Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Ballet 5:8 located?

Ballet 5:8 operates two campuses in the Chicago area:

  • Orland Park: 11545 183rd Place, Orland Park, IL 60467

  • Beverly (Chicago): 1960 W. 94th St. Chicago, IL 60643

  • Harris Theater for Music and Dance: 205 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601

We serve students, families, and audiences from across the Midwest and beyond. The Harris Theater is our home theater in downtown Chicago.

What age groups does the School of Ballet 5:8 serve?

We offer programs for dancers ages 3 to 22:

  • Preparatory Program: Ages 3–10

  • Pre-Professional Program: Ages 10–18

  • Conservatory & Trainee Programs: Ages 14–22 (audition required)

  • Adult Ballet: All levels welcome

More info: ballet58.org/school

Do I have to be Christian to train or perform with Ballet 5:8?

No. Ballet 5:8 is open to dancers of all beliefs and backgrounds. While our leadership is shaped by faith-informed values, our programs and performances are inclusive and welcoming. What matters most is your artistry, character, and desire to grow.

What does “faith-informed” actually mean?

Faith informs our approach to storytelling, mentorship, and community. It does not define who can participate, audition, or be welcomed. We believe art can ask deeper questions — and we respect the different answers artists and audiences may bring.

Is Ballet 5:8 considered a professional ballet company?

Yes. Ballet 5:8 is a resident company of the Harris Theater, tours nationally, and commissions work from leading choreographers. Our dancers are full-time professionals with salaried positions, benefits, and a 40-week season. Guest faculty and collaborators come from companies including New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and Pacific Northwest Ballet.
👉 Read our Full-Time Company Press Release →

Do students perform in professional productions?

Yes. Dancers in the Pre-Professional, Conservatory, and Trainee Programs may perform alongside our professional company in productions such as Beyond the Nutcracker, La Llorona, and BareFace.

Explore our calendar: ballet58.org/calendar

Do you offer bilingual ballet classes?

Yes. We offer Spanish-English bilingual ballet classes for ages 3–9 at both our Orland Park and Beverly campuses. These classes are designed to be inclusive, accessible, and joyful for all families.

More info: ballet58.org/escuela

What styles of dance do you teach?

Our curriculum includes:

  • Classical ballet

  • Pointe & Variations

  • Contemporary

  • Pas de Deux

  • Jazz

  • Men’s Allegro & Pressage

  • Conditioning & injury prevention

  • Choreography & repertoire

Where can I view the class schedule?

You can view the current schedule by age and level on our Classes page. We offer fall, spring, and summer sessions.
Schedule: ballet58.org/school-classes

How do I audition for Ballet 5:8?

We hold annual auditions for:

  • Professional Company

  • Second Company (tuition-free)

  • Trainee & Conservatory Programs

  • Summer Intensive

  • School-Year Placement (ages 10+)

Details: ballet58.org/auditions

What is the Summer Intensive?

Our Summer Intensive is a premier training program for dancers ages 10–22, featuring instruction in ballet, pointe, contemporary, and more. World-class guest faculty from companies like NYCB, ABT, and PNB join Ballet 5:8 artists each July in Orland Park.

Apply: ballet58.org/summer-intensive

Do you offer adult ballet classes?

Yes. Our Adult Ballet Program includes weekly classes for beginners through advanced dancers, plus a summer Adult Ballet Intensive—no audition required.

More info: ballet58.org/community-dance

What is the Fast Track Intensive?

Fast Track is a no-audition summer program for dancers ages 9–18. It focuses on strengthening ballet, pointe, and conditioning in a supportive, faith-informed environment.

Details: ballet58.org/fast-track

What is the Choreography Intensive?

Open to ages 15–25, this selective summer program offers mentorship from Julianna Rubio Slager and Kevin Jenkins. Participants study choreographic theory and create original work during the Summer Intensive.

Learn more: ballet58.org/choreography-intensive

Do you provide wellness support?

Yes. We support dancers with resources for mental health, nutrition, and injury prevention. Partners include To The Pointe Nutrition, Danscend and Heart of Wellness Counseling, plus access to artist talks and enrichment events.

How can I rent your studios?

Studios at our Orland Park campus are available for auditions, rehearsals, classes, or meetings. Rentals include marley floors, mirrors, sound systems, and on-site parking.

Info: ballet58.org/rentals

Can I book Ballet 5:8 to perform in my city or school?

Yes. We offer touring performances, residencies, and masterclasses for theaters, churches, and schools. Booking is open for Spring 2026 and the 2026–27 Season.

Booking: ballet58.org/booking

How do I get tickets to performances?

Tickets are available via our calendar. Performances include The Curious Life of Edgar Allan Poe, La Llorona, The House on Mango Street, and more.

Buy tickets: ballet58.org/calendar

What is The House on Mango Street ballet?

This full-length ballet, based on Sandra Cisneros’s beloved novel, brings Esperanza’s journey to life through movement, memory, and imagination. Part of our NEA Big Read programming.

More info: ballet58.org/mango-street

What community programs do you offer?

Ballet 5:8 brings dance to new audiences through:

  • Free performances and student matinees

  • In-school assemblies

  • Bilingual outreach classes

  • Nonprofit and school partnerships

Learn more: ballet58.org/community-engagement

I’ve read criticism online. Where can I learn more directly?

We believe in transparency and thoughtful dialogue. You're welcome to read about our values, talk to current dancers or parents, or attend a performance and experience it for yourself.

Helpful links:

How can I contact Ballet 5:8?

Call us at (708) 329-8773, email info@ballet58.org, or send a message through our Contact page. We’re happy to help.