Calendar

MASTER CLASS with FLAMENCO VIVO CARLOTA SANTANA: Tuesday, March 4^th

SPAC School of the Arts, 99 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs. 6:15-7:30pm

https://spac.org/events/dance-masterclass-with-flamenco-vivo/ 

This is a hands-on free workshop with instruction in rhythmic handclaps (palmas), arm movements (braceo), body posturing (marcaje), and footwork (taconeo) tailored to the participants experience level. The class is supportive and fun, and flamenco technique is woven into a short choreography. By the end of the class the participants will be able to “perform” a simple choreographed dance.

Class attire should be comfortable and easy to move around in: Women: shoe with a sturdy wide heel (up to approximately 2 inches high). Ideally, women should wear a full skirt with some weight to it, well below the knee but above the ankle. Men should wear a comfortable (but not baggy) shirt and pants, and any sturdy shoe or boot with a bit of a heel (about 1 inch).

FREE MASTER CLASS WITH FLAMENCO VIVO

Date and Time: Tuesday, March 5th from 6:15-7:30pm

Location:  The SPAC School of the Arts

This is a hands-on workshop with instruction in rhythmic handclaps (palmas), arm movements (braceo), body posturing (marcaje), and footwork (taconeo) tailored to the participants experience level. The class is supportive and fun, and flamenco technique is woven into a short choreography. By the end of the class the participants will be able to “perform” a simple choreographed dance.

Recommended Attire:  Clothes that are comfortable and easy to move around in. Women: shoe with a sturdy wide heel (up to approximately 2 inches high). Ideally, women should wear a full skirt with some weight to it, well below the knee but above the ankle. Men should wear a comfortable (but not baggy) shirt and pants, and any sturdy shoe or boot with a bit of a heel (about 1 inch).

Register here: https://spac.org/events/dance-masterclass-with-flamenco-vivo/

SPAC DEBUT AND WORLD PREMIERE COMING TO THE SPA LITTLE THEATER IN MARCH

Considered the most prominent flamenco dance company in the United States, Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana will present Quinto Elemento (Fifth Element), a new evening-length work set to an original score of live music at the Spa Little Theater in the Saratoga State Park at 7pm March 8^th and 2pm March 9^th. Choreographed by Patricia Guerrero, the new work explores the fifth element of the earth: ether, the essence that makes up the space around us. Hailed as a master of tradition who dares to deconstruct the art form, Guerrero draws on her deep knowledge of traditional flamenco but pushes past the restriction of its rules. 

The mission of Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, based in New York City and Durham, NC, is to promote flamenco as a living art form and a vital part of Hispanic heritage, produce and perform high quality dance works; provide arts education programs that catalyze connections among young people; and nurture the next generations of Spanish dance artists and educators. 

For tickets which range from $64.75 to $34.75:  https://spac.org/events/flamenco/

New York City Ballet is seeking 36 local children and teens for dancing roles in “Coppélia” by George Balanchine & Alexandra Danilova, after Petipa.
The full-length ballet will be performed during NYCB’s 2025 summer residency at Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

AUDITION DATE/TIME
Sunday, March 9th
Audition for ages 14-18 will commence at 10:00am (Check-in no earlier than 9:00am)
Audition for ages 9-13 will commence at 10:30am (Check-in no earlier than 9:30am)

LOCATION
SPAC School of the Arts
(located behind the National Museum of Dance)
99 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY

SEEKING THE FOLLOWING ROLES
– 24 Girls (9-13 years old) between 4 feet 2 inches and 5 feet 1 inch tall
*Applicants must be at least 9 years old by Sept 1, 2025 and have at least 2 years of ballet training. Understudies will also be cast.

In addition, there will be roles in Coppélia for:
– 6 young ladies (14-18 years old) between 5 feet, 2 inches and 5 feet, 7 inches tall
– 6 young men, (14-18 years old) who are 5 feet, 5 inches tall or taller.
*These applicants should have at least two years of dance training.

