Announcing the Ballet 5:8 Two-Year Men’s Scholarship
Focused classical training. Professional standards. Individualized coaching—for serious young men ready to become company-ready.
Ballet 5:8 is actively recruiting a small cohort of high-potential male dancers for a dedicated scholarship opportunity designed to accelerate technical growth and professional readiness.
This scholarship is built for young men who show strong potential—but need the right environment: focused classical training, clear standards, structure, and individualized coaching to advance quickly and confidently toward a professional path.
A rigorous classical program—built to form professional dancers
At the heart of Ballet 5:8 is a demanding classical curriculum that develops both technical clarity and expressive artistry. Scholarship recipients are supported through:
Personalized instruction and weekly goal-setting
A comprehensive classical and cross-training curriculum
Regular performance opportunities through our Studio Company
Dedicated men’s coaching in allegro, partnering, conditioning, and repertory learning
Mentorship from male professionals and company artists
Intentional focus on mental health, resilience, and rehearsal discipline
This is not a “try it and see” program—it’s designed for dancers who are ready to train with purpose. Apply via video audition through DanceApply and you will automatically be considered for this merit-based scholarship.
Who this scholarship is for
This opportunity is for:
Male dancers serious about pursuing a professional path
Dancers who need an environment with clear standards, structure, and coaching to advance
Young men who benefit from consistent feedback, accountability, and rehearsal expectations that mirror professional life
Scholarship recipients train and perform through our Studio Company, gaining the rehearsal standards, musical responsibility, adaptability, and performance consistency required for auditions and professional environments.
Why we’re doing this
We believe some dancers don’t need more access—they need deeper investment. This scholarship allows us to pour into a small number of young men and provide the time, structure, and coaching they need to truly advance.
Help us find the right dancers
If you know promising male dancers, or the teachers and studios mentoring them, we’d love your help spreading the word.
We’re happy to send materials, videos, or speak directly with interested families or teachers.
Your share could genuinely change the trajectory for the right dancer.
James Wainwright, Conservatory Graduate and current Company Member with Madison Ballet