Jamlizarc

The NYCB season in Saratoga has been cut to 2 weeks. This is terrible.

Saratogian Article on the issue

Jamie

Ever since I can remember, evening performances of NYCB in Saratoga have begun at 8:15. This year they will begin at 7:30. This is a drastic change, and for what? There are some good restaurants in Saratoga and environs, but this new starting time benefits fast food places only. Ballet Talk used to have some lively posters from Saratoga who were instrumental in the successful struggle to keep NYCB in residence there. If they're still around, I'd like to know what they think of this new starting time.

Hi. I am new to this board and new to Saratoga Springs, but I spent summers here from the time I was little going to the races and then to the NYSSSA ballet program. My parents moves here 3 years ago ad I came 1 1/2 years ago after college. So, I am not an expert on the area but I can try to understand the influence of this change. I don't see it as a change that will benefit fast food places as restaurants start serving dinner at 5 and during the summers they usually have 2 " seatings " . One around 5-6 and the next aroud 7-8. I am guessing by having the ballet end earlier, there is more of an option for people to head back into town to have an after dinner drink or socialize...which is nice. Starting earlier may also be better for the younger ballet-goers. Saratoga is going through some transformation at the moment. Buildings are being bought and rents are extremely high. By summers begining about 4 new bar/restaurants will be open on Broadway so drawing people to town is imperative. I am sure the dancers would prefer to start earlier, too...but I will have to ask on that one !! For me personally, I don't mind it starting earlier...I don't see it as having a negative outcome and it will draw more people to town afterwards ( hopefully ).

JEA