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ABT II is a small classical company of twelve young dancers of outstanding
potential. In its sixteenth season, ABT II prepares these dancers
to enter American Ballet Theatre and provides opportunities for
the emergence of new and established choreographers and composers.
Through national performances, lecture-demonstrations and academic
residencies, ABT II brings the excitement of close contact with
a professional company into communities around the country.
The Company
The dancers (ages 16-20) are handpicked from around the world by
the artistic staff of American Ballet Theatre. ABT II dancers will
train in the program before joining American Ballet Theatre’s
main Company or other leading national and international professional
companies.
Current
ABT II Company
Training
Under the leadership of ABT Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie and
ABT II Director Wes Chapman, the company participates in an extensive
schedule of daily classes, rehearsals and performances. To supplement
daily ballet technique class, the dancers study character, modern,
pilates, and yoga. ABT II dancers enhance their experience through
national and international performances, cultural exchanges, large-scale
residencies, and by working closely with reputable choreographers.
Performances
American Ballet Theatre’s ABT II is available to perform in
venues across the country. The company’s varied repertoire
mirrors the traditions of American Ballet Theatre, and, while it
is firmly rooted in classical ballet, it also includes contemporary
choreography. Performances showcase premieres by new and established
choreographers, as well as previously existing works from ABT’s
repertory. ABT II performs annually in New York City, and is available
to tour from October through April. ABT II has appeared in tour
cities in the U.S. and abroad.
Performance Schedule
New Choreography
Each year, a number of young choreographers are selected to create
new works for ABT II. By providing an artistic forum dancers receive
an invaluable experience in working with different choreographic
styles and methods, and choreographers receive crucial exposure.
Outreach and Residencies
In order to reach the widest possible audience, ABT is dedicated
to developing the next generation of audience members. To this end,
ABT II will continue its extensive outreach activities in the coming
season.
ABT II serves as a bridge between ballet training and professional
performance for talented young dancers ages 16 to 20. In addition
to providing the highest quality training, this 12-member ensemble
acts as American Ballet Theatre’s principal outreach arm by
leading public programs in schools across the country. Over the
years, the company has performed for well over 20,000 school children
from New York to California.
Educational outreach programs offered by ABT II can be tailored
to any age group and may include Afternoon Performances for
School Children, Master Classes, Pre-performance
Workshops, Lecture-Demonstrations, Evening Performances, and
University Residencies. The size and accessibility of ABT II allows
for intimate contact between the local community and professional
dancers. ABT is committed to creating unique educational programs
specifically designed for the communities we visit. ABT II is available
for residencies of up to three weeks, an outstanding opportunity
for university students to participate in the daily life of a professional
company. Recent residencies include North Carolina School of the
Arts and the State University of New York at Purchase College.
ABT II is generously supported through an endowed gift from Hans
E. Hopf
Official Sponsor of ABT II
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