DANCERS MUST BE REGISTERED BY THURSDAY, MARCH 6, IN ORDER TO AUDITION ON SUNDAY, MARCH 9. https://spaceducation.wufoo.com/forms/z9tupyt0xo9rh5/

SPAC DEBUT AND WORLD PREMIERE COMING TO THE SPA LITTLE THEATER IN MARCH

Considered the most prominent flamenco dance company in the United States, Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana will present Quinto Elemento (Fifth Element), a new evening-length work set to an original score of live music at the Spa Little Theater in the Saratoga State Park at 7pm March 8^th and 2pm March 9^th. Choreographed by Patricia Guerrero, the new work explores the fifth element of the earth: ether, the essence that makes up the space around us. Hailed as a master of tradition who dares to deconstruct the art form, Guerrero draws on her deep knowledge of traditional flamenco but pushes past the restriction of its rules. 

The mission of Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, based in New York City and Durham, NC, is to promote flamenco as a living art form and a vital part of Hispanic heritage, produce and perform high quality dance works; provide arts education programs that catalyze connections among young people; and nurture the next generations of Spanish dance artists and educators. 

For tickets which range from $64.75 to $34.75:  https://spac.org/events/flamenco/

Dancing Through Time: Connections Through Choreography will focus on the roots of modern/contemporary and tap dance in America. Each class will begin with a virtual biography of the week’s featured artist followed by a one-hour exploratory movement class in the styles of Graham, Cunningham, Taylor, Tune, and others.

No experience needed!

Here are the class topics by date:

3/11 Tommy Tune
3/18 Isadora Duncan
3/25 Martha Graham
4/1 Anna Sokolow
4/8 Paul Taylor
4/22 Merce Cunningham (Part 1)
4/29 Merce Cunningham (Part 2)
5/6 Trisha Brown

No experience is needed. Register at:

Registration is now open:  https://spac.org/events/dancing-through-time-connections-through-choreography-2/  (This program is a community collaboration between Dance Alliance and the SPAC School of the Arts)

Dance Alliance received a substantial grant in 2020 to create a ballet program specifically for adults ages 50+. Each week, an admirable professional dancer featured in Betti Franceschi’s book Ageless Dancers would be featured as inspiration. This class returns to the SPAC School of the Arts for 8 weeks beginning Wednesday March 12 from 12:45-1:45. The hybrid class will be offered simultaneously in person and on ZOOM. Register at https://www.hisawyer.com/marketplace/activity-set/1131488 for in person and https://spac.org/events/the-ageless-dancer-ballet-barre-balance-online/ for virtual.

Dance Alliance will be hosting two discounted group nights to see NYCB at SPAC:
Thursday, July 10th at 7:30pm Coppelia (Balanchine) 
Saturday, July 12th at 7:30pm Four Seasons (Robbins), Stravinsky Violin Concerto (Balanchine), Mystic Familiar (Peck)

WHAT A DEAL FOR DANCE ALLIANCE MEMBERS and their guests!
Seats are located in the 2nd row of Section 15 center balcony!
Member price $70 (one at this price per membership) and non-member price is $75.  (Originally $101.75!!!)

Ten tickets per performance have been reserved! (more can be ordered if needed)
Reservation must include at least one Dance Alliance member per order.

See link below to join or renew online! Adults ages 65+ annual membership is only $6; Individuals $12!
https://www.dancealliance.org/membership/join/

IN ADDITION:  Dance Alliance members who purchase a ticket to the Thursday night performance will be able to take a free Ballet Essentials class with 2 NYCB dancers at SOTA on 2/10 pre-show from 5:15-6:30pm.  Only 10 spots for Dance Alliance members have been reserved – first come first served! (anyone may register on their own once the link is public but space is limited!)

Come enjoy the performance with fellow area dance lovers! Mail a check made out to Dance Alliance and a self addressed stamped envelope along with name, number of  tickets (Member and non-member) for specified performance date or Ballet Essentials class, email address, phone number, USPS mailing address to: Gail Tassarotti, 52 Marriner Avenue, Albany NY 12205 Deadline for ticket orders: postmarked 3/15/25.

Dance Alliance received a substantial grant in 2020 to create a ballet program specifically for adults ages 50+. Each week, an admirable professional dancer featured in Betti Franceschi’s book Ageless Dancers would be featured as inspiration. This class returns to the SPAC School of the Arts for 8 weeks beginning Wednesday March 12 from 12:45-1:45. The hybrid class will be offered simultaneously in person and on ZOOM. Register at https://www.hisawyer.com/marketplace/activity-set/1131488 for in person and https://spac.org/events/the-ageless-dancer-ballet-barre-balance-online/ for virtual.

