PNB’s The Sleeping Beauty is back at McCaw Hall for a little over a week (including Valentine’s Day, gentlemen!). And considering what we saw on opening night, athletes and artists alike will appreciate this show. Star principal Kaori Nakamura made the role of Princess Aurora—one of the most technically demanding in ballet—look easy. She performed the equivalent of repeated quadruple Lutzes in figure skating, from the famed Rose Adagio in Act I to entire scenes where she never seems to leave en pointe. It requires three or four pairs of pointe shoes per performance, and three intermissions so the dancers can rest. (This is a long one, folks—three hours.) But Nakamura showed no strain—just grace. “I bet she even looks good sneezing,” my partner said at the end. “I bet she drinks water better than we do.” Probably. There are five rotating lead casts; last night’s featured Nakamura as the Princess, Lucien Postlewaite as the Prince, Carla Korbes as the Lilac Fairy, and Olivier Wevers (founder of Whim W’Him) in drag as the evil fairy Carabosse. Tonight’s has principal Mara Vinson (last night’s Bluebird) and soloist Seth Orza as the young lovers.

The fairytale ballet is one of the most popular in PNB’s repertoire, so ticket deals are always welcome. To start:

Anyone 25 and under can score one ticket for $15 and two for $25 to the evening performances on February 4, 5, and 12.

If you’re out shopping at Pacific Place, bring $100 in same-day receipts to the concierge desk on Level 1 to get a free ticket (one per person) and a 20 percent discount on additional tickets.

Or take your chances with the “Dream Weekend” contest, now through February 12, where you can win:

Two tickets to The Sleeping Beauty (February 13)
Backstage tour of The Sleeping Beauty (February 13)
A $100 Pacific Place gift card
Two nights’ stay at the Hyatt Olive 8 downtown (weekend of February 13)
Spa package for two at Elaia Spa at the Hyatt Olive 8 (weekend of February 13)
Haircut and color at Seven – the salon in Pacific Place

I’m not big into writing up contests, but that’s not a bad deal. Enter to win at any of these Pacific Place stores: a pea in the pod, Aveda, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Brookstone, Chico’s, Gymboree,Helly Hansen, Il Fornaio Ristorante & Risotteria, L’Occitane, lululemon athletica, MaxMara, Mexico Cantina y Veracruz Cooking, Papyrus, Pike Place Chowder, Red Mango, Seahawks & Sounders FC Pro Shop, Sixth Avenue Wine Seller, Something Silver, The Body Shop, Top Ten Toy, Twist, United Colors of Benetton, White House | Black Market. No purchase necessary and all that jazz.