New York City Ballet

A very positive experience! The production was first class from the scenery and costumes, to the addition of the younger dancers. The two principal dancers were not only technically excellent, but their personalities and their enjoyment added to the overall effect. The orchestra was excellent as always, and we enjoyed their interaction with the audience before the performance, and during the intermissions. All involved made this night very special for some very lucky little girls and their families.

I was amazed by the power and precision displayed on the stage it was amazing.

I have followed this ballet company on line and on DVD's and TV for decades but didn't think I would ever get a chance to see them live and so this was quite a treat. They were magnificent. And seeing Peter Martins come on stage at the end to take a bow was a wonderful surprise. I have followed him from the days of his dancing under Balanchine. It was a great evening for us. The Civic Theater is set up beautifully - we could see everything and the flow of people in and out and to the bathrooms and to and from the parking lot was as smooth as glass. San Diego certainly has a wonderful arts community.

Beautifully danced, all 4 ballets were excellent. Great variety, some combined with modern dance. The Chagal art was so beautiful and a priceless treasure held by SPAC.

Definitely worth seeing City Ballet in Saratoga. A great celebration of Darci Kistler's career, and of City Ballet's repertoire as well. Recommended highly.

An unforgettable evening. Dancing perfection, joyous music and sets and setting a treat. The rain could not dampen the excitement and energy of every piece. Great time for sure.

Up until seeing NYCB on July 11th, I had only attended events by the Rochester City Ballet and a few other ballet events in Syracuse. I have only been involved with ballet for 2 years. (Taking adult ballet lessons as well as being a patron. Why just watch, when you can do?) While I love attending Rochester City Ballet events, I keep running into NYCB books and DVDs in bookstores and I own most of them. Thus, it became a priority for me to see them in person and I drove 3 hours to this event. It was 100% worth the easy drive down Rt 90 and I got way more in entertainment and amazement value than what I paid. I especially was impressed by Symphony in Three Movements which was choreographed by the great Balanchine and composed by Stravinsky. It felt much more dynamic and powerful than the classical ballet I am used to seeing. As much as I loved the dancing, I was equally impressed by the LIVE symphony music. Live music is 100 times richer than prerecorded music used by smaller dance companies. I paid a small amount to see a major ballet company and hear a major orchestra. After the performance, I drove into downtown Saratoga where I found an large number of interesting shops and restaurants. I am planning on returning for the July 18th performances.

As always, the principals were fabulous. Seeing Darci Kistler perform in what may have been one of her final performances was wonderful. She still has the pure line and lyrical form that has made her a favorite for years. The corps was a little ragged in the final piece, Symphony in Three Movements, but not enough to detract from the overall performance. All in all, a wonderful way to spend a summer afternoon!

NYC Ballet is truly amazing - I have not seen ballet before and went with my wife, but found it very accessible and amazing that so much can be said in just dance. My wife, who has studied ballet, also enjoyed it immensely. So, thoroughly enjoyable both for people who have never seen ballet before, and for seasoned aficionados.

The setting is lovely, the hall comfortable and with great sight lines. he dancing was as always superb.

Hi everyone, I just got back from a wonderful trip to the summer home of the NYC ballet. I was fortunate to attend 2 nights of wonderful dancing in a beautiful environment. The gala celebration was truly wonderful. It honored Darci Kistler and she performed beautifully. The event felt very communal as if we were sharing a family get together. I felt as if I had been invited by Peter Martins himself to this final performance of Darci's! Mr. Martins walked about the audience and sat in the back with all to watch . And his daughter was there to honor her mother as well. It was all very special. After the performance the fireworks lit the sky for a long display of colors and shooting forms. They were so close to us that we felt we could touch them. Then there was dancing under the tents to the sounds of an excellent live band as we danced the night away. Thank you for such a memorable night. I will never forget it.

the program had a good mix of dance types from classical,stark setting (hallelulja ballet) to modern dance almost like west side story (slaughter on tenth avenue, my long time favorite). stars and stripes was very patriotic and very good. and tarantella was exciting. the fireworks were fabulous the dancing in the tents was fun. the rain held off for the most part. although it did put a real damper on the lawn people and picnickers. on;y 4or 5. the fact that the rain kept so many people away was very sad because it rained very little and the event was absolutely wonderful.

It was lovely to see one of Darci Kistler's last performances.

The evening performance I attended last year was amazing. Yesterday afternoon was not enjoyed as much. Little scenery, costumes and no Robbins! (Show titled: Balanchine, Robbins and Martins) The dancing was wonderful as was the orchestra but I was left feeling I still needed another ballet experience.

It was a wonderful night, the ballet in saratoga springs was amazing.

All the music for the Thursday matinee at SPAC was Russian. Each of the four ballets was very different. Romeo and Juliet, the balcony scene, was very romantic. Another was more contemporary with the dancers in leotards. The finale was lush with many dancers and elaborate scenery. I loved every minute.

I always look forward to seeing NYCB at SPAC and this time was no different. Gorgeous dancing, sets, music, and setting. If you can't go to NYC, go to SPAC - matinee or evening!

