SPAC Announces 2026 New York City Ballet Residency

The Saratoga Performing Arts Center will host the ballet company for four days in July 2026.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) has announced the dates for its 2026 New York City Ballet (NYCB) residency, which will run from July 8 to July 11. The residency will feature performances of the full-length story ballet 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' as well as other works including 'Serenade' by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins' 'Opus 19/The Dreamer,' and a new piece by NYCB principal dancer Tiler Peck.

Why it matters

SPAC's partnership with NYCB is a longstanding tradition, with the ballet company first performing at the venue during its grand opening in 1966. This 2026 residency will mark SPAC's 60th anniversary, making the return of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' especially meaningful as it was the first show presented on the SPAC stage.

The details

The 2026 NYCB residency at SPAC will feature a range of works, including the full-length 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' and a program titled 'Innovators & Icons' that will include 'Serenade' by George Balanchine, 'Opus 19/The Dreamer' by Jerome Robbins, and a new work by NYCB principal dancer Tiler Peck. The company's roster of over 90 dancers will be accompanied by the New York City Ballet Orchestra.

  • The 2026 NYCB residency at SPAC will run from July 8 to July 11.
  • 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' will be performed on Wednesday, July 8, Thursday, July 9, and Friday, July 10, all at 7:30 p.m.
  • The 'Innovators & Icons' program will be performed on Friday, July 10 at 2 p.m. and Saturday, July 11 at 7:30 p.m.

The players

Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC)

A performing arts venue located in Saratoga Springs, New York that hosts a variety of events, including an annual residency by the New York City Ballet.

New York City Ballet (NYCB)

A renowned American ballet company based in New York City that has performed at SPAC for decades.

Elizabeth Sobol

The CEO of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

Jonathan Stafford

The Artistic Director of the New York City Ballet.

Wendy Whelan

The Associate Artistic Director of the New York City Ballet.

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What they’re saying

“As SPAC celebrates its 60th anniversary season, our historic partnership with New York City Ballet feels more meaningful than ever. The return of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' — the very first performance presented on the SPAC stage in 1966 –brings us beautifully full circle, honoring the legacy that has shaped this venue for six decades.”

— Elizabeth Sobol, SPAC CEO (news10.com)

“We love returning to our summer home every year, and for this 60th anniversary season, the performances feel especially significant. We're bringing a range of beautiful works that span our repertory.”

— Jonathan Stafford and Wendy Whelan, NYCB Artistic Director and Associate Artistic Director (news10.com)

What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 NYCB residency at SPAC will go on sale on Monday, February 25 at 10 a.m. for the general public. SPAC will continue its '$40 under 40' ticket offer, '$99 Family Four Pack,' and 'Kids in Free' program to increase accessibility to the performances.

The takeaway

SPAC's longstanding partnership with the New York City Ballet continues to be a highlight of the performing arts center's programming, and the 2026 residency will be especially meaningful as it marks SPAC's 60th anniversary and the return of the first ballet ever performed on the SPAC stage.