Old and new end spring ballet season.(Arts & Entertainment)

Byline: JOCELYN NOVECK Associated Press

New York City Ballet tends to get a tough ride from some critics, who like to compare everything the company does nowadays to the glory days of George Balanchine.

That's a shame, because the company, which ended its spring season over the weekend, is trying to both move forward and to honor the late Balanchine's legacy at the same time - and it's not doing too badly in the process. Next week, the troupe opens its annual season at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, where it will dance July 6 through 22.

The New York spring season's final performance on Sunday featured a Balanchine classic: …