Exceptional Ballet Training is Here.
A new home for dancers ages 3 through adult.
The School of Ballet 5:8 Fox Cities is opening at 1478 Midway Rd, Menasha, WI 54952. Classes begin September 8, 2026, with programs for young dancers, pre-professional students, teens, and adults.
- Professional faculty led by Campus Director Brian Norris
- State-of-the-art studios with sprung flooring
- Children’s, Boys’, Adult, and Pre-Professional Programs
- Nestled in an up-and-coming arts center
A new chapter for dance in the Fox Cities.
Professional training. Strong values. A community that believes in every dancer.
State-of-the-Art Studios
Professional sprung flooring, spacious training spaces, and studios built for healthy, long-term dancer development.
Character & Community
Confidence, discipline, creativity, and belonging. We train the whole dancer, in and out of the studio.
Exceptional Training
Led by renowned educators and rooted in classical excellence, our programs are designed to prepare dancers for the future.
You’re invited to our Grand Opening Celebration.
Join us Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 1478 Midway Rd, Menasha, WI 54952 for sample classes, a trainee performance, tours, and a chance to meet the Ballet 5:8 team.
Saturday, August 15, 2026
This free event is open to current and prospective families. Pre-Professional students may use the sample classes as their audition for the program.
Free Sample Classes
10:15 to 11:00 AM
Ages 3-6, Preparatory 1, 2 & 3
Ages 7-8, Ballet 1A
11:15 AM to 12:00 PM
Ages 8-10, Ballet 2A
11:15 AM to 12:45 PM
Ages 11+, Ballet 3A & 4A
RSVP required.
Trainee Performance
1:30 to 2:30 PM
Enjoy Ballet 5:8 Trainees performing excerpts from Celestia and other select works from the Ballet 5:8 repertoire.
Separate RSVP required.
Meet & Greet
2:30 to 3:00 PM
Meet our faculty and team, tour the campus, and learn more about our programs.
Meet Campus Director Brian Norris
Internationally recognized educator. Dedicated mentor. Artistic leader.
Brian Norris brings more than three decades of experience as a dancer, choreographer, educator, and artistic leader. His career has included leadership positions with professional ballet companies, international performance experience, and decades of teaching and mentoring dancers of all ages.
Most importantly, Brian shares Ballet 5:8’s commitment to excellent training in an environment where every student is known, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Honoring a 60-Year Legacy
When Jeanette Makaroff announced her retirement, Ballet 5:8 was invited to continue the tradition of excellence she built over six decades of service to Fox Cities families.
We are honored to carry that legacy forward while creating new opportunities for future generations of dancers.
Our goal is simple: ensure that families continue to have access to high-quality dance education close to home, now with expanded training opportunities through the School of Ballet 5:8 Fox Cities.
Help us build the future of dance in the Fox Cities.
This campus launch is happening on a remarkably short timeline, and community support will help us open with excellence from day one.
Help Build the Studios
Before we can welcome students into the studios this fall, we have some work to do. On July 23, 24, and 25, we will be building out and preparing the studios for the upcoming season.
Whether you can help for an hour or a full day, your time and energy will make a tremendous difference.
Help Launch the Campus
We are working to raise $65,000 in community support for the Fox Cities campus launch.
These funds will help provide professional dance flooring, studio improvements, equipment, scholarships, and critical startup expenses.
Every contribution helps create a strong foundation and ensures that high-quality dance education remains accessible to families throughout our community.
Programs for every stage.
Classes begin September 8, 2026, with options for young dancers, pre-professional students, teens, and adults.
Preparatory
Age-appropriate ballet foundations for ages 3 to 5.
Children’s Ballet
Structured training for ages 6 to 9.
Boys’ Program
Strength, artistry, confidence, and classical technique.
Pre-Professional
Audition-based training for committed dancers.
Teen & Adult
Flexible classes for beginning through advanced dancers.
FAQ: Makaroff to Ballet 5:8 Level Guide
As our Fox Cities campus continues to grow, we have updated some class names to align with Ballet 5:8’s full school structure.
Why did the class names change?
The class names have been updated so the Fox Cities campus aligns with Ballet 5:8’s full school structure. This helps families understand how classes progress over time and ensures students can grow within a clear, consistent training pathway.
Which Ballet 5:8 level should my dancer enroll in?
