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Everything has a season, and this fall Ballet West's junior company has grown into its own. Ballet West II has its own repertory, artistic directors and an ensemble of dancers strong enough to sustain an entire evening of high-level dance. Next weekend, BW II presents its first solo program in its hometown, featuring pieces ranging from a classical pas de trois to a pulsating showstopper set to the music of psychedelic rocker Janis Joplin.

Ballet West is in keeping with American Ballet Theatre, Pennsylvania Ballet, Houston Ballet and Boston Ballet to establish a respected second-tier troupe. And some of the best-known second companies in the country are affiliated with nonclassical organizations such as Paul Taylor Dance Company's Taylor 2, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Ailey II, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company's DCDC2, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago's HS2.

These junior companies are mutually beneficial for large dance organizations and the young professionals striving to break into the main company. The more nimble second companies are typically smaller and younger and can tour to regional towns to spread the word about the main company. In turn, the touring offers stage experience and exposure for the dancers. BWII currently has 15 performers, ranging in age from 18 to 21. Four of BW's principals and five soloists have come out of BW II.

Arolyn Williams, a principal dancer with Ballet West, started as a member of the founding class of BW II in 2004. Two years later she was asked to join the main company; promoted to demi-soloist in 2010; to soloist in 2011; and achieved the highest ballet ranking as principal in 2013.

"Ballet West II was perfect for me," Williams said. "It gave me the gift of time to sort myself out and gain a better understanding of how to manage life in a company. It was also a great opportunity in that I was able to learn and perform some roles like the Snow Pas from 'Nutcracker' (the same choreography the company does), and Tchaikovsky Pas de deux, and get coached by the main company director once in a while."

In 2014-15 BW became operationally debt-free for the first time in 33 years and was able to prioritize education and outreach initiatives. BW II director Calvin Kitten, a 19-year veteran of the Joffrey Ballet, and associate director Peggy Dolkas, a BW soloist from 2003 to 2010, said BW artistic director Adam Sklute's vision for the second company has grown and changed.

"Adam has wanted to dedicate resources to BW II and now with the stable infrastructure we can develop his vision," Kitten said. "We've been able to hire more dancers and operate as a company with our own full rehearsal and performing schedule."

Dolkas and Kitten take on parental tones when talking about their young charges, some of whom are away from home for the first time.

"We have a responsibility for teaching skills that will assist these young people as they become professionals," Dolkas said. "These are the same tools that are relevant wherever life takes them."

Kitten and Dolkas are very proud of the upcoming show. Each has contributed his or her specialized expertise to the overall performance, yet both seem most excited about "Piece of My Heart," a ballet set to the music of Joplin that authentically taps into a practiced technique and youthful energy as only this age group can achieve. —

Rock out with Ballet West II

The junior company of Ballet West makes its first solo performance in Salt Lake City, with a program of four contemporary and classical works:

Danish master August Bournonville's "Napoli Variations" and "Tarantella."

Ballet West II associate director Peggy Dolkas' "Are we there yet?" — set to a mix by DJ Robatroid for three couples.

"Minkus Pas de Trois," with music from Ludwig Minkus, a restaging after Marius Petipa's ballet "Paquita," originally choreographed in 1847.

Ballet West resident choreographer Nicolo Fonte's "Piece of My Heart," a high-energy creation set to the music of Janis Joplin.

When • Friday and Saturday, Oct. 14-15, 7:30 p.m., with 2 p.m. Saturday matinee

Where • Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 W. 300 South, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $29; artsaltlake.org or 801-355-ARTS (2787)

The BWII roster

Stephanie Buesser, Ridgewood, N.J.

Luis Capetillo, Mexico City

Isabella Chang, Vancouver, B.C.

Kyle Davis, Chicago

Levi Durie, Cambridge, Minn.

Olivia Gusti, Tampa, Fla.

Enrico Hipolito, Seattle

David Huffmire, Reno, Nev.

Emily Neale, Acton, Mass.

Jake Preece, Vancouver, B.C.

Brittany Rand, Alpharetta, Ga.

Hannah Sterling, Philadelphia

Joshua Shutkind, New York City

Alexandra Terry, New Canaan, Conn.

Kristina Weimer, Princeton, N.J.