The 2011-2012 season of the Teatro Verdi of Florence is full of great events. From 24th to 26th February 2012 will be on stage “I Promessi Sposi – Opera moderna”, inspired by the famous novel of Alessandro Manzoni, directed by Michele Guardì and with the music of Pippo Flora.

“I Promessi Sposi- Opera moderna” are obtaining a great success, and reached the second edition, have been some changes to the cast and to the choreography. The choreography, completely renewed by Martino Muller, have donated more rhythm, dynamics and energy to the play.

The story of the play is been revisited in a modern key, halfway between the musical and the rock opera (Guardì speaks of modern opera in this meaning).

The two protagonists Renzo and Lucia are on the point of wedding, but are hampered by Don Rodrigo who wants take over of Lucia.

From here begin the misadventures of the betrothed, ma are forced to abandon the “village” where they live to hide away: Renzo in Milan and Lucia to the convent of Monza.

A large epidemic of plague strikes Renzo, that is able to cure unlike Don Rodrigo.

At the end Renzo and Lucia meet again at Milan, and here, at the light of the cathedral that triumphs the life, represented in the play by a final rain, to seal the victory of the life over the plague.

The play deals with the themes treated in the original novel with attractions to the current events, through an imposing set, projections and special effects, and shows how the social context is not different from now,  since we find again the same issues of the human being: from the love to the power, from the justice to the faith.

If you are not of Florence, but you don’t want to miss this play performed by great artistis like Lola Ponce, Giò Di Tonno, Christian Gravina, Christian Mini, Graziano Galàtonee e Vittorio Matteucci, stay on Florence and book a room in one of the hotels of the Ars Hotels chain.

From 23 to 26 February 2012 for the seventh edition of Danzainfiera, the pavillons of Fortezza da Basso of Florence will be animated by a mix of genres and styles of dance.

65000 square metres of show floors among rooms, small buildings, stands, stages and theaters where visitors will be able to participate to free classes, meetings and workshops dedicated to dance, enjoy performances by great dancers and national and international companies, perform in dance competitions free-for-all, and for all who are interested there will be the opportunity to do auditions and casting.

The dance, especially in recent years, are having an indescribable success of public, and Danzainfiera represents an important showcase that combines classic and contemporary, hip hop and latin, ethnic   dance and waltz, country and musicals, modern and tango, burlesque and pilates that will attend big name of dance and many passionate.

Many novelties in this edition: The Vintage Show, a show dedicated to swing dance, the Halli Balli, that will bring us back to the most popular dances, from the Hully Gully, Macarena to the recent Danza Kuduru, and the Grand Ballo dell’800, that will bring us directly to the atmosphere of the Gattopardo and Via col vento.

There will be also an area dedicated to the Wellness, with lessons in pilates, Fletcher pilates, tai, yoga and a variety of other disciplines useful in preparation for the dance.

Danzainfiera give you also the possibility to perform on stage presenting own choreography, individual or in group, to the tune of songs of the girls of Amici, a program on Canale 5 made famous by Maria De Filippi.

All information about this initiative and about the event can be find on site of Danzainfiera.

For anyone who want to participate to this edition of Danzainfiera, the Grand Hotel Adriatico of Florence give you the opportunity to book a room at special price.

Next week Florence will be rich of greedy appointments.

In fact the city will be scene of celebrations on the occasion of Valentine’s day with its breathtaking views, such as Piazzale Michelangelo, its streets rich of important monuments and many exclusive clubs that will be the setting of one of the most romantic day of the year.

To feed the romanticism there will be also the Fiera del Cioccolato Artigianale (the Artisan Chocolate Fair), from 10th to 19th February 2012 in Piazza della Repubblica, and where the greatest maîtres chocolatiers will delight the palates of visitors with their chocolate creations.

The Best Western Hotel Rivoli celebrates this two events, and beyond to give you the opportunity to book a room at a special price – from 11th to 19 th February 2012 – will offer a delicious tribute to all those who are fans on his Facebook page and will reserve a room.

