Preparatory Program
Orland Park & Beverly

Ballet with Joy & Excellence

Where young dancers fall in love with ballet.

At the School of Ballet 5:8, our Preparatory Program introduces students to the beauty, discipline, and joy of classical ballet in a nurturing, age-appropriate environment. Classes are designed to develop coordination, confidence, and creativity—while laying a strong technical foundation. Classes are held in Orland Park and Beverly.

Why Families Love Our Preparatory Program:

  • Joyful & Structured: Each class blends imaginative play with meaningful movement training.

  • Developmentally Informed: We focus on brain-body connection, musicality, and social-emotional growth.

  • Rooted in Excellence: Even our youngest dancers learn from faculty trained in the Ballet 5:8 method, combining Vaganova progressions with School of American Ballet dynamics.

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Program Breakdown:

  • Toddler & Me (Ages 2–3): Dance and bond together in this upbeat class designed for early childhood development.

  • Preparatory 1 (Age 3): Explore movement, rhythm, and creativity through ballet-based play.

  • Preparatory 2 (Age 4): Build on fundamentals with more structured ballet concepts and musicality.

  • Preparatory 3 (Age 5): Begin formal training using the Vaganova syllabus in a joyful and accessible way.

  • Ballet 1A (Age 6+): Your dancer’s first full ballet class—technique, artistry, and fun all in one.

  • Ballet 1B (Age 7+): This advanced beginner class is the final step in our Preparatory Program. Dancers gain the strength, precision, and artistry needed to progress into pre-professional ballet training.
    Boy’s Dance (Ages 4–7): Jump, turn, and move with power in this high-energy class that builds strength, coordination, and confidence through the foundations of ballet and creative movement.

  • Youth Strength & Conditioning (Ages 8+): Level up your training with age-appropriate strength work, agility drills, and injury prevention—ideal for dancers looking to move with more power and control.

Ready to Begin?

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

Let your child’s ballet journey begin with joy, excellence, and purpose.

25/26 Class Schedules | Orland Park & Beverly

  • Toddler & Me is a class for dancers ages 2-3 years old to explore dance alongside their caregivers. Coordination, brain development, and age-appropriate educational games make this a great class to develop early childhood milestones. Bond with your toddler and enjoy structured dance and play in this upbeat class.

    • Monday | Orland Park | 4:00–4:30p

    • Tuesday | Orland Park | 10:45–11:15a

    • Tuesday | Orland Park | 4:15–4:45p

    • Wednesday | Orland Park | 5:30–6:00p

  • Introduce your three-year-old to the enchanting world of dance with Preparatory 1! Designed for those turning three by September 1st, our class nurtures their budding creativity, motor skills, and confidence through ballet and creative movement.

    • Monday | Orland Park | 4:15–5:00p

    • Tuesday | Orland Park | 10:00–10:45a

    • Tuesday | Orland Park | 4:15–5:00p

    • Wednesday | Orland Park | 5:30–6:15p

    • Friday | Orland Park | 5:30–6:15p

    • Saturday | Orland Park | 10:00–10:45a

    • Thursday | Beverly | 4:00–4:45p (combined with Prep 2)

  • Embark on an exciting dance journey tailored for your four-year-old with Preparatory 2! Perfect for those who have turned four by September 1st, our class fosters their creativity, coordination, and confidence through age-appropriate ballet, rhythm, and creative movement activities.

    • Monday | Orland Park | 5:00–5:45p

    • Tuesday | Orland Park | 4:00–4:45p

    • Wednesday | Orland Park | 6:15–7:00p

    • Saturday | Orland Park | 10:45–11:30a

    • Thursday | Beverly | 4:00–4:45p (combined with Prep 1)

  • Are you a high-energy boy who loves sports? Discover how dance can make you even stronger and faster! Our Boys Dance program at the School of Ballet 5:8 is perfect for active kids like you who want to have fun while getting better at their favorite sports.

    • Monday | Orland Park | 4:45–5:30p

    Why Dance?

    • More Speed: Improve your quickness and agility.

    • More Strength: Build strong muscles to help you in any game.

    • Better Coordination: Control your movements like a pro.

    • More Endurance: Keep going longer without getting tired.

    What to Expect

    • Fun Classes: Move and groove in a fun, energetic environment.

