Mr. Koch, recently called the wealthiest resident of New York City, has agreed to contribute $100 million toward the renovation of the New York State Theater, which is home to the two companies. His gift will be the largest private capital donation in Lincoln Center’s history and a triumph in a period of growing economic uncertainty.

“They seem to like me there, and I like them, so I think we’ve got a deal,” Mr. Koch, 68, said in a telephone interview on Wednesday from Boston, where he was traveling. “Its obvious that this theater needs modernization.”

This all-Balanchine program was a reminder of the vastness of his repertoire, since two of the works had not been seen at SPAC in decades. Coming back after 21 years was "La Sonnambula," an elaborate costume drama in one act created in 1946 for the Ballet Russes and part of the NYCB repertoire since 1960. It's a favorite for dance historians, but Freudian psychologists might enjoy it as well.

The New York City Ballet opened its 2008 Saratoga Performing Arts Center season Tuesday night with a stylish, well-received sampling of Jerome Robbins ballets, celebrating the late choreographer’s 90th birthday. With company founder George Balanchine, Robbins helped build NYCB into America’s foremost ballet company and give it an innovative American style. The program featured one Robbins masterpiece plus three of his most popular dances.

But in a letter to ballet staff, Hodgkinson writes that the reception at Graydon Hall Manor was attended by 96 people who munched on her grandmother's Armenian desserts at the sweet table and poutine as a late-night snack.

"The best moment of the day was when Etienne surprised me by playing guitar and singing my favourite song, 'I'll Be There,' by Edwin McCain at the reception," wrote Hodgkinson, who joined the National Ballet in 1990 and became a principal dancer in 1996.

Medalists from past USA International Ballet Competitions jete back to Jackson (and into fans' hearts) for a celebration performance that ought to hold dance addicts till the next IBC rolls around in 2010.

It's practically an all-highlights revue with classical and contemporary works by such faves as Rasta Thomas, Adrienne Canterna, Haiyan Wu and Brooklyn Mac.