Cage was fantastically engaging. The rest of the performance was mildly enjoyable. We liked the Firebird as well, including Chagall's decorations and the spectacular colors and outfits. One sour note: We had to stand in line for 25 minutes to pickup our tickets that we had ordered and paid for on line. As a result we entered our seats 5 minutes after the start of the performance. Not a good way to start and evening at SPAC. This might deter us for going to SPAC in the future.

The NYC Ballet and the orchestra were superb! The afternoon was beautiful and the ballet was perfect.

The New York City Ballet is an amazing ballet company- one of the best in the world. Seeing the ballet in a lovely outdoor enclosed setting on a lovely summer night is doubly enjoyable. Sadly the ballet has had to shorten it's season because of hard economic times but needs all of us to support it and all the arts since we are not nationally subsidized. Do go. You won't regret it.

The performances were amazing, the venue was beautiful and it was an exciting and wonderful night!

It was awsome, i think that i found something i like better then the smphony. its like the symphony but with dancers. i think that all should make a point and go to the Ballet one time in their life and why not now and with this group, the best in the world!

We enjoyed the whole evening's program. Truly fantastic dancing, choreography, music, lighting ... All exceptional. The dancers were amazing, the live pianos music was moving and inspirational too! Our favorite works were "this Bitter Earth" by Christopher Wheeldon and "Hallelujah Junction" by Peter Martins, tho we loved all the dances on the program. New York City certain raise the bar on dance performances! We look forward to them returning to San Diego soon! Thank you all that made this program possible!

A wonderful program - with excellent performances by dancers and musicians alike. Each piece was a gem, and all beautifully interpreted.

It has been many years since I've had the opportunity to see the New York City Ballet perform Balanchine's classic, Coppelia, but I was not disappointed in the least with the July 17th performance at SPAC. Everything about it was perfect, from the dancing to the costumes, make-up & set designs, to the live orchestra music. If SPAC is looking for ways to increase attendance at their summer NYC Ballet performances, they need go no further than to present delightful story ballets like Coppelia. The night I attended (& brought 2 friends) the audience was filled with families including many aspiring ballerinas. But remember, ALL these children are the future audiences for SPAC and for NYCB. Encourage their continued attendance by offering more classics of this style and caliber.

35 years ago, as an 8-year-old, I attended the premiere of Balanchine's Coppelia at SPAC. I relived that magical experience when I took my daughter and her friend to see a reprise of this whimsical story ballet at SPAC this year. I always enjoy any performance by the NYCB, and this was no exception. Megan Fairchild was an infectious Swanilda - her amazing footwork and charming stage presence kept this fan and 2 young children captivated through all 3 acts. Aside from some shaky ensemble work, the ballet was a testament to the beautiful grace and strength of NYCB dancers.

On a warm Thursday afternoon, I was treated to a very pleasurable and entertaining performance of the New York City Ballet.. The performance was in 4 parts, each with its own unique costuming and choreography. As it unfolded, there was increasing delight for the eyes, ears and other senses as the dancers displayed their skills, ever working together with fluid movements, timed to the eloquent music. Each succeeding part seemed to add to the total a measure of delight, ending in the crescendo of the 4th part. My mind was filled with wonderful memories on the ride home.

The ballet was beautiful and magical!!! This ballet is one children and adults both love and enjoy!!! I could watch it 10 more times!!!! Wonderful performances by all the dancers.

The performers were all stellar. Witnessing this ballet in the Saratoga Performing Arts Center was a completely wonderful experience in every way. The weather was perfect and the breeze that swept through the amphitheatre was so refreshing. The dancers were outstanding and simply brought tears to my eyes with the expression with which they danced. The costumes literally shimmered in the light, particularly the village scenes. I've not seem more breathtaking sets! Everything came together to produce a completely delightful and fulfilling experience of Copelia. Thank you NYC Ballet!!

Watching the NYCB is just simply awe-inspiring. Whether you have ever been a ballet dancer or not, this is a show not to be missed! Very enjoyable and beautiful, it made for a lovely afternoon out!

As always the ballet was amazing. I go every year with my mom and we are never disappointed. The only thing that disappointed us was the incredibly short season this year. Most years the NYC Ballet is in Saratoga all of July- this year only two weeks...definately didn't cut it! We usually go three or so times- this year we only got to go once. Very disappointing- but the performance was amazing as always.

fabulous performance, lovely venue, charming town. I'll be back for more!

Balanchine's Coppelia was a delight. Having seen it 35 years ago, I could see how this cast interpreted the intricate choreography. The children in pink delighted the audience and were very well rehearsed. The soloists were precise and the two leads gave praiseworthy performances save one lift that showed the male danseur struggling to keep his ballerina aloft. Robert LaFosse, a crowd favorite "back in the day" played Dr. Coppelius. Can't wait for next year. Good work, Mr. Martins!

We enjoyed this ballet so much. Everything from set to costumes, to dancers were spectacular. The skill of the dancers was amazing.

This was a medley of three ballets. They were all very different and interesting. The company looked strong and beautiful. Swan Lake is always touching and watching so many swan ballerinas dancing in sync is stunning.

