Pre-Professional Ballet Program | Orland Park

Train with Purpose. Dance with Excellence.

For serious young dancers ready to take the next step. The Pre-Professional Program at the School of Ballet 5:8 is designed for dedicated students who are committed to classical ballet training. These levels focus on technical mastery, artistic development, and personal growth—laying the foundation for future professional or collegiate study.

Three young ballet dancers posing together on a gray background, wearing black and white ballet outfits, with the central dancer on pointe and smiling.
Placement Class

Why Choose the Pre-Professional Track?

Elite Classical Training
Grounded in the Vaganova syllabus progressions and refined by the School of American Ballet dynamics.

Holistic Development
We teach the whole dancer—mind, body, and spirit—with an emphasis on emotional resilience and character.

Performance Opportunities
Students shine in productions like Beyond the Nutcracker and Cinder Ella, gaining invaluable stage experience.

Supportive Environment
Dancers are mentored in discipline and teamwork while encouraged to grow at their own pace.

Ready to Begin?

We welcome new students each season with open arms and structured placement to ensure the best fit.

Let your dancer’s ballet journey begin with joy, excellence, and purpose.
Program Overview

Ballet 2A (Ages ~8+ | Placement Required)
Step into the pre-professional track with two weekly classes. Dancers explore advanced beginner material while developing strength and musicality.
Class Days: Mondays & Wednesdays
Performance: Beyond the Nutcracker & Little Women

Ballet 2B (Placement Required)
Complete the advanced beginner syllabus and begin intermediate work. Build confidence in classical vocabulary and clean execution.
Class Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Performance: Beyond the Nutcracker & Little Women

Ballet 3A (Placement Required)
Dancers begin pointe work and attend three days of classes including ballet, pre-pointe, pointe (must pass exam), jazz, modern, and variations.
Class Days: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
Performance: Beyond the Nutcracker & Little Women

Ballet 3B (Placement Required)
Dancers advance en pointe and attend three days of classes including ballet, PBT, pointe, jazz, modern, and variations.
Class Days: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
Performance: Beyond the Nutcracker & Little Women

Ballet 4A (Placement Required)
Train four days weekly in ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, men’s allegro, pas de deux, repertoire, PBT, and classical variations.
Class Days: Tuesday through Friday
Performance: Beyond the Nutcracker, Shades of Refrain & The Caged Bird Sings


Ballet 4B (Placement Required)
At the apex of our Pre-Professional Program, 4B dancers are polished, versatile, and stage-ready. This level is ideal preparation for Conservatory training and includes the completion of advanced pointe or men’s work alongside pas de deux work.
Class Days: Tuesday through Friday
Performance: Beyond the Nutcracker, Shades of Refrain, Emerging Artist Showcase & The Caged Bird Sings

Placement Class

More Than Words — We Put Wellness Into Action

At Ballet 5:8, wellness is woven into everything we do. Through therapist-led Heart of Wellness seminars, personalized guidance from To The Pointe Nutrition, and on-site injury support with Athletico Physical Therapy, we equip dancers to thrive on stage and beyond. Under the leadership of Lauren Rios, Director of Community and Wellness, our programs care for the whole dancer—body, mind, and spirit.

Learn more
Ballet students practicing at a dance studio with an instructor assisting each student in different images.

Start Your Journey with Us
Audition or placement class required. Let’s find the right fit for your dancer.


Location: Orland Park | Spacious 12,000 sq ft facility
Phone: 708.329.8773
Email: schooloffice@ballet58.org

Boys Program — Strength, Speed, Confidence

Purpose-built training for boys that builds clean classical technique, athletic power, coordination, and musicality—within a supportive, high-expectation studio culture.

Boys ballet class at Ballet 5:8 working on jumps and strength

Why Boys Choose Ballet 5:8

  • Dedicated instruction: classes designed specifically for boys; emphasis on power, jumps, turns, coordination, and musicality.
  • Athletic crossover: training that improves agility, balance, and core strength—beneficial for sports and stage.
  • Clear progression: placement-based levels with coaching toward partnering and pre-professional opportunities.
  • Confidence & character: disciplined environment that fosters leadership, focus, and teamwork.
  • Performance experience: stage time through showcases and program productions.
Boys Dance too Explore Classes Email Mr. Szwast
Do boys need prior ballet experience?

No. We place each dancer by ability after a short placement to ensure the right starting level.

What should boys wear?

Fitted white shirt, black tights or fitted shorts, black or white ballet shoes. We’ll confirm details at placement.

Are there performance opportunities?

Yes—showcases and program performances provide structured stage experience throughout the year.

Pre-Professional Program Faculty

Our incredible Ballet 5:8 Faculty is often joined by guest artists and master teachers! We believe in creative exchange as a tool for growth. Learn more about our year-round and guest faculty.

  • Black and white portrait of a smiling young woman with hair in an updo, wearing earrings, and showing her teeth.

    Valerie Linsner | Pre-Professional Program Director

  • Black and white portrait of a smiling woman with short hair in a bun, wearing hoop earrings and a V-neck top.

    Autumn Stull | Assistant Director

  • A black and white portrait of a young person with short dark hair, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression, wearing a light-colored top with embellishments.

    John Szwast | Men's Technique

Faculty Bios
  • Four ballet dancers on stage in a grand, chandelier-lit theater with candles, performing under moonlight backdrop, two wearing pink tutus and two in costumes with masks.

    "Tristan loved playing with the other boys before and after class, he enjoyed challenging classes, and he appreciates the patience of all the teachers. Tristan has developed the same teamwork, responsibility, physical strength, and quest for excellence that kids get from sports but here artistry and character are enhanced. Four years later, Tristan feels like this is the best place for him!"

    – Sonia Baity

  • Ballet dancers performing on stage with a forest background, one dancer in a yellow tutu dancing en pointe in the foreground, and others seated behind her near a tree and a white cross.

    "My daughters LOVE Ballet 5:8 and their classes! I love how caring the teacher is, always willing to provide feedback and tips on things to work on at home, and how encouraging they are every week. After every class my three girls come out with huge smiles on their faces!

    – Amy Novotney

  • Ballet dancers perform on stage with a forest backdrop, featuring one dancer in a tutu spinning on one leg, and others seated near a large tree prop.

    "Both of my children take classes with Ballet 5:8. This organization has helped foster a passion for dance that will stick with the kids, not just be a part of a phase in their childhood. The instructors are friendly and compassionate. "

    – Andrea Richart