School of Ballet 5:8
Where Boys Build Strength, Confidence, and Character
Athletic. Creative. Challenging. Fun.
Whether your son is energetic, athletic, artistic, or simply looking for a new challenge, our Boys Dance Program helps him develop discipline, coordination, resilience, and confidence in an environment designed specifically for boys.
Scholarships are available for boys of all ages and experience levels. Families are encouraged to inquire about financial aid opportunities.
Why Dance?
Dance develops the whole person.
When most parents think about dance, they think about performance. When we think about dance, we think about development.
Dance teaches boys how to work hard, stay focused, solve problems, and persevere through challenges. It develops physical skills that support success in sports and everyday life while helping students build confidence from the inside out.
- Strength and athleticism
- Coordination and balance
- Flexibility and injury prevention
- Focus and discipline
- Confidence and self-expression
- Leadership and teamwork
- Healthy work habits
- Creative thinking
More Athletic Than You Think
Built for strength, agility, and confidence.
Many families are surprised by how physically demanding dance can be. In our classes, boys run, jump, turn, stretch, strengthen, and learn to move efficiently and powerfully.
Dance challenges both the body and the mind. Students learn to push through frustration, celebrate progress, and discover what they are capable of accomplishing.
Tristan Baity
School of American Ballet Summer Course Scholarship Recipient
Tristan Baity is a current student at the School of Ballet 5:8 whose dedication, work ethic, and artistry earned him acceptance to the prestigious School of American Ballet Summer Course on scholarship.
As the official school of New York City Ballet, the School of American Ballet is one of the most respected ballet training institutions in the world. Acceptance is highly competitive, with students selected from across the country and around the globe.
Tristan's achievement reflects the strong technical foundation, discipline, and artistic development fostered at Ballet 5:8.
Faculty Mentorship
Learn from professional male dancers.
Our boys train with faculty members who understand firsthand the discipline, dedication, and opportunities that dance can provide.
Mark-David Bloodgood
Men's Program Faculty
Mark-David Bloodgood brings a distinguished professional career and deep classical training to the School of Ballet 5:8. Originally from Redmond, Washington, he trained on scholarship for twelve years at Pacific Northwest Ballet School under Francia Russell and Peter Boal.
His performance career includes work with Saint Louis Ballet, Indianapolis Ballet, Seattle Opera, Huntsville Ballet, South Carolina Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet II, BalletMet II, ARC Dance, and guest artist appearances with Columbus Opera and Seattle Opera.
Mr. Bloodgood has performed principal roles including Siegfried in Swan Lake, Count Albrecht in Giselle, Romeo in Romeo & Juliet, Prince Charming in Cinderella, and Cavalier and Snow King in The Nutcracker. His experience gives boys a powerful model of the athleticism, artistry, discipline, and professional possibilities available through dance.
Samuel Opsal
Lead Artist, Technical Director & Men's Program Faculty
Samuel Opsal is a Lead Artist, Technical Director, and faculty member at Ballet 5:8, where he also serves as Co-Director of the Trainee and Conservatory Programs. He joined Ballet 5:8 in 2016 and has become a key presence both on stage and behind the scenes.
A native of Pullman, Washington, Mr. Opsal began his formal dance training at age 16. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Cornish College of the Arts, graduating magna cum laude, and later continued his classical training in the Graduate Program at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.
His performance credits include Le Corsaire, Sleeping Beauty, and La Bayadère with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, as well as guest artist appearances in principal roles for Giselle, Firebird, and Swan Lake. At Ballet 5:8, he has performed featured and principal roles throughout Julianna Rubio Slager's original repertoire.
In the School of Ballet 5:8, Mr. Opsal teaches Ballet Technique, Pas de Deux, Men's Technique, Dance History, Anatomy for Dancers, and Progressing Ballet Technique. His students benefit from a holistic approach that combines technical rigor, dancer wellness, artistry, and mentorship.
Alumni Spotlight
Where can dance take you?
The School of Ballet 5:8 has helped launch young men into professional dance careers across the country.
Male alumni have danced professionally with Ballet 5:8
These artists have toured nationally with the Company, performing original Ballet 5:8 repertory for audiences across the United States.
James Wainwright
Company Artist, Madison Ballet
James began his dance journey at Ballet 5:8 before continuing his training and pursuing a professional career. Today, he performs with Madison Ballet, demonstrating how dedication, discipline, and strong foundational training can lead to professional opportunities.
Chance Ennis
Professional Dancer, Houston, Texas
After training at Ballet 5:8, Chance Ennis built a professional career performing and collaborating with leading artists and organizations in Houston and beyond.
He has appeared as a guest artist with Houston Ballet and other organizations, continuing to establish himself as a versatile and accomplished professional dancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from parents.
Does my son need dance experience?
No. Many students begin with no previous dance training. Our faculty will meet your son where he is and help him grow.
Is dance good for athletes?
Yes. Dance improves coordination, flexibility, balance, agility, body awareness, focus, and overall athletic performance.
What should my son wear?
Comfortable athletic clothing that allows freedom of movement is a good place to start. Specific dress code information will be provided upon registration.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes. Students have opportunities to participate in performances throughout the year, helping them build confidence, teamwork, and stage presence.
What age can boys start?
We offer classes for a variety of ages and developmental stages. Contact us to find the best placement for your child.
Are scholarships or financial aid available?
Yes. Scholarships are available for boys of all ages and experience levels. We believe every young man should have access to exceptional dance training, and families are encouraged to inquire about financial aid opportunities and current scholarship offerings.
Scholarships & Financial Aid Available
We never want finances to be the reason a student misses the opportunity to dance. Scholarships are available for boys of all ages and experience levels. Contact us to learn more about financial aid opportunities.
Schedule a Trial Class
Give him a place to grow.
Strong bodies. Confident minds. Lasting friendships. Dance offers boys the opportunity to discover strengths they never knew they had.