SARATOGA SPRINGS — More than 100 local children took part in an audition to dance with New York City Ballet during its Saratoga season, July 9 - 13.
New York City Ballet Children’s Repertory Director Dena Abergel led the auditions seeking 24 children for roles in scenes from George Balanchine’s Coppélia. Auditions were staged at SPAC School of the Arts on South Broadway.
Considered one of the greatest comedic ballets of the 19th Century, Coppélia premiered in Saratoga in 1974 and was co-commissioned by SPAC. Choreographed by George Balanchine and Alexandra Danilova after Marius Petipa, it has remained one of the best-loved classical works in the ballet repertory.
Scenes from Coppélia will be featured as part of the Swan Lake & Stars and Stripes program on Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13, in addition to opening night’s NYCB On and Off Stage program on Tuesday, July 9.
