Second Stage

PNB's Career Transition Program for Dancers

Conceived in 1999, Second Stage is a multi-faceted career transition program created by PNB dancers, Trustees, and volunteers to support the dancers you see on stage in achieving their goals following a career in dance. Second Stage resources allow dancers to take classes, access mentors and career counseling, and receive grants. Funding from fans like you has built the Second Stage program, making it possible for PNB dancers to become Pilates instructors, real estate agents, interior designers, small business owners, medical students, and law students.

PNB principal dancer Maria Chapman and former dancer Jordan Pacitti talk about Second Stage on New Day Northwest. Originally aired September 14th, 2011.

In addition to providing grants for online learning, university, and community college support, Second Stage developed a partnership with Seattle University in 2003. SU offers PNB dancers college courses at times that work with their busy schedules. The SU partnership teaches academic skills, but perhaps more importantly, demonstrates to the dancers that they are indeed multi-talented individuals capable of diverse achievements on and off the stage. This knowledge provides hope for their future after dance and enriches their lives as dancers today.

The past twelve years have been remarkably successful for Second Stage. In 1999, only a handful of dancers actively planned for their career after dance. Since that time, Second Stage has provided nearly $430,000 in grants to more than 135 dancers.

Join Us in Helping Dancers in Career Transition

PNB dancers are investing in their futures and hope you will too by contacting PNB Development Staff to make your tax deductible donation to Second Stage.

You may also mail your gift to:
Second Stage c/o Pacific Northwest Ballet
301 Mercer St., Seattle, WA 98109
(Make checks payable to Pacific Northwest Ballet)
Contact Clare Hausmann: Giving@pnb.org | phone: 206.441.3593

Second Stage for Dancers

Click on the links below to view these Second Stage documents in PDF format.

Some of the documents below are intended only for PNB dancers and current Second Stage participants and are password protected. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Terrie Flaming at TFlaming@pnb.org.

Support PNB

Amount: $

Please email chausmann@pnb.org with your gift amount to ensure it is credited to Second Stage.

Many Thanks From a Few PNB Dancers

Jordan Pacitti,
PNB Dancer and owner of Jordan Samuel Fragrances

"PNB's second stage program has helped my company Jordan Samuel Fragrances become a reality. The program afforded me the ability to get my company name trademarked and purchase the high quality oils used in my aromas. I couldn't have done it without Second Stage!"
Listen: KPLU interview | KUOW Interview

Stacy Lowenberg,
PNB Dancer

"Thank you to the supporters who believe in us on and off the stage—your support and encouragement have taught me that I can accomplish more than one goal at a time."

Melanie Skinner,
Former PNB soloist

"The Second Stage/Seattle University program has given me the confidence to enter the collegiate world and the chance to explore my options for a career outside ballet. Now that I'm retired, my transition to my next stage has not been overwhelming; instead, I feel equipped with the tools to lead me to success off the stage. Second Stage has opened a door of endless opportunities for me."

Kiyon Gaines,
PNB dancer

"Dancing is the greatest passion in my life and it is my passion for life that makes me want to prepare for the future. Second Stage is a great platform on which I can grow as an artist and an individual.

Carrie Imler,
PNB principal dancer

"I believe dancers are ideal students. Academics are about discipline and working hard to achieve a goal, as in dance. Incorporating something else in my life, something new like university classes, is perfect for me to take my mind away from the pressures of training and rehearsal, while the class-work, writing poetry, and completing assignments, develop another dimension of myself as a person."
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