Be My Valentine

February 11th, 2016

February 14 marks the day of love – a day to spoil your loved one with jewellery, romantic dinner dates, chocolate and the very special one red rose.

Shops are packed full of delicious chocolate, florists are bursting at the seems with beautiful flowers and an array of romantic and funny cards are displayed everywhere you look.

Australia loves love so why not use this day to spoil those special people in your life, whether it's your family, friends or that special person – everyone loves a celebration.

Whether you are cuddled up on the couch watching movies, out at a fancy restaurant for dinner or dancing your way into each others arm, Valentine's Day is a special day.

Over time the meaning of this romantic day has evolved, first beginning with the giving of a card to your loved one or potential loved one and now a day full of presents, grand acts of love and the iconic red rose.

While there are many stories of how this special day was created they all have one thing in common, a Catholic Priest by the name of Saint Valentine.

To understand this we have to go back to Rome during the third century.

With strict laws in place throughout the region many people were prevented from marrying.

As a romantic himself, Valentine began marrying these couples in secret Christian ceremonies.

He was later found out and put in prison where he soon became friends with a young blind woman.

Before his execution Valentine prayed with the woman and healed her of her blindness.

As a last goodbye to her, Valentine wrote a letter, signing 'from your valentine', which led to the now famous greeting cards.

200 years later February 14 was declared Valentine's Day and people across the world began celebrating their love in honour of the priest who risked his life to take a stand for marriage and love instead of the previous pagan fertility festival that was held on that day.

The exchanging of cards to loved ones and potential loved ones became a popular tradition with many working hard to produce the most creative and elaborate cards possible to express their love.

Today Valentine's Day is celebrated in most countries including Australia, America, the UK, Canada and France.

Different cultures have created their own traditions to celebrate the day with some recognising it as a day to express love not only between romantic couples but family members and friends.

Some people share it with their children spoiling them with lollies and gifts while single friends give each other Valentine's Day cards and indulge in their own 'romantic' dinner.



Other options to celebrate the day include stays at a luxury hotel to five star dinner dates or even a proposal.

Throughout the Adelaide Hills there are many ways to spend this romantic day together with the special people in your life.

For those of you who want to really get into the romantic spirit of the day Southern Cross Tango in Mount Barker will give you the opportunity to pop on those dancing shoes and learn one of the most romantic dances in the world.

The studio is a great chance for both beginners and more experienced dancers to explore their skills and try something new and exciting with their partner or friend on this special day.

Dance teacher at the studio Adrienne Gill is passionate about dancing and said it is a great way to get into the romantic spirit of Valentine's Day.

“I consider tango to be the most sensual dance in the world,” she said.

“It is a unique dance that really builds the connection between people whether they be romantic partners or friends.

“Valentines day is a nice excuse to invite our nearest and dearest together to experience something a little different.

“It is also a great way to meet people in the area and make some new friends.”

The class at Mount Barker is set to complete their introductory course this week but will be open for new enrolments next week.

“There are lots of lovely enthusiastic students – some of who are trying out dance for the first time and others who are dusting off their skills,” Adrienne said.

“Anyone can come and try it out.”

Adrienne and her partner Andrew are recognised internationally for the artistry, elegance and romance of their tango and their excellent teaching and performance skills.

Performing both nationally and internationally the pair were recently honoured to join the teaching faculty at the 'Congreso Internacional de Tango Argentina' dance group in Argentina alongside some of the most talented tango dancers in the world.

They were also recipients of Arts SA Government of South Australia professional development grant which has provided them with the support needed to continue teaching the local community their unique skills in tango dancing.

Having only been open since mid January the Mount Barker Studio is thriving, with a number of students already enrolled.

“It is a very social experience – after class we all get together and have a drink and chat.


“We currently have social functions throughout the city but it would be great to have some in the Hills as well.

“I am very passionate about dancing and can't wait to share that with people in the Hills.”

The Mount Barker studio currently runs one beginner class a week with an intermediate class to open in the near future.

To enrol in a class or for more information about the studio contact Adrienne or Andrew Gill on 0419 309 439.

If dancing isn't your thing there are many other fun and romantic activities available throughout the Hills.

Valentines Day is all about doing something special for those we love and cherish so whether you bake them a cake or treat them to a nice picnic, it is sure to be a day filled with happiness and joy.

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