Author: Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center last week unveiled its new Learning Library, created to bring free original arts educational content to students, families and educators at a time when previously scheduled in-school presentations and classes are not feasible due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The videos and exercises feature more than 25 professional musicians and dancers affected by the pandemic such as Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company, professional stepping company Soul Steps and Caroga Arts Collective, as well as former Broadway performers, composers and local storytellers. 

“We have completely re-imagined how our educational programming can reach students, families and educators during these difficult times when in-person demonstrations and classes aren’t possible. Last year our programs served more than 49,000 students; however, with this new virtual platform, we have the opportunity to bring enriching, unique arts education content to even more students in the region and beyond,” said Elizabeth Sobol, SPAC’s President and CEO in a statement. 

Curated by SPAC with dedicated lessons for students of all ages, the video sessions include: “SPAC Breaks,” a variety of introductory lessons to exercise the creative mind; “Stories that Move,” featuring short stories with dance instruction by Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company;  “Kitchen Floor Dance Class,” led by former Broadway performer and SPAC’s Senior Director of Education, Dennis Moench, and the “Virtual Dance Lab,” advanced choreography-teaching sessions in a variety of genres. In addition to the video lessons, SPAC has created “Printable SPAC-tivities,” featuring exercises and coloring pages that teach fundamental music and dance concepts. 

The SPAC Learning Library can be accessed at spaclearninglibrary.org and is part of the Center’s new “Creative Connection” online campaign.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — As events continue to evolve regarding the COVID-19 virus, the city of Saratoga Springs has decided to cancel the Recreation Department current schedule of summer camps and other summer programs. 

Any participant who is registered for camp and/or a program will receive a full refund. 

The Recreation Center and ice rinks will remain closed until further notice. 

The Recreation parks will remain OPEN to the public, but no organized activities will be scheduled, and fields will not be scheduled until further notice. Playground equipment, basketball courts, and all other recreation equipment will remain closed. 

If you plan to use a park, please follow all NYS and CDC recommendations regarding COVID-19. All programming and facility rental questions shall be directed to the Recreation Department at recreservations@saratoga-springs.org.

NEW YORK – Earlier this month, Naxos released “This Land Sings: Inspired by the Life and Times of Woody Guthrie,” the world-premiere recording of composer Michael Daugherty’s musical tribute to the singer-songwriter and political activist Woody Guthrie.

Maestro David Alan Miller will host an online celebration to honor the release 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, at: Facebook.com/albanysym/live. Daugherty will also be at the event to answer questions about this album.

The album features performances by the Albany Symphony’s new music ensemble Dogs of Desire led by Miller, with vocal soloists, soprano Annika Socolofsky and baritone John Daugherty. For this release, Daugherty collaborated with producer Silas Brown, to create a recording which re-creates a vintage Capital Records 1950s soundscape. 

 “Traveling America from coast to coast with his acoustic guitar and harmonica, Woody Guthrie performed folk songs of love, wandering and social justice, including his famous anthem “This Land Is Your Land,” at Workers Union gatherings, on radio stations and street corners, and in farm fields and concert halls during the Great Depression and the Second World War,” writes Daugherty in his introduction to the album. 

To prepare for his musical tribute to this Dust Bowl troubadour, the composer drove for several weeks along the dusty backroads of Oklahoma and Texas where Guthrie once roamed, while listening to just about everything the singer-songwriter recorded during his brief lifetime (1912–1967). The composer also spent time at the Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, researching his fascinating life and wide-ranging artistic output. “The music I composed gives haunting expression, ironic wit and contemporary relevance to the political, social and environmental themes from Woody Guthrie’s era.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Although the July residency of New York City Ballet at SPAC is uncertain and area Broadway shows are cancelled, Total Body Trifecta’s new TBT87 virtual studio will offer three online ballet barre classes taught by a trio of talent from New York City Ballet and Broadway to fill the void.

Originally, three DWTD classes were already scheduled by owner Mary Anne Fantauzzi for the week of July 13-18, but rather than cancel the annual tradition since 1998, she reached out to three favorite teachers with the prospect of offering Spring Zoom classes instead. 

Rising NYCB star Gilbert Bolden III will teach a classical ballet barre with a mini-variation from 2-3 p.m. on Monday, May 25. Broadway pro (Carousel, An American in Paris) and former NYCB dancer David Prottas will teach “Breakin’ It Down at the Barre” from 11 a.m. – noon Thursday, May 28, and NYCB dancer and School of American Ballet master teacher Andrew Scordato will teach Core de Ballet from 11 a.m. – noon on Thursday, June 4. 

The cost is $10 per class.  Registration and full payment are required in order to receive a Zoom invitation. For more information check the Dance with the Dancers page totalbodytrifecta.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Arts is currently seeking regional artists to apply for its 2021 Call for Artists. 

Application Deadline: May 29 at 11:59 p.m. Artists who reside in Saratoga County and the eight surrounding counties Hamilton, Warren, Washington, Rensselaer, Albany, Schenectady, Montgomery and Fulton are eligible to apply.

This is an opportunity to submit artwork for consideration to be included in solo or small group shows in the center’s exhibition space on Broadway. For more information, go to: www.saratoga-arts.org.