Wednesday, March 19 | 10:10 AM – 12:00 PM
Skidmore College, Dance Department
Free Workshop for Adults 50+

Join Pilobolus, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and the Skidmore College Dance Department for a unique, community-driven dance experience. This special workshop marks the beginning of a multi-year initiative designed to develop creative movement programming that fosters connection, creativity, and well-being.

Inspired by Pilobolus’s signature approach to movement, this engaging session invites participants to explore creative problem-solving, experimentation, and teamwork in a fun, energetic environment. Led by Pilobolus Teaching Artists, you’ll:

• Unlock your creativity and experience the joy of movement in a playful, group-driven workshop.
• Collaborate with others to create original material and discover new ways to express yourself through movement.
• Engage in meaningful discussion following the movement session, sharing reflections and feedback to help shape this wellness-focused initiative.

This pilot workshop welcomes all experience levels, inviting adults 50+ to learn alongside Skidmore Dance students in an open and inclusive environment.

REGISTER HERE: https://spaceducation.wufoo.com/forms/zadjq390rvy7ht/

Parking & Directions: Follow signs for the Williamson Sports Center/Dance Center on Skidmore’s campus. Parking is located in front of the building and no parking tag is required for guests. Check in will be in the entrance to the Sports Center (not the new Tennis and Wellness Center).
What to bring: Wear comfortable clothing you can move in and bring bare feet or lightweight shoes.
Arrival time: Please arrive at least 15 mins before the start of the workshop to park, check in, and get settled.

Dance Alliance received a substantial grant in 2020 to create a ballet program specifically for adults ages 50+. Each week, an admirable professional dancer featured in Betti Franceschi’s book Ageless Dancers would be featured as inspiration. This class returns to the SPAC School of the Arts for 8 weeks beginning Wednesday March 12 from 12:45-1:45. The hybrid class will be offered simultaneously in person and on ZOOM. Register at https://www.hisawyer.com/marketplace/activity-set/1131488 for in person and https://spac.org/events/the-ageless-dancer-ballet-barre-balance-online/ for virtual.

Nacre Dance Group is now accepting choreographer submissions for the highly anticipated Sip, Savor, and Swirl, a one-of-a-kind event celebrating the fusion of dance and wine. Set to take place on August 16, 2025, at the historic Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs, this immersive event will showcase choreographed dance pieces inspired by wines from around the world.

Each choreographer will be assigned a specific wine and tasked with interpreting its essence—whether through its origins, characteristics, or cultural significance—by creating an original dance piece. The selected wines will be thoughtfully paired with cheese from The Cheese Traveler in Albany, NY, offering guests a multi-sensory experience that pairs the artistry of dance with the refined tastes of wine and cheese.

How to Apply:
Nacre Dance Group invites choreographers (ages 21 and up) to submit their applications (https://forms.gle/Bb2AyrLDwMnV33xJ7) by March 30, 2025. All selected applicants will be invited for a video interview, and the chosen choreographers will have the opportunity to present their work at the Sip, Savor, and Swirl performance on August 16, 2025, at 7:30 PM.

Stipend:
All accepted choreographers will receive a $400.00 honorary stipend upon completion of their performance. Additionally, the winning choreographer will be commissioned to create a new piece for the Nacre Dance Group’s 2026 season.

To apply:

 https://forms.gle/Bb2AyrLDwMnV33xJ7 or to learn more, please visit https://www.nacredance.org/sipsavorswirl or contact Nacre Dance Group at info@nacredance.com.

Dance With the Dancers Virtual – Monday, March 31^st NYCB soloist Brittany Pollack open ballet class, 10:45-12:00.

Dance Alliance member fee $18; non-members $20.

Payment is through PayPal (Totbtri@aol.com). Include contact information and email to receive the link.

