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On the cusp: second companies mean gaining experience, the chance to learn new work, and a shot at getting into the corps.

Article Excerpt
Think being in a second company means you're second rate? Think again. Companies like Taylor 2, ABT Studio Company, Boston Ballet II, Pennsylvania Ballet II, Hubbard Street 2, and Ailey II offer first-rate performing experience. Their dancers often work with major contemporary choreographers in addition to performing classic works.

Dancers on the cusp of their professional careers look to second companies as a way to learn the ins and outs of working professionally, and as a helpful segue from their student status into full-blown dance adulthood. Dance Magazine got six dancers' takes on second-company life.

ABT Studio Company member Eric Tamm says that being in the second company offers "an opportunity for us to dance principal roles that we wouldn't get if we were in the ABT corps." He's found working with up and coming choreographers exciting, too. "I've gotten to work with Ben Millepied, Scan Curran, and Dominic Walsh," he says. "It's really cool to be choreographed on, and to get to do the classical work like Balanchine's Divertimento Number 15."

This is Tamm's first job, and in addition to the performance perks, he's learned how to work in a professional environment. He knows what it means to work in a group, respect his co-workers, and interact with choreographers. Not to mention the fact that...

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