Help Create a New Ballet About Saratoga With NYC Ballet Dancers!

On Sunday, March 20th, New York City Ballet Dancers Justin Peck and Andrew Scordato invite the public to share in the creation of a new ballet celebrating the uniqueness of Saratoga Springs, its rich history and its longtime commitment to the arts. The afternoon event “Saratoga Dances”, from 1:30pm- 4:30pm, will include two ballet master classes for Beginner and Intermediate/Advanced level dancers taught by Scordato and Peck, respectively, where the public can observe or participate. The classes are followed by a community forum, lecture/Q&A where Peck (choreographer) and Scordato (costume designer) will share their artistic visions and work-to-date on the creation of the new ballet. They will share its title, musical score, cast of New York City Ballet dancers in the premiere, and invite community input on its next phase. The afternoon will culminate with refreshments and a silent auction of New York City Ballet related items. Cost for the entire 3-hour program is $20 for adults/$15 for students, seniors 60+ and Dance Alliance members participating in the master classes; and $15 for adults/$10 for students, seniors 60+ and Dance Alliance members observing the classes.   This program is co-sponsored by the Dance Alliance and the School of the Arts at the National Museum of Dance. "Saratoga Dances" will take place at The School of the Arts, situated behind the National Museum of Dance, 99 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs. For further information call: 518-885-5840, e-mail: totbtri@aol.com, or go to: www.dancealliance.orgor www.dancemuseum.org/school.

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged, however, payment/registration can be made at the door beginning at 1:00pm on the day of the presentation. One hundred percent of the money raised during the event goes toward the ballet commission and community events.Make checks payable to DANCE ALLIANCE and mail to Mary Anne Fantauzzi, 15 Red Coach Trail, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.  Registrants are asked to specify the master class they wish to observe or participate in and include their name, email and phone number.

THE NEW BALLET'S PREMIERE WILL BE AT ARTSFEST 2011 ON FRIDAY JUNE 10th AT 7PM IN THE SKIDMORE COLLEGE DANCE THEATER.  ArtsFest passes will be for sale at a discounted price during the March 20th event.

This ballet commission is funded in part with a grant from the Saratoga Program for Arts Funding, part of the Decentralization regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts administered by Saratoga Arts, and with a grant from The Saratoga Foundation.

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