Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) has partnered with New York City Ballet (NYCB) to offer a series of free dance workshops for individuals of all ages and all abilities on Thursday, July 10 and Saturday, July 12.

Held at the SPAC School of the Arts, a certified sensory inclusive venue through KultureCity^®, these workshops welcome participants of all abilities. Led by New York City Ballet dancers and featuring choreography inspired by George Balanchine’s Coppélia, access workshops for children, teens and adults include modifications so that participants of all abilities feel supported.

The workshops are presented as part of New York City Ballet’s season at SPAC, running July 9-12, and featuring a diverse program: the full-length story ballet Coppélia, which held its world premiere at SPAC in 1974; Jerome Robbins’ spirited In G Major; George Balanchine’s masterpiece Stravinsky Violin Concerto; and the SPAC premiere of Justin Peck’s new work Mystic Familiar.

This partnership and initiative represents SPAC’s mission to facilitate meaningful arts experiences that connect people. SPAC has been like a home to both New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra for over 50 years, presenting top performances across diverse art forms. Through inclusive programming and outreach, SPAC embraces an expanding definition of the arts to inspire and uplift communities.

Founded in 1948 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, New York City Ballet is renowned for its athletic, innovative style and rich repertory. Celebrating its 75th anniversary, NYCB remains dedicated to honoring its founders’ vision by creating new works and expanding ballet’s accessibility worldwide.

New York City Ballet Workshop Schedule:

Thursday, July 10 / 5:15 p.m.

Access Workshop for Teens and Adults

This 75-minute movement workshop designed especially for teens and adults with disabilities, shows the dynamic repertory of New York City Ballet. NYCB dancers will lead movers of all abilities in a warm-up and choreography inspired by a ballet being performed during NYCB’s SPAC engagement. Modifications, including standing and seated movement options, will be offered throughout the event. The workshop will close with a Q&A with the artists. For information, visit: NYCB Access Workshop for Teens and Adults | Saratoga Performing Arts Center

NYCB Ballet Essentials Workshop

This 75-minute movement workshop for teens and adults with little or no dance training, gives participants the chance to experience New York City Ballet in a brand-new way. NYCB dancers lead participants through a ballet warm-up and choreography inspired by repertory in the current season. Workshops also include a brief Q&A with the artists.

For information, visit: NYCB Ballet Essentials Workshop | Saratoga Performing Arts Center

Saturday, July 12

10 a.m.

Children’s Access Workshop

This movement workshop is designed especially for children ages 4-12 with disabilities and/or movement disorders. It will be co-led by a pair of NYCB Dancers and will include an accessible warm-up and choreography inspired by the enchanting story-ballet Coppélia. Modifications, including standing and seated movement options, will be offered throughout the event. Young movers of all abilities and their siblings are welcome. 

For information, visit: NYCB Children’s Access Workshop | Saratoga Performing Arts Center

12 p.m.

Children’s Workshop

Stretch, twirl, and leap in this 45-minute movement workshop especially for children ages 5-7. No prior dance training is needed. A NYCB dancer will guide children in a warm-up and choreography inspired by George Balanchine’s Coppélia.

For information, visit: NYCB Children’s Workshop | Saratoga Performing Arts Center

In Motion Workshop

Stretch, twirl, and leap in this 45-minute movement workshop especially for children ages 8-12. No prior dance training is needed. A NYCB dancer will guide children in a warm-up and choreography inspired by George Balanchine’s Coppélia.

For information, visit: NYCB In Motion Workshop | Saratoga Performing Arts Center