Sophie Mei

So, enough of downing cheap red wine to ‘make the most of it’ because I’ll be giving you the lowdown on the top events that are taking place in our city of culture.
February
Our first don’t-miss-event is the Battle of the Universities on 7 February at Crystal Bar with myself Sophie Mei as compere. Sheffield Hallam University and University of Sheffield are battling it out in an intellectual and talent competition. I look forward to welcoming you all to this wicked war of the wits.
14 February marks St.Valentine’s Day of course – a day traditionally associated with sending love messages, buying flowers and schmoozing your loved ones. If that is your cup of Yorkshire Tea, then why not cosy up together and watch Most Haunted Live at the Lyceum on V-day itself? Or rebel and attend an anti-Valentines party like Cupids in Nooses on the 13 February at The Rude Shipyard on Abbeydale Rd. Or, if you’re like me, hide yourself away in work and attend The BIG Valentines fair. You can even get active (no, I don’t mean like that) but Aviva’s World Championship takes place from 13-14 February at English Institute of Sport.
If you’re fed up of all this romantic stuff and you’re a singleton trying to avoid the card shops…then take a breather from the romantic run and hit the theatre for some spectacular shows and Stomp you way to the Lyceum Theatre from 9 – 13 February – also don’t miss Whistle Down the Wind at the Lyceum Theatre and Sheffield’s unique production of Enemy of the People.
Don’t worry if all doesn’t go to plan as you can start afresh; it’s time to celebrate another new year and this time it’s Chinese! 14 February marks Chinese New Year – the year of the Tiger. So, forget all those broken resolutions and celebrate at Sheffield City Hall’s show of Swan Lake on 15 February and the special Chinese New Year Celebration on 16 February that features performances from Sheffield district Chinese School and University of Sheffield.
Last but not least is Shrove Tuesday AKA Pancake Day on 16 February is and this will take place is any nice friend’s kitchen whilst watching the Brit Awards of course.
And why not end the month on a high and celebrate National Kissing Day on 19 February and according to tradition on this Friday of Shrove Week, English schoolboys were once entitled to kiss girls in without fear of punishment or rejection, a custom that lasted until at least the 1940s!
March
After a season full of Christmas leftovers, heart-shaped chocolate and pancakes – March is the month to get healthy and happy. When the snow melts, the sun shines (a tad) and people get back into their daily routines.
So think ahead and shimmy into shape for summer. From 7 February onwards Sophie Mei (me) will be teaching Bellydance Basic classes every Saturday 9am-10am and monthly Sunday workshops at Greens Gym, Napier St.
If you also fancy some partner work then try your feet at Tango or Salsa at Bill Newby’s classes every Tuesday and Thursday, at The Polish Club on Ecclesall Rd. Or sit back and enjoy a night of Burlesque at The Shakespeare.
Dancing not your thing?
Then it’s time for the Six Nations rugby and celebrate the local start to the season in style by watching Sheffield Eagles take on Halifax at Don Valley Stadium on 1 March.
After all this self-fulfilment it’s about time to reflect as 8 March is Commonwealth Day. The Commonwealth theme for 2010: Science, Technology and Society’s focusing on the importance of science and technology to the quality of life of all Commonwealth citizens.
Then go and get cultured at Graves Art Gallery to catch the last month of Comedians: From the 1940s to Now capturing the public and private faces of British comedy. You can also treat yourself to a full on Beatles Season from watching Nowhere Boy, the story about John Lennon at the Cinemas to Sheffield City Hall’s Beatles dedicated show on 5 March SGT Peppers Lonely Hearts Club.
Finally, it’s time to give your mother some TLC as 14 March marks Mother’s Day so treat your mum to something special like a ticket to see Jimmy Carr at Sheffield City Hall on 15 March.
Time for a tipple? End your lent season with a good ole knees up on the 17 March for St Patrick’s Day!
Don’t forget to finish the month off on a high and take part in one of the mile runs for Sport Relief and this time it’s from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st March. The whole of Sheffield and the UK will come together to get active, raise cash and change lives.