The Dance Alliance provides support to local dance organizations and members to assist in the implementation of projects that increase dance literacy in New York’s Capital region and encourage activities that bring dance to the community at large. The deadline for Project Partnership Funding application submission is March 31, 2025. Recipients will be determined by April 30, 2025. More information and application at https://www.dancealliance.org/project-partnership/

Dance Alliance received a substantial grant in 2020 to create a ballet program specifically for adults ages 50+. Each week, an admirable professional dancer featured in Betti Franceschi’s book Ageless Dancers would be featured as inspiration. This class returns to the SPAC School of the Arts for 8 weeks beginning Wednesday March 12 from 12:45-1:45. The hybrid class will be offered simultaneously in person and on ZOOM. Register at https://www.hisawyer.com/marketplace/activity-set/1131488 for in person and https://spac.org/events/the-ageless-dancer-ballet-barre-balance-online/ for virtual.

Dance Alliance received a substantial grant in 2020 to create a ballet program specifically for adults ages 50+. Each week, an admirable professional dancer featured in Betti Franceschi’s book Ageless Dancers would be featured as inspiration. This class returns to the SPAC School of the Arts for 8 weeks beginning Wednesday March 12 from 12:45-1:45. The hybrid class will be offered simultaneously in person and on ZOOM. Register at https://www.hisawyer.com/marketplace/activity-set/1131488 for in person and https://spac.org/events/the-ageless-dancer-ballet-barre-balance-online/ for virtual.

Dance Alliance received a substantial grant in 2020 to create a ballet program specifically for adults ages 50+. Each week, an admirable professional dancer featured in Betti Franceschi’s book Ageless Dancers would be featured as inspiration. This class returns to the SPAC School of the Arts for 8 weeks beginning Wednesday March 12 from 12:45-1:45. The hybrid class will be offered simultaneously in person and on ZOOM. Register at https://www.hisawyer.com/marketplace/activity-set/1131488 for in person and https://spac.org/events/the-ageless-dancer-ballet-barre-balance-online/ for virtual.

Dance Alliance received a substantial grant in 2020 to create a ballet program specifically for adults ages 50+. Each week, an admirable professional dancer featured in Betti Franceschi’s book Ageless Dancers would be featured as inspiration. This class returns to the SPAC School of the Arts for 8 weeks beginning Wednesday March 12 from 12:45-1:45. The hybrid class will be offered simultaneously in person and on ZOOM. Register at https://www.hisawyer.com/marketplace/activity-set/1131488 for in person and https://spac.org/events/the-ageless-dancer-ballet-barre-balance-online/ for virtual.

Dance With the Dancers Virtual – Monday, April 28^th Grand Rapids Ballet dancer Sam Epstein open ballet class, 10:45-12:00

Dance Alliance member fee $18; non-members $20.

Payment is through PayPal (Totbtri@aol.com). Include contact information and email to receive the link.

Dance Alliance received a substantial grant in 2020 to create a ballet program specifically for adults ages 50+. Each week, an admirable professional dancer featured in Betti Franceschi’s book Ageless Dancers would be featured as inspiration. This class returns to the SPAC School of the Arts for 8 weeks beginning Wednesday March 12 from 12:45-1:45. The hybrid class will be offered simultaneously in person and on ZOOM. Register at https://www.hisawyer.com/marketplace/activity-set/1131488 for in person and https://spac.org/events/the-ageless-dancer-ballet-barre-balance-online/ for virtual.

Nacre Dance Group is offering a unique performance opportunity for local student dancers (ages 13 and up) to take the stage at the highly anticipated Sip, Savor & Swirl event on August 16, 2025, at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs, NY.

This one-of-a-kind event merges the art of dance with the elegance of wine, as choreographers create original works inspired by specific wines, bringing them to life through movement. Selected dancers will perform in two pieces, including works choreographed by Kelly Guerrero, last year’s runner-up, and Beth Fecteau, Nacre Dance Group’s Artistic Director.

Rehearsal Commitment: Dancers must be available for an intensive rehearsal period from August 11-15, from 10 AM – 4 PM, at Saratoga City Ballet studios. Given the short preparation time, full availability for rehearsals is required. A dress rehearsal will take place on August 16, prior to the evening performance at 7:30 PM.

Application & Fee: Interested dancers must submit their application by May 30, 2025. A $400 participation fee is required for selected dancers. To apply, visit: https://www.nacredance.org/sipsavorswirl.