If you want to give your lover an unforgettable experience among the beauties of Florence and the sweetness of chocolate, the Hotel Rivoli will be happy to coddle you with its proposals for Valentine’s day.

It is coming up Valentine’s day and many people will be wondering how to spend the evening with your lover. Valentine’s day is an occasion to celebrate and celebrate ourselves, for renew own love in a romantic setting.

Florence is the most romantic city, perfect place as a background of your evening.

For this occasion, the Best Western Hotel Rivoli of Florence has thought a special offer dedicated to all lovers that want to celebrate in Florence.

From 11th to 19th February 2012 you can reserve a double room for 2 persons from 80.00 euro per night and you will also have the opportunity to book one of the services  make available by the Hotel Rivoli, like the carriage ride along the streets of historical center of Florence, or drink an happy hour served on the heated poolside Jacuzzi of the hotel.

Florence offers many special ways to celebrate your Valentine’s day and the Hotel Rivoli Is happy to fulfill your needs and give you an unforgettable sojourn.

Furthermore, if you are fans on Facebook will be waiting a tasty surprise at your arrive.

To get all the information about the services dedicated and to book a room visit the site of Hotel Rivoli.

Open in a new location the eight edition of the Fiera del Cioccolato Artigianale (Artisan Chocolate Fair). From 10th to 19th February 2012, in Piazza della Repubblica in Florence is covered with many confectionary creations oh the best Italian and foreign master chocolates.

The setting of Piazza della Repubblica, in the heart of the historic center, was chosen to give more appeal to the event, which this year is betting everyting on high quality, with a reduction of the exhibition spaces, passing from 80 of the last year to 40 of this year, but a growth of excellence represented by the best master chocolates.

An opportunity for all chocolate lovers, and not only, but also a fun and delicious way to spend the Carnival with children, in the weekends of 11th-12th and 18th-19th February, that will certainly appreciate the initiative.

Many events will be linked to the Artisan Chocolate Fair: from culinary events, to taste the chocolate in all its forms (chocolate and spices; cocoa in the kitchen from sweet to salty; cold chocolate; the strange pairs, demonstrations of unusual couples), to cultural events, to know the history of this wonderful plant “When cocoa became chocolate”, a cartoon for children, and then an exhibition at the Gucci’s museum, called “Chocolate is fashionable”.

Lots of fantasy and fun in the creations of master chocolates, who will put in a good mood all the participants. Otherwise, all we know the benefit effects of chocolate!

The stands of the Artisan Chocolate Fair will be open from 10:00 to 20:00, where you can enjoy lots of excellent free chocolate.

For more information about the event please visit the official website of the Artisan Chocolate Fair.

For all who not live in Florence but do not want to miss this delicious initiative, remember that you can book with Ars Hotels, in the centre of Florence.

The Odeon cinema in collaborazione with the Jazz Band Les Italiens has decide to organize a charity performance for the people of Tanzania, thursday 7th February 2012 at the Odeon of Florence, offering the proceeds to the Jade Goodall Italy organization.

After the huge success of last year at the Obihall with Sono romano ma non è colpa mia  (I’m roman, but it’s not my fault), Enrico Brignano returned to Florence with his new show Tutto suo padre (All his father).

From 3rd o 5th February 2012 Brignano will be at Mandela Forum in Florence with a show dedicated to his father, recently dead, will give vent to his comedy telling about nowadays’ Italy. The new adventure of Brignano traces with a humorous tones, but also with moments of reflection, the events that have brought our country to become “a gentry whore”.

With the same irony will also recounts his relationships with friends and family, taking to extremes their qualities, vices and defects, without save himself.

The roman comic is enjoying an incredible success in everything he does: TV, theater and cinema contend him because with some brilliant speeches push up the ratings, and collects a sold-out after another.

A good character, without frills, so, one of us… will be this the winning feature of Enrico Brignano?

For more information about the show visit the site Mandela Forum.

And if you want to spend a weekend of art, take the opportunity of the show to visit Florence and book a room in one of the hotels of the Ars Hotels chain.

