Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) has announced its 2024 New York City Ballet (NYCB) season, featuring four unique programs from July 9-13 as part of NYCB’s historic 75 anniversary and its 58 season in Saratoga.
Called “the foremost creative ballet troupe in the world” by The New York Times, New York City Ballet will bring its roster of more than 90 dancers under the direction of Artistic Director Jonathan Stafford and Associate Artistic Director Wendy Whelan, accompanied by the New York City Ballet Orchestra, led by Music Director Andrew Litton. New York City Ballet, one of the foremost ballet companies in the world, was founded in 1948 by the legendary choreographer George Balanchine and arts patron Lincoln Kirstein and quickly became world-renowned for its athletic and contemporary style. Today, NYCB continues to be inspired by its founders who envisioned an authentically American expression of ballet with a company that reflects the rich cultural diversity of the city and nation.
“This season marks the occasion of our beloved New York City Ballet’s historic 75 anniversary. We look forward to an incredible week celebrating our shared history over the past nearly six decades, while also pointing toward our exciting future together,” said Elizabeth Sobol, president and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Opening the season on July 9 is “NYCB On and Off Stage,” hosted by NYCB principal dancers for a unique “behind the curtain” experience featuring excerpts from the week’s ballets and culminating with a celebratory after-party.
Highlighting the residency is George Balanchine’s three-act work Jewels, returning for the first time since 2016 and featuring Fauré’s elegant Emeralds, Stravinsky’sjazz-inflected Rubies, and Tschaikovsky’s symphonic Diamonds.
Also featured are two evenings dedicated to works by contemporary choreographers including a new work by Amy Hall Garner, which is set to hold its world premiere as part of NYCB’s 2024 spring season. Other works include Gustave le Gray No. 1, a SPAC debut choreographed by Pam Tanowitz and set to the music of Caroline Shaw, Ulysses Dove’s dynamically charged, abstract work Red Angels, and Justin Peck’s sneaker ballet The Times are Racing, heralded by audiences and critics alike since its premiere in 2017.
Rounding out the season will be two performances of some of Balanchine’s most beloved works, including the classic story ballet Swan Lake, the patriotic Stars and Stripes, the SPAC-commissioned work The Steadfast Tin Soldier, based on Hans Christian Andersen’s charming fairytale, and scenes from Coppélia, featuring children from the Capital Region, celebration the work’s 50 anniversary, which held its world premiere at SPAC in 1974.
Tickets will be available beginning on February 9 at 10 a.m. for members (tiered by level) and on February 22 at 10 a.m. for the general public. Visit here for details.
NEW YORK CITY BALLET: JULY 9 – 13
NYCB On and Off Stage
TUESDAY, JULY 9 @ 7:30 P.M.
NYCB principal dancers host a unique “behind the curtain” experience featuring excerpts from the week’s ballets. A compelling evening for newcomers and fans alike. Immediately following the program is a celebratory “dance party” in the Hall of Springs.
Jewels
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10 @ 7:30 P.M.
THURSDAY, JULY 11 @ 2:00 P.M.
Emeralds (Fauré/Balanchine)
Rubies (Stravinsky/Balanchine)
Diamonds (Tschaikovsky/Balanchine)
Contemporary Choreography
THURSDAY, JULY 11 @ 7:30 P.M.
SATURDAY, JULY 13 @ 7:30 P.M.
New Garner* (TBA/Garner)
Red Angels (Einhorn/Dove)
Gustave le Gray No. 1* (Shaw/Tanowitz)
The Times Are Racing (Deacon/Peck)
Swan Lake & Stars and Stripes
FRIDAY, JULY 12 @ 7:30 P.M.
SATURDAY, JULY 13 @ 2 P.M.
Swan Lake (Tschaikovsky/Balanchine)
Scenes from Coppélia (Delibes/Balanchine and Danilova, after Petipa)
The Steadfast Tin Soldier (Bizet/Balanchine)
Stars and Stripes (Sousa, orch. by Kay/Balanchine)
*indicates SPAC premiere
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