What’s in the Artist Creed?

At Ballet 5:8, we believe that great dancers are not just built through technique—but through character. That the studio should be more than a place to perfect turns and extensions. It should be a space where students grow in strength, grace, courage, and compassion.

This belief is what led us to create the Artist Creed—a set of shared values and commitments that guide how we train, perform, and interact as a community.

The creed isn’t about perfection. It’s about clarity. It helps every dancer, from our youngest students to our most advanced artists, understand what it means to be part of Ballet 5:8: to create with integrity, to show up with purpose, and to lead with love.

What’s in the Artist Creed?

These ten simple but powerful statements reflect our values as a school and as a community:

• Lead with Kindness
  We treat everyone with respect and courtesy, on and off the stage.

• Honor Every Story
  We value diversity and welcome dancers of all backgrounds. Every person brings something irreplaceable.

• Create with Integrity
  We honor the work of others, give credit where it’s due, and offer our best with honesty and professionalism.

• Train with Excellence
  We show up on time, work hard, and strive for progress—not perfection.

• Own Our Choices
  We take responsibility for our actions and how they affect others. We follow through, follow up, and follow the guidelines.

• Care for Ourselves and Others
  We listen to our bodies. We care for our minds. We speak up when something isn’t right—for ourselves or someone else.

• Respect the Space
  We treat our studio and equipment with care, keeping it safe and ready for everyone who walks through the door.

• Protect Trust
  We respect each other’s privacy and keep confidence where it’s asked and appropriate.

• Speak with Purpose
  We ask questions, give feedback, and resolve conflict directly and respectfully. We don’t gossip—we build up.

• Practice Forgiveness
  We choose grace. We repair what’s broken. We grow through honesty, humility, and healing.

Why It Matters

In a world where student and professional dance can sometimes feel like a pressure cooker, we’re choosing something different: a space that trains whole people. Yes, we demand excellence. But not at the expense of health, joy, or dignity.

The Artist Creed is a daily reminder of what we’re building together—on stage and beyond it. It reflects our faith, our mission, and our belief that art is not just about performance.