Choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon and performed at the matinee on Feb. 4, "Polyphonia" (right, Sara Mearns and Chase Finlay) is a significant work in the repertoire of the New York City Ballet, which premiered the piece in 2001. Audiences and critics applaud the nimble way in which Wheeldon, a former dancer with NYCB, marries the classical traditions and ballet steps of one of the company's founding choreographers, George Balanchine, with the free and athletic vocabulary of contemporary dance. Wheeldon characterizes "Polyphonia" as "romantic with comic twists." Another highlight of the troupe's winter season is a romance with tragic consequences, Peter Martins' evening-length Romeo + Juliet, scheduled for Feb. 14, 16, 18 (matinee), 19 and 21-22.

» New York City Ballet, David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, Columbus Ave., at W. 63rd St., 212.496.0600, thru Feb. 26

Throughout his 60-year career, American sculptor John Chamberlain, who died on Dec. 21, 2011, at age 84, recycled unlikely materials, such as the smashed, twisted and discarded car parts that form “Dolores James” (left, 1962), into colorful collages, reliefs and constructions. Think Abstract Expressionism in 3-D.

» John Chamberlain: Choices, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., 212.423.3500, Feb. 24-May 13

Although it has yet to win the Best in Show trophy at the annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the Cardigan Welsh corgi (right) is always a crowd favorite. A mighty competitor in a compact frame, the herding breed is distinguished by its foxlike tail and expressive features.

» Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Madison Square Garden, Seventh Ave., btw W. 31st & W. 33rd sts., 866.858.0008, Feb. 13-14

While Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (Feb. 9-16) is strictly off-limits to the public, Couture Fashion Week is not. Top international couturiers, including Amal Sarieddine, Pilar Macchione, Nedret Taciroglu, Walid Atallah and Evgenia Luzhina-Salazar (left), stage runway shows showcasing their luxe designs.

» Couture Fashion Week, Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, 301 Park Ave., couturefashionweek.com, Feb. 17-19