by Jessica Carreras
And we don't mean just dusting off the ol' Kama Sutra book. Try something new this Valentine's Day that will woo your sweetie more than a tired box of chocolates and a romantic dinner at Applebee's.
Dance the night away
There's nothing like an open bar to spark some romance. The Forum Foundation is hosting their 14th annual Valentine's Ball, a fancy affair that'll impress any date – and it's for a good cause. Ukranian Cultural Center, 26601 Ryan Road, Warren. 7 p.m. Feb. 7. 586-573-9932. http://www.theforumfoundation.org.
Do it sober
Don't drink? Don't fret. Cupid's Ball, a substance-free LGBT Valentine's Day dance and fundraiser for Together We Can Detroit, gives you a chance to find like-minded lovers with a clear head. Suggested donation: $5. Together We Can, 2441 Pinecrest, Ferndale. 9 p.m. Feb. 14. [email protected]. http://www.twcdetroit.org
Have a heart
Nothing says "I love you" like a scientific procedure. Longway Planetarium will host a family-oriented Valentine's Day dissection for those who aren't faint of, er, heart. Ages 10-14. $6 per person. Longway Planetarium, 1310 E. Kearsley, Flint. 1 p.m. Feb. 14. 810-237-3409. http://www.longwayplanetarium.com
Create a cookie
Not feeling creative? Let food designer Amy Anikewich help. Edible Tokens of Love, hosted by the City of Farmington Hills Cultural Arts Division allows guests to enjoy afternoon tea while Anikewich demonstrates how to prepare and arrange designer cookies into a flower arrangement. Tickets: $20 residents, $25 non-residents. Longacre House, 24705 Farmington, Farmington Hills. 1 p.m. Feb. 10. 248-473-1870.
Get enchanted
Bringing the heat of romance to the cold of winter. Edsel and Eleanor Ford House's Enchanted Evening, an elegant dinner and a candlelit evening tour of the estate, entices guests to snuggle up and appreciate the beauty of winter. Tickets: $45. Reservations required. Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores. 6 p.m. Feb. 14. 313-844-4222. http://www.fordhouse.org
Have an affair
And not the sneaking-around-on-your-partner kind. Rackham Symphony Choir presents An Affair to Remember, with dining, dancing and a silent auction, featuring music from the Rackham Ensemble. Tickets start at $60. Club Venetian, 29310 John R, Madison Heights. 6:30 p.m. Feb. 14. 313-404-0222. http://www.rackhamchoir.org
The classics
Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra : "Valentine Hearts" A holiday pops concert, featuring vocalist Kathy Wagner, singing love song classics. Tickets: $10-40. Chenery Auditorium, 714 S. Westnedge, Kalamazoo. 8 p.m. Feb. 14. 269-387-2300. http://www.kalamazoosymphony.com
Bro-mance
No, not the lamentable reality show. Romance, done the way it should be: with Broadway songs. The Lansing Symphony, with guests David Wiley, Christina Saffran Ashford and Norman Large, will perform love songs from Les Miserables, The Music Man, My Fair Lady and other musical hits. Tickets: $10-33. Wharton Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing. 8 p.m. Feb. 14. 517-487-5001. http://www.lansingsymphony.org
Catch a flick
Valentine's Day marks the only time it's permissible to be the mushiest couple in the theater, so live it up. It's Romance Month at the Penn Theatre, showing classics like "Romeo and Juliet," "From Here to Eternity," "To Have and Have Not" and "Love in the Afternoon." All seats $3. Penn Theatre, 760 Penniman Ave., Plymouth. 7 p.m. Feb. 5, 7 p.m. Feb. 12, 7 p.m. Feb. 19, 7 p.m. Feb. 26. 734-453-0870. http://www.penntheatre.com
Laugh and love
They say laughter is the best medicine, but few know it's also a surprisingly strong aphrodisiac. Laugh-a-Thon 2009, featuring comedians Rickey Smiley, Adele Givens, Red Grant and Rodney Perry, is sure to get your date in a good mood. Tickets: $51.50-67.50. Masonic Temple Theatre, 500 Temple Ave., Detroit. 8 p.m. Feb. 14. http://www.ticketmaster.com
Be theatrical
No guitar-and-balcony Shakespeare reenactment necessary. Instead, enjoy dinner and a theater show at the Gem Theatre and Century Grille. Enjoy a gourmet meal, then catch a performance of their newest relationship-related show, "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change," which let's you laugh at love's little annoyances. Show tickets: $25-42.50. Gem Theatre and Century Grille, 333 Madison Ave, Detroit. 4 p.m. Feb. 14. 313-963-9800. http://www.gemtheatre.com
Get dirty
For all you exhibitionists, the Dirty Show provides an erotic experience you can enjoy in public – without risking arrest. See the art and enjoy the shows, whether single, alone or looking for love. Bert's Warehouse Theatre, 2739 Russell, Detroit. http://www.dirtyshow.org
