Pre-Professional Program

Are you ready to take your dancing to the next level? Our Pre-Professional Program is an exciting step for young dancers looking to study classical ballet at an elite level.

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The Program

Our Pre-Professional Program includes ballet technique, pointe, variations, jazz, modern and Progressing Ballet Technique.

Pre-Professional program classes teach crucial, foundational building blocks for classical ballet training. In addition to training in ballet, supplementary classes such as modern and jazz shape a versatile, well-rounded dancer.

  • Students in Ballet 2A & 2B begin their pre-professional journey and advance to two days a week of classes. Dancers work through the advanced beginner Vaganova syllabus which includes a healthy dose of fun and dance science. Instructor placement is required. Dancers participate in Junior Ensemble and perform in Beyond the Nutcracker and the Spring Production. 36 week commitment, 9 tuition payments.

    Tuition information available by request. Placement in this program is by audition only.

  • Ballet 3A students are accomplished intermediate students who are working toward going en pointe. In Ballet 3B student take their first year en pointe.The three days of classes each week included a daily ballet class and pre-pointe. Students also take modern, jazz, Progressing Ballet Technique and classical variations on a rotating schedule. Instructor placement is required. Class meets Tuesdays, Thursday, and Fridays 36-week commitment, with 9 tuition payments. Performance and costume fees are included. Performs in Beyond The Nutcracker, two repertoire showcases, and the Spring Production.

    Tuition information available by request. Placement in this program is by audition only.

  • Ballet 4A & 4B are the upper levels of our Pre-Professional Program. The dancers at this level are serious ballet students and are often pursuing college or career paths in dance. Students in this program train four days per week and have ample opportunities to perform. Classes include a daily ballet and pointe class, with modern, jazz, progressing ballet technique, and classical variations taught on a rotating schedule. Instructor placement is required. Class meets Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Enrollment commitment is 36 weeks. Performance and costume fees are included. Performs in Beyond The Nutcracker, two repertoire showcases and the Spring Production.

    Tuition information available by request. Placement in this program is by audition only.

  • This class is the entry-level class for young men in the pre-professional program. Students will develop valuable discipline, strength, agility, and teamwork abilities. Enrollment commitment is 36 weeks. 9 tuition payments. Performance fee included. Performs in Beyond The Nutcracker and the Spring Production. Instructor Placement is required.

    Tuition information available by request. Placement in this program is by audition only.

  • This class is for young men with some experience in the pre-professional program. Students will develop valuable discipline, strength, agility, and teamwork abilities. The enrollment commitment is 36 weeks, 9 tuition payments. Performance fee included. Performs in Beyond The Nutcracker and the Spring Production. Instructor Placement is required.

    Tuition information available by request. Placement in this program is by audition only.

  • A weekly master class taught by the best teachers at the School of Ballet 5:8. Come learn the secrets to the signature Ballet 5:8 style and movement quality. This class will focus on essentials like turnout, plie coordination, foot articulation, musicality, and more. The class is open to any dancers ages 11+ and is suitable for B58S dancers in Ballet 3A or higher. $22 drop in fee

    Monday | 4:30-6:00pm

Interested in Enrolling?

Contact us at 708.329.8773 or schooloffice@ballet58.org

Want to experience the Ballet 5:8 style of training? Register for our annual Summer Intensive to see what makes our training so unique.

“I have seen my girls completely transform, not only in their skills as a dancer, but in their overall confidence and emotional security. The girls are like a big family, always there to support one another. What an accomplishment to now see my girls dancing on pointe shoes!”

- Bonnie Ehlers

Performing Opportunities in Ensemble

The Ensemble Program allows dancers to perform throughout the school year while also developing crucial professional skills specific to learning choreography, navigating the rehearsal process, and performing. 

Performance opportunities in Ensemble include roles in the School of Ballet 5:8's two full-length original productions each year, and in outreach performances. We believe that performing in both theater and outreach settings are crucial aspects of a dancer’s training, helping them grow into well-rounded dancers.

Only students enrolled in the Pre-Professional Program may participate in Ensemble.

Why Dance with Ballet 5:8?

Our goal is to provide the highest quality classical training, in a nurturing environment where students thrive.

Level Placement

Level placement in the Pre-Professional program is determined by ability, not by age! Dancers take graded Vaganova exams each year to assist with their comprehensive classical ballet training. Examinations measure student proficiency in a wide range of areas including proper placement, coordination, knowledge of the syllabus material, ability to correctly perform the syllabus material, musicality, and artistic performance. Students are advanced to the next level based on exam score and faculty recommendation.

Evaluation

Dancers in each level receive individualized evaluation from their instructors twice a year. At the end of the year we formally evaluate or students progress during Exam Week. Exam results are graded and distributed to students and parents along with individual feedback and level placement for the following year.

Scholarships

Some financial aid, work, men's and merit scholarships are available. New students wishing to apply for aid based on financial need must submit our financial aid application form.