Scrolling ballet, pre-NYCB — and July 4 racing
PLUS: What to watch when you need a break.
You are reading a sneak peek version of the Dispatch: Daily News in the Spa City.
Happy holiday weekend!
What I’m scrolling…TikTok ballet challenge (in honor of NYCB at SPAC)
In honor of New York City Ballet’s arrival in Saratoga for its yearly residency at SPAC — its performances of the classical ballet Coppélia and a “Robbins, Balanchine & Peck” modern program run Tuesday through Saturday — I thought I’d share the current hot TikTok Challenge. Because, as you might have deduced, it involves ballet.
Enter Kitri.
The female lead in Don Quixote is a coveted role around the world, but on TikTok, any ballerina can put her spin on it — mainly, her famous arabesque balance that begins her Act III variation.
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Wearing jeans shorts and a cotton tee, former dancer Cassidee Edmunds did a pretty mean one as she quipped, “Proving to myself that I can still hold an arabesque balance after having 4 babies.” Professional dancer Bekah Burke (above) did hers while standing on pointe on a glass bottle. (“Don’t come for me about my hip placement [please], I’m balancing on freakin’ bottle.”) Purchase Conservatory’s Samantha Grey followed hers with a “Part 2” on a NYC city street, where she went down into a full penché (vertical split). There’s a ballerina in a bikini on a beach, a professional male dancer in pointe shoes admitting it’s harder than it looks, a dancer using a Diet Coke bottle instead of Kitri’s famous fan, and of course ballet dancers around the world sharing all kinds of moves and rejoicing — like I am — about ballet’s reaching the masses.
I’ll be at SPAC Wednesday and Saturday nights — see you there?
What I’m doing: July 4th Racing Festival
When I was looking at dates for my mom and aunt to visit me, I was thrilled that July 4 was an option — they had never been to the track, and not only was Saratoga Race Course set to host a special July 4th Racing Festival, but it promised to be chill enough that I knew they’d have a great time. We headed over on Thursday, and it was glorious. After the National Anthem, we headed upstairs to try a “Dollar Dog” at Carnegie Deli (delicious, and the modest line moved quickly — just don’t expect a smile from the surly cashier who seemed to be bracing herself for a long day). The crowds were thick enough to make it exciting, but not too bad that we couldn’t easily save a spot at the rail for an exciting Race 1 (with the starting gates and pre-race activity in prime position just feet from spectators). We were at the paddock when Jena Antonucci’s horse Whatintheliteral took a scary tumble and scratched — and relieved when it was later announced that the filly was not only ok but thriving and as “spicy as ever.” Prime picnic tables were full, but there were plenty at the outer rim for when we wanted to sit. And on the way out? The Post was as lively as ever, but no line at Shake Shack.
We’re staring down indefinite rain in the forecast starting Monday — if you’re even considering the track, go. Today and tomorrow promise to be beautiful.
What I’m streaming: The Bear Season 4
Sometimes one simply needs a break from the Saratoga Summer hoopla. That’s why we thank Hulu for delivering the new season of The Bear in time for track and SPAC seasons. This groundbreaking hit (at 21 Emmy wins, it beats out any other show this decade) has grown and changed season to season, and Season 4 does more of the same — down to the payoff at the end. The common thread, of course: the heart-thumping stress of running a five-star restaurant on a shoestring while dealing with (or not dealing with) sadness and grief. The fourth season picks up the dreamy, almost avant garde style of Season 3. Save the last two eps to watch together — there are some serious emotional and narrative conclusions in the penultimate episode, as well as some amazing one-liners. It was just announced that Season 5 is happening, so watch the fourth season’s finale with that in mind. For me, it clicked.
Related Links!
New dad Tyler Gaffalione is back, but will he make July 4 fest?