(AP) — Some might call it the “American Idol” of ballet dancing ... “It’s amazing to see all the hard work that these kids do. Dance is often thought of as a sport that maybe is light.

The ballet will also be casting understudies. Coppélia premiered in Saratoga in 1974 and was co-commissioned by SPAC. The full-length performance will be performed at SPAC on July 9, 10 ...

As the iconic music swells and the curtain rises in the Buddy Holly Hall, a ballet performance of "The Nutcracker ... comes to life for not only the kids in the audience, but also the parents.