January, February and March are bitter, cold, unfair months. You forget what it’s like to feel sunshine and warmth, and three layers is never enough. It can be hard to convince yourself to get out from under your flannel sheets, shut off Netflix’s enticing and eclectic (why hello, Chipotle documentary) barrage of delightful shows and brave the elements. But there are things that make it worth it. The World Stage, a unique performance series hosted by the Harbourfront Centre, is worth putting on clothes for. Showcasing internationally acclaimed artists through various performance styles, the World Stage will get your blood moving.

Here are some events to look forward to:

The #artlive Vogue Ball (February 1)
This is unlike any opening party you’ve ever seen. Dressing “as your most authentic self” is strongly encouraged, and you’ll leave this performance with some serious walking experience (think Vogue, Face, Hairography and more). Hosted by Mother Trouble Nuance & DJ’ed by John Caffery, this isn’t just an opening party—it’s an experience.

The Radio Show (February 5-8)
A Canadian premiere performance hailing from the U.S., The Radio Show is an homage to motown and hip hop played on the only urban radio stations in creator Kyle Abraham’s hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, which disappeared from the radio waves at the same time his father lost his speech to Alzheimer’s. This piece sounds like it will be truly powerful and moving.

If you like the sound of this, check out the Dance as Identity Workshop with Kyle Abraham on February 4th.

UNTITLED FEMINIST SHOW (February 12-15)
A play without words or clothes, Young Jean Lee’s UNTITLED FEMINIST SHOW has been making waves all over North America and Europe. Featuring six stars of theatre, dance, cabaret and burlesque, this wordless play is all about defining yourself on your own terms. Definitely one to look out for.

EUNOIA (March 19-22)
Adapted from Griffin Poetry Prize-winner Christian Bök’s Eunoia, Denise Fujiwara takes the poem’s structure of using a single vowel for each chapter and creates her choreography within those parameters. This unique piece is an homage to human expression.

If you like the sound of this, check out the Butoh/Voice Workshop with Denise Fujiwara & Gary Trentham on Sunday, March 9th.

Mies Julie (May 6-10)
A favourite at the 2012 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, this post-Apartheid theatre piece revolves around a white landowner’s daughter and the black son of her father’s servant. This a story about the legacy of injustice in modern-day South Africa and the societal stress that continues on long after Apartheid.

The World Stage experience doesn’t stop at the end of the show. Be sure to check out the Harbourfront website for more information on opening night pre-show events and talkshows affiliated with each performance. Admission to these events is free if you show your ticket to the corresponding performance.

Doesn’t it all sound delightful? If you’re 25 or younger, or you’re a full-time student, you can take advantage of the amazing CultureBreak programme and get any ticket to WorldStage for $15. If you’re buying tickets online, use the code “CULTUREWS.” Even more delightful.

See you at the Harbourfront.