Weekend programs by the New York City Ballet were remarkable for their choreographic variety and high-powered dancing.

It was certainly not your usual opening of a winter season by the New York City Ballet.

So why does the latest production by the New York Theater Ballet begin and end with an activity that most of us do sitting down?

Song and Dance Footwork by the New York City Ballet.

A one-hour version by the New York Theater Ballet.

Choreography by Balanchine by the New York City Ballet (1979).

The Balanchine version by the New York City Ballet.

"Heroines of the Ballet," by the New Jersey Ballet.

That was the case with a performance by the New York City Ballet of "The Nutcracker" on Saturday afternoon.

Several dancers came close in a performance by the New York City Ballet on Thursday night.