    • Cool Moves: Learn awesome moves that make you a better athlete.

    • Great Coaches: Learn from male instructors who know all about sports and dance.

    • New Friends: Join other boys who love to move as much as you do.

  • Step into the enchanting world of Preparatory 3, where five-year-old dancers begin their formal ballet journey with the prestigious Vaganova syllabus. Fusing fun with the fundamentals of classical ballet, this class ignites creativity and coordination, welcoming all with no prerequisites required.

    • Monday | Orland Park | 6:00–6:45p

    • Tuesday | Orland Park | 5:00–5:45p

    • Wednesday | Orland Park | 4:45–5:30p

    • Saturday | Orland Park | 10:00–10:45a

    • Thursday | Beverly | 4:45–5:30p

  • This is the place where dreams begin! Aspiring ballet dancers who are ready for a formal ballet class begin to learn the prestigious Vaganova syllabus. This class includes a healthy dose of fun with the rigorous challenge of classical ballet. Dancers qualify beginning at age 6 (as of September); no prerequisites.

    • Monday | Orland Park | 5:45–6:45p (Co-ed, boys encouraged)

    • Wednesday | Orland Park | 6:00–7:00p

    • Saturday | Orland Park | 11:30–12:30p

    • Thursday | Beverly | 5:30–6:45p (combined with 1B)

  • Join our community of dedicated young dancers! Ballet dancers who have some dance background learn more advanced beginner steps and coordination from the prestigious Vaganova syllabus. This class includes a healthy dose of fun with the rigorous challenge of classical ballet. Dancers qualify beginning at age 7 (as of September) and must take a placement class to enroll.

    • Monday | Orland Park | 5:30–6:45p (Co-ed, boys encouraged)

    • Thursday | Orland Park | 6:00–7:15p (Co-ed, boys encouraged)

    • Saturday | Orland Park | 11:15–12:30p

    • Thursday | Beverly | 5:30–6:45p (combined with 1A)

  • Enhance Your Skills

    Are you an athlete wanting to boost your performance? Our Boys Dance program at Ballet 5:8 is designed for you! Dance training can improve your agility, strength, and coordination, giving you an edge in any sport.

    Thursday | Orland Park | 7:30–8:30p (Co-ed class, boys encouraged)

    Why Choose Dance?

    • Agility: Quickness and reaction time.

    • Strength: Powerful muscles for peak performance.

    • Coordination: Precise control for better gameplay.

    • Endurance: Stamina to outlast the competition.

    What to Expect

    • Athletic Wear: No tights needed—wear your usual sports gear.

    • Dynamic Training: High-energy routines to enhance athletic skills.

    • Expert Guidance: Learn from male instructors who understand sports and dance.

    • Teamwork: Join boys who share your passion for sports.

SUMMER DANCE 2025

  • Monday

    4:45 - 5:30 PM Preparatory 2 (4 Years)
    5:15 - 6:30 PM Ballet 1B/2A
    5:30 - 6:15 PM Preparatory 1 (3 Years)
    6:15 - 7:00 PM Preparatory 3 (5 Years)

    Tuesday

    4:15 - 4:45 PM Toddler & Me
    4:45 - 5:30 PM Preparatory 2 (4 Years)
    5:30 - 6:30 PM Ballet 1A (6-8 Years, Beginning ballet)

    Thursday

    4:45 - 5:15 PM Toddler & Me
    4:45 - 5:30 PM Preparatory 3 (5 years)
    5:15 - 6:30 PM 1B/2A
    5:30 - 6:30 PM Ballet 1A (6-8 Years, Beginning ballet)

    Three Week Session: $65 Preparatory

    Three Week Session: $50 Toddler & me

    Three Week Session: Ballet 1A: $85

    Three Week Session: Ballet 1B: $90

  • August 4-8, 2025

    9:30 AM - 4:30 PM | Full Day | Bluey | Ages 3-6 Years | $400

  • August 11-15, 2025

    9:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Half Day | Moana | Ages 6-9 Years | $250

PreparatoryProgram Directors

Katrina Clarke
Preparatory Program Director

Selah Strong
Assistant Director

  • “I have seen our daughter increase in confidence, express her kind-hearted nature, and really dig in and start to work hard at becoming a better dancer.”

    – Denise Pienias

  • "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

  • "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