In other good news, NYCB and SPAC have come to an agreement to keep the historic annual engagement in the Spa City for yet another summer. Their agreement is again for a short one-week summer engagement in 2014, but officials from both organizations stressed that they are seeking ways to preserve NYCB’s performances in Saratoga.
“We remain firmly committed to SPAC’s partnership with New York City Ballet and the continuance of this treasured residency,” said Marcia J. White, SPAC’s president and executive director. “While we are continuing to look at ways to restore a longer residency for future seasons, it is a time-consuming process, and as it is essential for both organizations to begin planning their next calendar year of performances, we have decided to move forward with plans for a one-week season by NYCB at SPAC in 2014.”
Regarded as one of the world’s foremost dance companies, New York City Ballet will kick off its Saratoga engagement on Tuesday, July 9. The company will present seven performances over the course of the week which concludes with the Saturday, July 13 fundraising Ballet Gala: The Ruby Ball. The company will showcase a diverse repertory of 14 stunning ballets during its Saratoga engagement including Balanchine masterpieces Serenade and Theme and Variations as well as a special Gala. Also highlighting the season will be three performances of Justin Peck’s Year of the Rabbit, which received wide critical acclaim following its New York debut in October.
“New York City Ballet has spent more than 40 years performing at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and we are extraordinarily grateful for our loyal and enthusiastic audiences there. We are very pleased that we will continue our residency with SPAC in 2014,” said Katherine Brown, NYCB’s Executive Director. “Since for many years the engagement has resulted in a financial shortfall for both NYCB and SPAC, which neither organization is able to sustain, we will continue to work with SPAC on a solution. Committing now to returning to SPAC for one week in 2014, ensures New York City Ballet’s continued presence in Saratoga.”