- Ballet for 3-Year-Olds = Preparatory 1, also called Prep 1, age 3
- Ballet for 4-Year-Olds = Preparatory 2, also called Prep 2, age 4
- Pre-Ballet = Preparatory 3, also called Prep 3, age 5
- Level A = Level 1A, ages 6-7, or Level 1B, ages 8-9
- Level B = Level 2A
- Level C = Level 3A, training to go on pointe
- Level D & E = Level 4A, must already be on pointe
Why are all levels starting with A?
For the 2026/27 school year, we will begin with the A levels. B levels will be introduced next year so that students have time to transition carefully and there are no gaps in student knowledge, technique, or skill development.
What if my dancer is between levels?
Please contact the School office before enrolling. We are happy to help with placement and make sure each dancer is placed in the class that best supports their growth.
Can the Grand Opening sample class count as an audition?
Yes. Pre-Professional students may use the Grand Opening sample classes as their audition for the program.
Fox Cities Class Schedules
Class schedules, enrollment notes, tuition details, and break dates for the 2026/27 school year.
Saturday
9:30 to 10:15 AM | Preparatory 1 | Fox Cities
Monday
4:30 to 5:15 PM | Preparatory 2 | Fox Cities
Saturday
10:15 to 11:00 AM | Preparatory 2 | Fox Cities
Monday
5:15 to 6:00 PM | Preparatory 3 | Fox Cities
Saturday
11:00 to 11:45 AM | Preparatory 3 | Fox Cities
Monday
6:00 to 7:00 PM | Level 1A | Fox Cities
Co-ed class, boys scholarship available
Thursday
4:15 to 5:30 PM | Level 1B | Fox Cities
Co-ed class, boys scholarship available
Preparatory enrollment notes: Preparatory 1, 2, and 3 enroll by semester. Fall Semester runs September 8, 2026 to January 30, 2027. Spring Semester runs February 1 to June 12, 2027. Level 1A and 1B enroll for the full year, September 8, 2026 to June 12, 2027.
Tuesday
4:15 to 5:45 PM | Ballet Class
Thursday
4:15 to 5:45 PM | Ballet Class
5:45 to 6:15 PM | Rehearsal
Monday
4:30 to 6:00 PM | Ballet Class
6:15 to 7:00 PM | Strength Training
7:00 to 8:00 PM | Jazz
Tuesday
5:45 to 7:15 PM | Ballet Class
7:15 to 8:00 PM | Rehearsal
Thursday
4:30 to 6:00 PM | Ballet Class
6:15 to 7:00 PM | Pre-Pointe
7:00 to 8:00 PM | Rehearsal
Monday
4:30 to 6:00 PM | Ballet Class on Pointe
6:15 to 7:00 PM | Strength Training
7:00 to 8:00 PM | Jazz
Tuesday
4:30 to 6:00 PM | Ballet Class
6:00 to 6:45 PM | Pointe
7:00 to 8:00 PM | Rehearsal
Wednesday
4:30 to 6:00 PM | Ballet Class
6:00 to 6:45 PM | Variations
7:00 to 8:00 PM | Rehearsal
Thursday
4:30 to 6:00 PM | Ballet Class
6:00 to 6:45 PM | Rehearsal
Pre-Professional enrollment notes: Enrollment is for the full academic year, September 8, 2026 to June 12, 2027. Tuition and performance fees are due at the start of the year. Payment plans may be available through the Front Desk. Tuition is non-refundable once enrolled.
Monday
7:00 to 8:00 PM | Teen & Adult Beginning Ballet
Wednesday
7:00 to 8:00 PM | Teen & Adult Beginning Ballet
Wednesday
5:30 to 7:00 PM | Teen & Adult Int/Adv Ballet
Saturday
10:00 to 11:30 AM | Teen & Adult Int/Adv Ballet
Community Division rates: All subscriptions renew monthly and require auto-pay. Drop-in rates are $20 for a 60-minute class, $25 for a 75-minute class, and $28 for a 90-minute class.
Dates & Breaks
Fox Cities classes begin September 8, 2026. No classes or rehearsals are held during the breaks listed below.
2026/27 School Break Dates
- Labor Day: September 7, 2026
- Fall Break: October 11 to 17, 2026
- Thanksgiving Break: November 25 to 28, 2026
- Christmas Break: December 21, 2026 to January 9, 2027
- Spring Break: March 21 to 27, 2027
- Memorial Day: May 31, 2027
Membership and fees: A $75 yearly membership or registration fee applies to most Fox Cities programs and does not include Summer Intensive. Performance fees cover rehearsals and costumes. Tickets are sold separately.
Fox Cities Campus: 1478 Midway Rd, Menasha, WI 54952 | Phone: 414-666-1063 | Email: schooloffice@ballet58.org