The recent decision by the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) to end its long association with New York City Ballet sparked much controversy in upstate New York, with everyone from SPAC subscribers to politicians questioning the direction the current board is taking the center. But board members insist that their decision to end City Ballet’s 3-week annual residency was based on long-term problems of cost and attendance which appeared to have no other solution. Even an infusion of cash from the state would likely not be enough to solve the cash-flow problem, and while SPAC’s board is reconsidering its decision, there seems to be a case to be made for the center’s dance needs to be filled by smaller, less expensive companies.