Second Company | Pursuing Dance Professionally

At the end of this Fall semester we asked the Ballet 5:8 Second Company to reflect on the past few months of training and share some insights on what is like to pursue a professional dance career. Here they share in their own words about the challenges and joys of life as Second Company Member.

Second Company Artist Natalie Chinn, Photo by Kristie Kahns

Q. What has been the most influential part about working alongside the Ballet 5:8 company this fall season?

A. “It has been very inspiring this fall season to be able to see members of the company make individualist, artistic choices in their dancing and their expression in addition to simply demonstrating a strong daily work ethic.” - Lydia Lund

A. “I really loved getting to observe the company on the stage/in the studio but also behind the scenes and learn from their habits and tips.” - Rachel Walker

Q. What is something you are thankful for this fall season as a 2nd Company Member with Ballet 5:8?

A. “I’m thankful for a supportive environment of like-minded dancers and teachers. We all have similar goals and it motivates me seeing everyone work together to form such a strong team.” - Elayne Podolske

A. “I am thankful for the opportunity to learn all the different repertoire and learn under the instruction of the wonderful staff here.” - Ruth Sevlie

A. “Something I am thankful for this season has been the community here at Ballet 5:8 and the amount of support that is shown to each person. I have also been very grateful for the opportunity to perform on so many different stages especially after such a rough year of performances for the arts as a whole.” - Gabby Timm

Q. How have you grown technically & artistically this fall semester?

A. “Artistically, I think I’ve grown this semester in my musicality and finding my own style and rhythm as an artist. I think I’ve grown technically in building my strength and stability down to the very basics at barre, which then translates to my dancing as a whole.” - Natalie Chinn

A. “Both Mrs Brette and Mrs Julianna do a wonderful job of coaching and mentoring us as well as giving individualized corrections. I have been working on coordination and musicality recently and I’m learning to trust my technique in order to let my artistic voice show through.” - Elayne Podolske

A. “One way I have worked to grow as an artist this semester is in my strive to find my own voice through the movement. I have received lots of helpful coaching, and I look forward to finding continued maturity in my expression.” - Lydia Lund

Interested in becoming a Ballet 5:8 Second Company Member? 2022/23 Audition Applications are open now! Click here to apply.