New York is full of activities, events and venues for dance enthusiasts. Whether your tastes run to the classical, contemporary or something in between, you can probably find a show, festival or class in New York. Most of the state’s dance attractions are concentrated in New York City, but several upstate venues also offer performances and exhibitions.
The New York City Ballet produces a variety of performances each year, from classic ballets such as Swan Lake or Coppelia to contemporary works by modern composers. As of January, 2011, 90 dancers perform a repertory of more than 150 works. The ballet is also home to the School of American Ballet. The company performs in various venues around the state, including the David H. Koch Theater, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and Lincoln Center.
New York City’s Radio City Music Hall is home to the annual Christmas Spectacular. The show has been produced annually for more than 75 years and features performances by the Rockettes, the world-famous dance troupe famous for their energetic kicks. The show takes place on a 144-foot-long, 66-foot wide stage complete with the world’s largest LED screen, three elevators, a 40-piece orchestra, 150 dancers and singers and 36 Rockettes.
The National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs is set in a historic house inside Saratoga Spa State Park. The museum’s collections include photographs, videos, costumes, biographies and artifacts related to dance. Exhibitions include the C. V. Whitney Hall of Fame, featuring famous dancers such as Fred Astaire, Martha Graham and Bill Robinson. Influential choreographers and dance patrons are also recognized. The museum also offers a variety of classes, events, educational programs and performances.
The Isadora Duncan Dance Company, an all-female troupe, presents performances that honor the life and works of legendary modern-dance founder Isadora Duncan. The company performs at the annual Salon Performance Series, held at the Isadora Duncan Dance Foundation studios in New York City, and regular performances throughout the year held at various venues around the city.
The annual New York Dance Festival takes place in the grand ballroom at the Roosevelt Hotel in midtown Manhattan. The festival includes two days of competitions and exhibitions for professionals and amateurs, including events such as adult and junior rhythm single dance, multi-dance championships, dance-sport series, ballroom and Latin. Competition winners receive monetary prizes and scholarships.
