Press Release: Saratoga Performing Arts Center Announces The Return of Dance to the Spa Little Theatre
July 18, 2023
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Announces the Return of Dance to the Spa Little Theatre
Featuring Nationally Acclaimed Modern Dance Troupes
PILOBOLUS and BALLETX
Saratoga Springs, NY (July 18, 2023) — Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) announces that as part of its commitment to world-class dance, it will present modern dance troupes PILOBOLUS (OCT 8) and BALLETX (MARCH 16 & 17) in the Spa Little Theatre. Presented as part of SPAC’s 2023-2024 fall and spring seasons, the engagements mark the first time that full dance productions have been mounted in the Spa Little Theatre in decades.
“While SPAC has a long and illustrious tradition of presenting world-class dance, we are delighted to bring the art form back to the Spa Little Theatre for the first time in decades. There is literally nowhere else in the Capital Region to experience full dance productions in this intimate and visceral way,” says Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Kicking off the series is Pilobolus with two productions on October 8, 2023 of its new Re: Creation Tour, featuringgroundbreaking new pieces and beloved works from the past to create an experience both timely and timeless. The performances mark the SPAC debut of the company, following their participation in SPAC’s Festival of Young Artists event in 2021.
Following their debut on the SPAC stage alongside The Philadelphia Orchestra in 2022, BalletX will grace the Spa Little Theatre stage for two performances on March 16 and 17, 2024. Based in Philadelphia, BalletX is one of the nation’s premier contemporary ballet companies, whose dancers were named “among America’s best” by The New York Times. The company commissions choreographers from around the world to create dance that is “fresh, inclusive, and connects to what people want” (Philadelphia Citizen).
The announcement follows SPAC’s spring season in the Spa Little Theatre and is part of SPAC’s mission to present year-round programming that extends beyond the traditional summer months. Additional programming for the 2023-2024 Spa Little Theatre season will be announced soon.
The programming is as follows:
Pilobolus
Sunday, October 8, 2023 | 2PM & 7 PM
Pilobolus’s new Re: Creation Tour reminds us that play and creativity are fundamental to the human experience and that stories are alive and breathing and can teach, comfort, and connect us to ourselves and each other. Building on the success of their critically acclaimed Big Five-OH! Anniversary tour, Pilobolus moves confidently into the next half century of creation and performance. Alongside groundbreaking new pieces, the company breathes new life into beloved works from the past to create an experience both timely and timeless.
The Spa Little Theatre fall season is made possible by the generous support of Deborah and Dexter Senft.
BalletX
Saturday, March 16, 2024 | 7 PM
Sunday, March 17, 2024 | 2 PM
Led by Artistic & Executive Director Christine Cox, BalletX creates extraordinary dance experiences that inspire human connection through live performances, dance education in Philadelphia public schools, free community pop-ups, and more. In addition to virtual works, main-stage performances and international touring, the company offers free community pop-ups, dance classes, artist Q&As, open rehearsals and in-school dance education designed to bring audiences closer to dance.
BalletX performances are presented in partnership with the Skidmore College Department of Dance.
Tickets will be available for purchase on August 10, 2023. Visit spac.org for additional details.
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Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), located in the historic resort town of Saratoga Springs in upstate New York, is one of America’s most prestigious outdoor amphitheaters. Its tranquil setting in a 2,400-acre park preserve surrounded by hiking trails, geysers, and natural mineral springs draws lovers of arts, culture and nature for performances by resident companies New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival, and concerts by Live Nation. SPAC also hosts imaginative programming such as Caffè Lena @ SPAC and initiatives in culinary, literary, healing and visual arts.
SPAC is a 501c3 charitable organization. Donations and proceeds from fundraising events benefit the Center’s thriving education program, community outreach efforts, and the vibrancy of its programming. For more information visit spac.org.