ABT II
 
ABT II is a small classical company of thirteen young dancers of outstanding potential. In its thirteenth 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 16-19) are handpicked from around the world by the artistic staff of American Ballet Theatre. ABT II dancers will train in the program for one or two years 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 may also feature contemporary choreography. Evening performances are generally two hours and often showcase premieres by new and established choreographers, as well as previously existing works from the company’s repertory. ABT II performs annually in New York City, and is available to tour from October through April. ABT II has recently appeared at engagements in California, Florida, Indiana, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Bermuda, and the United Kingdom.

The New York Times calls ABT II dancers “Well-trained and willing. They perform with an appealing blend of freshness and individual presence,” while The Star-Ledger says, “The American Ballet Theatre ABT II delights audiences with its youthful vigor and panache. These dancers are firecrackers!”
Performance Schedule

New Choreography
Each year, a number of young choreographers are selected to create repertory pieces for ABT II. By providing an artistic forum and enabling dancers to participate in the collaborative process, new choreography benefits both emerging choreographers and ABT II. 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 19. 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.