Eight local dancers picked to perform with NYCB at SPAC

The dancers, ages 10 to 17, were selected by Garielle Whittle, Children's Ballet Mistress of NYCB, from among 155 young ballet students who auditioned April 13 in the Swyer Studios at the National Museum of Dance.

Aspiring dancers came from the Capital Region, New York state, New England, Pennsylvania and Ohio for the chance to perform in ''Coppelia,'' ''A Midsummer Night's Dream'' and ''Swan Lake,'' three narrative ballets featured in the July 7 to 27 season at SPAC.

All those chosen, including understudies, will rehearse with Whittle and New York City Ballet dancers, and will have an opportunity to see NYCB performances during the season.

The local students who were selected train at Ballet Regent School with Michael Steele, artistic director, and at Saratoga City Ballet School with Patti Pugh Henderer, artistic director. Some dancers study at both schools.

The dancers, with their hometowns, roles and ballet studios, are:

Marissa Ainsworth, 17, Gansevoort. Townsperson in ''Coppelia.'' Ballet Regent and Saratoga City Ballet.

Madison Beumer, 11, Ballston Spa. Townsperson in ''Coppelia.'' Saratoga City Ballet.

Nora Carr, 10, Burnt Hills. Understudy in ''A Midsummer Night's Dream.'' Saratoga City Ballet.

Rachel Eisenhauer, 16, Clifton Park. Townsperson in ''Coppelia.'' Saratoga City Ballet.

Kaitlin Laura Richter, 12, Saratoga Springs. Understudy in ''A Midsummer Night's Dream.'' Saratoga City Ballet.

Victoria Rotchford, 11, Saratoga Springs. Dancer in ''Coppelia.'' Saratoga City Ballet. She also was chosen in 2002.

Michaealee Scarincio, 11, Fort Edward. Dancer in ''Coppelia'' and bug in ''A Midsummer Night's Dream.'' Ballet Regent and Saratoga City Ballet.

Rachel Torgesen, 12, Saratoga Springs. Townsperson in ''Coppelia.'' Saratoga City Ballet.