Beijing's Best Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, Sep 11-17
Our Events Watch series aims to highlight happenings that aren't focused on alcohol and drinking, but instead take a more educational or productive approach. Events include comedy, talks, networking events, markets, dinners, and more.
Monday, September 11
Monday Night Swing at Hot Cat Club
"I can't dance" must be one of the most frequently uttered phrases in Beijing, right up there with "ting bu dong." The abundance of dance and fitness (or a mix of both) classes is an aggressive invitation to finally start doing something nice for your body. Hot Cat Club is getting in on the action by hosting Swing Nights, with a focus on the Lindy Hop (Hello? Only like the most fun dance ever!), led by Frank Monday. Probably best in twos, but still enjoyable if you come on your own. Is there a more romantic yet invigorating way to meet someone new than through the universal language of dance? The lessons are tailored for beginners and come at a cost of RMB 20 – likely the cheapest class we've seen in Beijing. Sign up by texting Frank on WeChat at 13521555296. Swinging starts at 8pm at Hot Cat Club.
Tuesday, Sep 12
PartyFit at Destination Club
Getting strong and fit is a long process, so you'd better try to make it fun from the beginning. Otherwise, you are doomed to drop it a few months or weeks in, only to return to your old and possibly even less healthy habits. Put on your cool workout clothes and get ready to dance and not look sexy while doing it (but you will have fun). They say you don't have to be a dancer to join, but you just might discover a new talent you never knew you had. PartyFit is an hour-long intense workout that is designed to suit people of all levels and bring them all together for sweaty fun (nothing dirty here). 6.45pm. RMB 50. 4th floor of Destination Club. #7 Gongti West Road
Wednesday, Sep 13
Love your Teeth day at IDC Dental
Ugh, teeth. Who knew that such a small part of your body could require such a significant fraction of your budget? It may not be a frequent investment for most, but when something's amiss in your mouth, it can leave you remortgaging your house. Lucky for us, September 20 is the official "Love your Teeth" day in China, and the team at IDC Dental are joining in and offering free check-ups and x-rays for two weeks (September 13-27). In addition to the free check-ups, any subsequent treatments will come with a 20% discount. Better get it checked and be told that your teeth are fine than find yourself moaning about them in few months while popping painkillers. Add them on WeChat for more information at idcdental.
Thursday, Sep 14
Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg: Anna Karenina
Russia has long enjoyed a reputation for having some of the most graceful ballet performances in the world. The strong classic approach is often complemented by the complete dedication of the dancers. The Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg is coming to China to present Boris Eifman’s classic ballet Anna Karenina as a part of the NCPA Dance Festival 2017. The secondary characters and story lines are set away in this ballet of Leo Tolstoy's classic novel while the choreographer focuses on the love triangle between Anna, Karenin and Vronsky. September 13-14. 7.30pm. RMB 160-880. Opera House of NCPA.
Friday, Sep 15
Sydney Symphony Orchestra Chamber Music Concert
We love music, and we're sure you do, too! But even the most die-hard electronic or hip-hop fans should round out their repertoire with knowledge of the foundations on which modern music is built. Sydney Symphony Orchestra is bringing a set of chamber music pieces, including Zhou Juan, created for the NCPA’s Young Composer’s Programme, Gnarly Buttons by John Adams and Spirit of the Wild by Nigel Westlake. Conducted by David Robinson, who has already started his 12th season as Music Director of the St. Louis Symphony, the Orchestra is led by Francesco Celata on Associate Principal Clarinet and Diana Doherty on Principal Oboe. Friday, September 15 at 7.30pm. RMB 80-480. NCPA Concert Hall.
Saturday, Sep 16
Pound Fitness class at Ms. Uptown
More fun fitness. The Beijinger is aware that with all the pizza propaganda we have been spreading over the past few weeks, we may not seem the most health-conscious of publications. Well, you are wrong, I took the stairs twice today instead of the elevator. Uptown Yoga studio is bringing not your usual relaxed yoga session this Sunday. Less than an hour of training is expected to burn 900 calories, and that's got to be at least a couple pizza slices. Sore glutes, thighs, biceps and all the other muscles you didn't know you have are guaranteed. Also guaranteed – feeling good about yourself until next weekend. Saturday, 4pm. RMB 60. Ms. Uptown.
Sunday, Sep 17
The Fifth Annual China Women's Film Festival
More than a week long, the Women's Film Festival kicks off this Sunday with daily screenings until September 24. The topics explored in the festival range from surrogate mothers, domestic violence, the gender gap and others. You will be able to watch the films at various venues around Beijing, including the intimate setting of Camera Stylo, Institut Français, Min Sheng Art Museum and the Beijing American Centre. Check out the preview of the festival here. You can find the full schedule of films and participating speakers here.
Images: courtesy of the organizers, Sydney Symphony Orchestra
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