Sure fire steps to the perfect date night

Dinner before the show with glowing candles. You laugh a lot. You heart is light. Conversation comes easily and all of this is just a prelude to the performance yet to come. You used to go out on dates. But things change. Time seems to work against you. There are pressing demands that take priority; kids, appointments, tightened budgets, work. The list grows and time flies.

But tonight is going to be different, really different. You’re going to enjoy yourself, remember what it is was like to anticipate. Reconnect with your special someone. Wear shoes, not flip flops.

We start with the essence of the special night out. Out is the key here, away from everyday demands and routine. It begins with a target destination and builds out from there. Each layer paints the night with promise and promises to leave an indelible mark on your memory and your relationship. Remember, this is a special night and both of you deserve every step of the process, each small convenience that will make the date flawless, hassle free and one to remember.

DESTINATION: Romeo and Juliet
You get a pair of tickets to the Miami City Ballet’s season finale performance of Romeo and Juliet. A tragic love story, yes, but one that is quite familiar, with or without words. It is also full of beauty and romance with a dose of conflict and a few duels for action. Who can resist the star-crossed lovers and their quest to be together?

GETTING READY: new duds
You don’t have to have a completely new outfit for the event, unless all you have are board shorts and beach wear. You will need something nice to wear. Be comfortable, be fashionable, but more importantly, dressing up a bit shows your partner that you respect yourself, your partner and the special evening you will share. Looking good and feeling good go hand in hand on this night.

GETTING READY: spa day
This can be the perfect reason to get that massage and facial. Maybe a mani-pedi and a blow-out. This is an extra layer in preparation for that special night out that builds the anticipation, makes you feel and look great and is a special treat that instantly takes this evening out of the ordinary. Shake up your schedule. Replace the question “why should I go to those lengths?” with the affirmation that you deserve to cherish this special time with your special someone.

GETTING THERE: ride in style
A sure fire way to an enjoyable and hassle-free evening that is a complete departure from the everyday includes valet parking. Arrive at the front door, hand over your keys, enjoy the evening. Take this vision to the next level by using a car service. For anyone who braves an everyday commute, the simple luxury of letting someone else do the driving is priceless. Imagine the only stress of the evening is deciding what to have for dinner before the performance!

ACT ONE: at the performance
Never been to the ballet? Not sure what to expect? No worries. Let the music and artistry take over. You already know the story. The dancers will tell it better than your high school English lit teacher ever could. And remember, tonight is about breaking out of the ordinary, experiencing something and sharing that experience with someone special who is looking forward to this night as much as you are. Sip a glass of champagne at intermission and toast your partner and your special night out. Turn off the phone and leave it off. Check in with the babysitter if you really have to, but otherwise, be in the moment and immerse yourself in the magic of the night that is far from the ordinary.

CURTAIN CLOSING: end of the evening
Just because the curtain has fallen does not mean date night is over. Take a stroll in the soft sea breeze and stop for dessert, or to look at the lights reflecting on our watery world. There are moments of beauty all around us that we scarcely notice in the scheduled nature of everyday life. Tonight is a chance to slow down, look with renewed eyes and embrace a break in the routine. Date night at the ballet can be that perfect get away that is right around the corner. Something to look forward to several times a year, and look back on fondly for years to come.