SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga City Ballet is back in full force with their enchanting holiday performance of “The Nutcracker” on Saturday, December 19 at Saratoga Springs High School.
The Saratoga City Ballet is a non-profit organization that provides committed dance students opportunities to perform in a professional setting and in quality shows. Last fall’s performance of “The Nutcracker” had to be cancelled, as the much-loved Saratoga City Ballet was on the verge of collapsing. Their school closed and they lost their performance venue at Skidmore College.
“We own all our own props, costumes, everything, so we had to figure out what to do with it all” said Ava Marco, President of the Board and Executive Director at Saratoga City Ballet. “We had a nine member board that met and crunched numbers to see if we could open our own school. We rallied together and opened a brand new studio in Wilton.”
After much dedication, hard work and fundraising to keep the organization alive, Saratoga City Ballet is back on its feet, welcoming students back to classes, and now, preparing for “The Nutcracker,” a community favorite that could very well have been lost.
This will be the 22nd year Saratoga City Ballet has put on the show.
“The difference with this show is that it’s done all by students,” said Marco. “Most people, when they see the show, they forget they’re watching young dancers. It feels like they are watching a professional ballet. It’s that kind of experience. It’s awe-inspiring.”
The performance on December is the second act of the famous ballet, known as “Land of Sweets.” There will be an introduction of the first act to round out the story.
“I saw the first rehearsal the other night. This is an adorable, talented show. I’m very excited about it,” said Marco.
Saratoga City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” will be performed at Saratoga Springs High School, in the Loewenburgh Auditorium, on Saturday, December 19. There is a performance at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., with doors opening 30 minutes before the show. Tickets are $20 general admission and $15 for seniors and children under 12. Tickets can be bought online at brownpapertickets.com or at the door. For more information, please visit saratogacityballet.com.
