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. Our Fall Semester begins on August 25th, 2025.

Children in colorful costumes performing a dance on stage with a painted village background.

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.

  • Dynamic Performances: Dancers perform twice a year, winter and spring. Depending on their level, they perform either in Beyond the Nutcracker or the Winter Showcase as well as the Spring Performance. Costume fees are included in tuition.

¿Habla español?
Si tiene preguntas o necesita materiales en español, comuníquese con Britany. Con gusto le ayudará. Puede escribirle a bvasquez@ballet58.org o pedir hablar con ella en la recepción.

A young boy in a white shirt and black pants jumping into a red hula hoop held by a man lying on the floor, both in a dance studio.

Program Breakdown:

  • Toddler & Me (Ages 2–3): Dance and bond together in this upbeat class designed for early childhood development. Toddler and Me enrollment is for 9 week sessions.

  • Preparatory 1 (Age 3): Explore movement, rhythm, and creativity through ballet-based play. Students enroll for one semester at a time, and are welcome to do both!

  • Preparatory 2 (Age 4): Build on fundamentals with more structured ballet concepts and musicality. Students enroll for one semester at a time, and are welcome to do both!

  • Preparatory 3 (Age 5): Begin formal training using the Vaganova syllabus in a joyful and accessible way. Students enroll for one semester at a time, and are welcome to do both!

  • Ballet 1A (Age 6+): Your dancer’s first full ballet class—technique, artistry, and fun all in one. Two semester enrollment required to pass the level.

  • 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. Two semester enrollment required to pass the level.

  • 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. Boys scholarships are available for this age group.

  • 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.

Two young girls in ballet costumes sitting on the floor in a dance studio with ballet barres on the wall.

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)

    July 28th - August 15th

    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

Black and white portrait of a smiling woman with earrings, wearing a sleeveless top.

Preparatory Program Directors

Black and white portrait of a smiling woman with her hair in a bun, wearing earrings and a sleeveless top.

Katrina Clarke
Preparatory Program Director

Selah Strong
Assistant Director

  • A ballet dance performance featuring nine young dancers in peach tutus with floral headpieces, performing on stage with a forest backdrop projected behind them.

    “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

  • Ballet dancers on stage in front of a backdrop of a painted cathedral interior with stained glass windows.

    "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

  • Five young girls in ballet costumes performing on stage, with a forest-themed background projection.

    "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