Why Dance with Us?
Something for Everyone
Elite programs within School of Ballet 5:8 make high-quality dance training accessible across a wide range of goals and interests.
Classes for ages two through adult, at all levels of ability.
Programs open to girls and boys alike; specific classes available tailored to boys’ interests.
A focus in classical ballet, with additional classes in contemporary, modern, Progressing Ballet Technique
Pre-Professional and Conservatory programs provide comprehensive advanced classical ballet training with additional disciplines like modern, jazz, spanish dance.
Our alumni pursue a vast array of dance-related careers, some go onto college, others go to professional companies and even into arts administration.
Facility
12,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility
Five studios plus cross-training room
Professional Marley, sprung flooring and mirrors
Spacious lobby and eating areas
Natural light throughout
Security cameras in each studio, viewable from the lobby
Free onsite parking
Located in Orland Park, IL, just minutes from I-80 and LaGrange Road
Instructors & Staff
Highly qualified instructors with extensive backgrounds in professional dance performance and teaching.
Student instructors complete our Teacher’s Assistant Program before taking on their own Children's & Youth classes.
Renowned guest instructors teach master classes regularly, providing advanced students with a wide and well-rounded experience.
Staff members complete background checks and training in abuse prevention.
Full-time Studio Manager and dedicated Program Directors make communication easy.
Written Syllabus & Curriculum
Age-appropriate curriculum for children's classes teaches foundational dance skills, confidence, and a love for dance using the best in dance training and early childhood education.
Complete syllabus for ballet levels 1 and up molds the classical dancer one building block at a time using wisdom from time-tested ballet training methods and Julianna Rubio Slager’s 20+ years in teaching experience, with an emphasis on balancing correct placement, the development of artistry, and dancer health and safety.
Written syllabus and curriculum ensures that concepts, steps, and coordinations are introduced in a structured manner that promotes the best long-term learning outcomes and dancer physical health.
Our goal is to inspire each dancer to pursue excellence, reach their personal best, and to equip them with the tools they need to get there.
Health of the Whole Dancer
As we challenge each dancer to reach their fullest potential, it is our goal to maintain a positive, nurturing environment in our school based in the overarching joy that comes from our basis in faith. This allows students to not only gain skills in dance, but the opportunity to thrive physically, emotionally and spiritually in conjunction with their training.
Performing Opportunities
Ample performing opportunities in all programs help students to develop stage presence, artistry and other performing skills.
Full length School of Ballet 5:8 productions like Beyond the Nutcracker are attended by thousands of people annually and involve students in the process of making the arts and meaningful stories accessible in our communities.
Showcases also highlight the accomplishments of dancers in classes like jazz, tap, modern, acting and more.
Ballet 5:8 Professional Company
School of Ballet 5:8 is the official school of Ballet 5:8, a national touring company dedicated to engaging communities in conversation of life and faith through innovative storytelling and breathtaking dance.
Ballet 5:8’s professional artists, who come from across the United States and beyond, bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to students at the School.
Students also get access to incredible professional performances to Ballet 5:8 studios and downtown Chicago.
Nonprofit
We are proud to be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization! As a nonprofit, our goal is not to make a profit, like a traditional for-profit business. Instead, our goal is to further our mission and serve our community. We are legally required to (and do) invest all funds that come into the organization back into the organization. This means that 100% of every dollar that you invest in the School of Ballet 5:8 - whether through tuition, performance tickets, or a donation - will fund our current work and future development.