Ballet 5:8 Classes Go Virtual Worldwide
Orland Park – The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the rhythm of our everyday lives. Ballet 5:8 is responding by launching a new online dance education platform, Ballet 5:8 NOW, that takes the company’s trusted dance education programs online and into the homes of aspiring dancers around the world. The monthly subscription service is now available for dancers of all ages and levels of ability, as a way to supplement their current training or dance completely at home, at their level and their schedule. Learn more at now.ballet58.org.
“I am a pre-professional student who is committed to growing as a dancer,” shared Maya Moody, an advanced dancer from Montana who uses Ballet 5:8 NOW. “I have also struggled as my area offers little rigorous ballet training. Being able to have access to excellent pre-professional training has given me new hope about my dancing.”
With customizable subscription options featuring videos for all ages and levels of ability (including adults) available 24/7, live classes over Zoom, private lessons, and even devotional videos geared toward Christian dancers, Ballet 5:8 NOW extends Ballet 5:8 signature whole-dancer focused training beyond limitations of time, cost and geography and serves a wide range of needs with segments for 3-year-old budding ballerinas, advanced dancers, and even adults. “Ballet has been done in person for over 400 years,” says Ballet 5:8 Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager. “However, there is a certain charm and flexibility to online learning that ballet can adapt to. Online learning allows space for dancers to train from home, while accessing world class instruction. Ballet 5:8 NOW presents dancers with a gold mine of resources as well as virtual classes that can accelerate growth and provide options aside from a traditional studio setting.”
Lauren Ader Cumpston, a graduate of the Gelsey Kirkland Academy and Studio Company in New York and a former Ballet 5:8 Lead Artist, is returning to Ballet 5:8 staff as an instructor and coach with NOW. “There is a need for high quality ballet instruction as well as training for teachers,” Cumpston shared. “I am extremely excited to be a part of making classical training more accessible, especially to those who may not otherwise have the chance to experience or participate on this level, and in an environment that nurtures each student." Alisa Nipp, a graduate of Belhaven University and Ballet 5:8 Trainee Program alumni who was recently promoted to the Ballet 5:8 company, is coordinating Ballet 5:8 NOW and teaching live classes alongside Cumpston. NOW video content features classes taught by Ballet 5:8 Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager, and professional dancers including Solo Artist Olivia Kruse, Lead Artist Brette Benedict, and others.
ABOUT BALLET 5:8 - Founded in 2012, Ballet 5:8 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization based just outside of Chicago, IL. The mission of Ballet 5:8 is to engage communities in Chicago, the Midwest and across the nation in conversation of life and faith through innovative storytelling and breathtaking dance. Ballet 5:8 promotes thriving artistic communities through dance performance and education.