Valentine’s day represents a moment of intimacy for lovers, who prefer to spend the evening tête-à-tête  away from everything and everyone. And what better setting than Siena’s hills?

The Ristorante da Pode, in the countryside of San Gimignano, offers you his professionalism and kindness to spend an unforgettable evening.

Situated in a delightful position just 2 km from the towers of the historical town of San Gimignano, in a environment totally renovated, but with a rural soul remained unchanged in the time, this restaurant is the perfect place to spend your special evening.

Based on its experience the Ristorante da Pode offers his Valentine’s menù, under the romantic light of a candle:

APPETIZER:

Lard of Colonnata on a salad of artichokes and balsamic vinegar

STARTER:

Fusilli with spinach

Wheels with artichokes and sausage

MAIN COURSE:

Fillet in pastry with flan of cardoon

DESSERT:

Creamy pudding with coffee and hot chocolate

Coffee

Drinks not included

Price for person Euro 35,00

For all who want, there is the possibility to pass the night in San Gimignano, booking a room in the Hotel Sovestro, near our restaurant.

With the new year starts the theater tour of Elio e le Storie Tese that will be at Teatro Verdi in Florence the 2th February 2012.

Enlarge you penis, this is the name of the tour that already promises to be full of surprise and special effects. The set list of the concert is strictly top-secret right to leave that air of mistery and unpredictability that has always characterized the band of Elio e le Storie Tese.

Born in Milano in the 80’s, Elio e le Storie Tese are made known to the general public especially in the 90’s with the participation at Sanremo, where came second with the song “La terra dei cachi” (Land of persimmons), that was much different from the classic themes of Sanremo, talking about problems with mafia, corruption and health in Italy.

Sanremo’s event was just one of many episodes of sarcasm and irreverence that characterized the group of Elio. Since the debut the Elii distinguish themselves for their humor and their sharp humor.

From their lyrics, the remake of lyrics of other artists, their television collaboration, like the one with the Gialappa’s Band at “Mai dire gol” (Never say goal), everything  is focused on their natural eclecticism and their desire to be a mould-breaker.

A group, Elio e le Storie Tese that may be controversial for the topics treated, but certainly communicative impact. This concert can be an unusual and original way to spend an evening, with Elio and his companions, and if you are not of Florence, but do not want to miss this event take the opportunity to spend a long weekend in the city and book a room in one of the hotels of Ars Hotel’s chain.

For more information about the concert and the ticket sales visit the site of the Teatro Verdi.

This is the first of 3 ballets of Tchaikovsky and the most famous. Ordered in 1875 to Tchaikovsky, was performed for the first time in Moscow in 1877 and it was much criticized.  It was withdrawn from the stage after few repeats also because the music was too revolutionary. Only in 1895, thanks to a new choreography it managed to achieve success.

Swan Lake will be presented in Florence by the Russian Classical Theatre and is divided into four acts and four scenes. Although there are many versions of the ballet, most ballet companies based their choreography and music on the revival of Marius Pepita and Lev Ivanov for the Imperial Ballet, staged for the first time on January 1895 in St. Petersburg.

It’s a romantic story with dramatic strain that tells about a prince (Siegfried) that falls for a girl (Odette), transformed into a swan for a spell.

The two lovers meet during the night at the swan lake, when Odette and the other swans take human form, and dance together.

Odette tells Siegfried that only a  promise of marriage made at the point of death will break the spell.

The next day the prince must choose his future wife, and so the magician that has inflicted the spell has made his daughter Odile identical to Odette. Siegfried mistakes her for Odette and proclaims to the court that he intends to make her his wife.
Soon after he discovered the deception, the prince runs to Odette, dying, and in an attempt to save her from the waters the two lovers are swallowed by the lake.

It’s a cultural event that you don’t miss, an ageless tale that meet always a great success of public; so if you are not of Florence but you want attend at one of the most beautiful ballets off all the times, come in the Tuscan capital and reserve a room in a hotel of Ars Hotels’ chain.

For more information about the ballet and tickets visit the site of Teatro Verdi.