Megan Fairchild was tops and the ballet school of Saratoga dancers really added to the performance. They were an add on to Coppelia but well worth it.

From the scenery to the cast, the whole ballet looked like it was put on effortlessly. It was truly enjoyable for me and my entire family.

The audience of mostly young girls and mothers, groups of young ballerinas, even families with very young children were rapt. The ballet was lively, funny, and colorful. It made the traditional form quite acessible for younger children. The sets were an expressionistic cartoon, full of quirky but not too distracting images. The costumes were vivid and adorable. The village dances were fascinating to watch. They were balletic, yet included some authentic folk dance styles. The young girls at the end were like the frosting on the cake. They were a adorable. I saw so many little girl audience members literally dance home from the event. SPAC was the perfect venue for this event. It was famly friendly with lots of space to dance around between acts. The weather was also excellent.

Incredible! City Ballet's Coppelia is simply beautiful.

Excellent performance and beautiful show of fireworks at the end. We loved choreography, flexibility of the performers and the music played by the orchestra. The beer is kind of expensive at n i n e per cup, but they have to make money, so feels normal. We would definitely go back again. Despite the 3.5 hr drive it was worth it all the way.

Megan Fairchild was a joy to watch. the whole performance was lively and fresh. the mazjurka in Act I made me wish I could get up and join the company. The looked like they were having so much fun. The young dancers in Act III were great. I felt sorry for the adult dancers having to compete with them.

NYCB production of Coppelia was really great...everyone gave it their all....sorry for people sitting on lawn in pouring rain...Spac should really put up tents or something for those people when weather is that bad...the costumes and sets were good...and the young dancers were really well rehearsed and very poised. Megan Fairchild was superb. Each summer I forget my mosquito repellent...at the very least we should wear lemongrass or lavender to repel them. As much as I love the SPAC ampitheater, there are lots of mosquitos when the rain comes in.

The NYC Ballet has done it again with a wonderful production of "Coppelia". Despite the rainy weather this venue was well attend at SPAC in Saratoga Springs, NY. Why do you ask? It is a classical Ballet. Despite the NYC Ballet company efforts to produce these modern pieces of dance, most people enjoy and appreciate watching the classic ballets. Megan Fairchild was simply lovely in her dancing of the role of Swanilda/Coppelia. Her effortless turns and fancy footwork were a delight to watch. Andrew Veyette was exciting to watch in his role as Franz. His leaps, lifts and turns made him appear light as feather, yet still portraying his true physical strength. Robert La Fosse was at his acting and dancing best as Dr. Coppelius. You laughed and cried for this character. The costumes and sets were impressive. It was delightful to see the little dancers of SAB and the local dance schools. Keep up the good work NYC Ballet, remember your classical ballets, and how about a longer season next year...2 weeks was too short!!! Ever thought of performing "Giselle"next year? I would attend and most of the Capital District and their dance studentswould too. Think about it. NYC Ballet's "Coppelia" a must see show!!!!

The July 16th performance of the New York City Ballet was a nice mix of choreography. The audience was warmed up by the classic style of Ballanchine in excerpts from Swan Lake, delighted by the whimsical, magical Millepied, and finally lulled into, I confess, the somewhat boring Four Temperaments. The dancers were consistently excellent: strong, musical and beautiful to watch. The highlight of the evening had to be Millepied's Fanstasia. I can't wait to see it again. Choreography at its best!

THE DANCERS, THE MUSIC, AND THE CHILDREN MADE FOR A WONDERFUL AND UNFORGETTABLE PERFORMANCE. MEGAN FAIRCHILD WAS WORTHY OF ALL THE ACCOLADES GIVEN. THE BALLET WAS ENJOYED BY THE ENTIRE FAMILY INCLUDING THE GRANDCHILDREN.

I've never been to the ballet before. All the guys at work were teasing me about it. I figured the wife wanted to go and this would give me brownie points. Well that worked, but I have to say that it was a pretty spectacular experience. Well worth the razzing at work. I'll be back again, and hopefully I'll be able to talk my coworkers into going with us next year.

The NYC Ballet was very enjoyable. The choreography was terrific and the dancers were wonderful.

My daughter and I went to see the Mixed Rep. of Balanchine & Millepied. My daughter's favorite was the Swan Lake because she prefers classical ballet. She liked the Four Temeraments, but most of Quasi Una Fantasia left her cold. I found the variety of dance wonderful, and loved all the pieces. I enjoyed seeing the versitility of the dancers from piece to piece. I especially enjoyed the Balanchine pieces, but I am a Balanchine fan! This was our first visit to SPAC, but it will not be our last. I was glad I sprang for reserved seats, we had an excellent view from the balcony.

Wonderful evening of world-class ballet. Swan Lake was more beautiful than I remembered. We are so fortunate to have the world's best ballet company visit here every year.

Wonderful night full of talent and beauty....excellent in every way!!!!

The three ballets contrasted with each other and comprised a very interesting program.

The NYC ballet on July 14th at SPAC was spectacular. Each of the three ballets was worth the price of admission. And it didn't hurt that before the concert, vendors offered tastings of wine and chocolates and free massages. What a lovely evening!