lived millions of years ago.  Since the first dinosaur fossil was identified almost 200 years ago, people have wondered how these fascinating animals lived, moved, and behaved.  Dinosaurs explores how paleontologists today use modern technologies, along with new discoveries and ideas, to investigate and reinterpret puzzling dinosaur mysteries - such as what they really looked like, how they moved, and the hotly debated theories of why - or even whether - they became extinct.  Included with regular museum admission.

www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

John Landis, Richard Crouse, and the Quote-Along Blues Brothers

February 4, 7 - 11 pm

Join John Landis (director, screenwriter, and actor) will be joined by Richard Crouse for an exclusive interview.  Following the interview, the Victoria Film Festival presents a Quote-Along screening of The Blues Brothers (1980).  It's time for your "mission from God", so get your best Jake and Elwood looks together, slap on some sunglasses, and quote, sing, and joke along with the Blues Brothers.  Held at the Vic Theatre (808 Douglas Street), tickets cost $25.

www.victoriafilmfestival.com/events/john-landis-in-the-house.html

Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Celebration Exhibit

June 1 - September 3

Celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee at the Royal BC Museum.  This special exhibition of nearly 100 portraits by royal photographer Cecil Beaton (1904-80) depicts Elizabeth in her roles as princess, monarch, and mother, and will include a number of rarely-seen photographs alongside extracts from Beaton's personal diaries and letters.  Beaton's royal portraits were among the most widely published photos of the 20th century.  The exhibition explores Beaton's long relationship with Elizabeth, who was a teenage princess when he first photographed her in 1942.  The five-section exhibition charts the shift in Beaton's style from early rococo-inspired portraits to the starker images of the 1960s.  Included with regular museum admission.

www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

Griffith Hiltz Trio

February 4, 8 pm

The Victoria Jazz Society presents this exciting performance in the intimate atmosphere of Hermann's Jazz Club (753 View Street).  Each member of this talented trio contributes to the groove on more than one instrument - simultaneously - to create a beautifully layered sound.  Their debut album was voted the #1 Jazz Album of 2009 by Jazz FM in Toronto.  Tickets are $17.50 and can be purchased through the Royal & McPherson box offices, online at www.rmts.bc.ca, or by calling 250-386-6121.

www.jazzvictoria.ca

Rum Night at the Reef: Flor de Cana 4/5 Year Old

February 5, 6 - 8 pm

Visit the Reef Restaurant for a complimentary rum tasting of "Flor de Cana 4/5 YO" rum.  This event is part of their ongoing 2012 Rum Nights program, bringing awareness of 17 different rums to the public - every Sunday through April.  Explore the Caribbean's favourite libation with local rum agents and other rum enthusiasts.

www.thereefrestaurant.com

Sin City Improv - Carnies

February 7, 8 pm

Sin City is a completely improvised play that unfolds in 24 weekly episodes.  Every week the cast of characters move the story forward in hilarious and unexpected ways as they respond to live direction.  Anything can happen, and will, right before your eyes.  Funny, sad, poignant, exciting, thrilling - this format takes improv to a whole new level.  Ladies & gentlemen, boys and girls ... step right up!  Sin City: Carnies takes place in the dust bowl of the 1930s Great Depression.  Enter the world of the travelling sideshow - with astounding characters that include the Snake Lady, the Mesmerizing Mentalist, The Faceless Man, the Celestial Hypnotist, the Trick Shoot Artist, the Human Statue, cooch girls and assorted barkers, rousties, stooges, and marks.  Tickets cost $15 regular ($12 students & seniors) - cash only at the door - or $12/$10 + $2 fee in advance from Ticket Rocket.  Held at the Victoria Event Centre.

www.sincityimprov.com  

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