Trainee & Conservatory Programs
Classical training. Professional standards.
At the heart of Ballet 5:8 is our classical ballet program, designed to cultivate the next generation of professional dancers. Our rigorous curriculum, taught by distinguished instructors, develops technical clarity and expressive artistry at the highest level.
Studio Company
Conservatory and Trainee dancers combine to perform as the Studio Company. This shared performance track builds stage experience, repertory growth, and rehearsal discipline required for auditions and professional environments.
What Studio Company develops ›
- Rehearsal standards and accountability
- Musical responsibility and timing
- Adaptability across styles and repertory
- Consistency under performance demands
Placement is by audition, with clear progression and defined expectations.
Typically ages 14–17. Dancers progress through the top three levels of the School in a structured, performance-integrated environment.
A one-year intensive for dancers who need focused, remedial work in classical technique before Trainee readiness, with weekly check-ins and goal-setting.
Conservatory Levels I–III (Ages 14–17)
The Conservatory includes the highest three levels of training at the School of Ballet 5:8 for high school–age dancers, typically ages 14–17. Dancers master advanced Vaganova syllabus levels, integrating ballet technique, pointe, pas de deux, contemporary styles, character dance, and more. Cross-training with strength, Pilates, and Progressing Ballet Technique supports the physical demands of modern dance careers.
Conservatory Level I
Placement, coordination, and consistency at increasing pace.
- Placement + alignment
- Coordination + épaulement
- Footwork clarity
Conservatory Level II
Strength, control, and musical responsibility through expanded vocabulary.
- Adagio control
- Turns + stability
- Articulation + speed
Conservatory Level III
Audition-level expectations: versatility and performance readiness.
- Variations + repertory coaching
- Rehearsal standards
- Audition preparation
Conservatory Post-Grad
A one-year intensive for dancers who are already out of high school, committed to training, and seeking focused, remedial work in classical technique prior to Trainee readiness.
- Highly individualized coaching plan
- Weekly check-ins and goal-setting
- Technique rebuilding to address gaps and establish reliable habits
- Purpose: assess whether a professional pathway is appropriate and achievable
- Outcome goal: position dancers for Trainee or Second Company contracts when readiness is achieved
Whole-dancer support
Alongside rigorous classical training, we prioritize mental health and emotional intelligence. Students receive guidance in resilience, communication, self-management, and healthy rehearsal habits.
The work is demanding. Our approach is designed to help dancers meet that demand with clarity and consistency.
Trainee Program
The Trainee Program is the bridge to the Company and the highest level of the School. Trainees train within a professional environment, developing consistency, pace, and rehearsal standards expected in company life.
- Trainees routinely take Company class
- Trainees perform with the Company when cast
- Conservatory and Trainee dancers perform together as the Studio Company
Training focus
- Daily ballet technique, pointe / men’s class
- Repertoire coaching; pas de deux as appropriate
- Contemporary styles and performance studies
- Strength training, Pilates, Progressing Ballet Technique
- Audition preparation and professional development
Men’s coaching and development
Targeted coaching in allegro, partnering, conditioning, and repertory learning—designed to support technical development and professional readiness.
Program components ›
- Men’s Allegro & Variations: Build explosive power, stamina, and control.
- Weight Training & Injury Prevention: Develop strength and conditioning essential for partnering and longevity.
- Partnering Technique: Master safe, seamless partnering through repetition and refinement.
- Choreography Retention: Accelerate learning and memory skills through male-focused repertoire coaching.
- Mentorship by Male Professionals: Mentored by School alumni and Company Artists Christian English and John Szwast, with regular opportunities to work with male guest artists.
Built for advancement ›
Whether transitioning from recreational training or preparing for a collegiate or professional path, the Men’s Program gives dancers the tools, confidence, and mentorship to thrive in today’s ballet world.
Academic support for Conservatory dancers
Conservatory dancers completing high school have multiple options to stay on track academically while training at a serious level.
Local Early Release ›
Many dancers attend area public schools with early release to accommodate training.
Study Space ›
Students are welcome to come to the studios to use our spacious lobby or meeting room to study before their ballet classes.
Online Education (Laurel Springs Partnership) ›
Partnership with accredited Laurel Springs Online School offers flexible online courses tailored for serious dancers, complete with dedicated counselors to support academic success and graduation planning.
Housing options and guidance
We support out-of-area dancers with multiple housing pathways.
Housing assistance through realtor Amber Holup ›
We can help families explore local housing options through our realtor, Amber Holup.
Limited dorm housing available ›
Limited dorm housing may be available (space is limited).
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![Ballet dancers performing on stage with a forest scene backdrop, featuring large trees and green foliage, and a tree trunk prop.]()
"I just want to say a thank you so much. You all have been so incredible and amazing. I love the way you teach. It has been an amazing experience and I’m so thankful for it! Thank you to the teachers for being so personal and being so uplifting and diligent, the critiques and corrections are always fantastic. Everyone is super supportive and loving, and I really love the environment. Thanks so much!"
— Joseph, Conservatory Alumnus
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![Ballet dancers performing on stage with a moonlit backdrop and elegant chandeliers. The focus is on a male and female dancer in the center, dressed in classical ballet costumes, with other ballerinas in tutus dancing in the background.]()
The staff is so kind, but they really push us too! We are valued as individuals, and given corrections and feedback that help us continue to improve each year. They do not overlook any details - but they do it in a really kind way!
– Katelyn Young, Conservatory Alumna
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Ballet 5:8’s Trainee Program offers a beautiful balance of quality technical training necessary to develop strong students and professional performance experience that allows dancers to develop artistry and prepare for the next steps toward a professional career. The community at Ballet 5:8 is warm and welcoming with devoted faculty that care for each individual. I have thrived in this environment and am grateful to belong to a program that is so intentional about their mission and attentive to their dancers.
– Selah Strong, Trainee Alumna
