Why Dance? | James Wainwright

Why Dance? We asked some of our instructors and dancers with the Ballet 5:8 Professional Company and Trainee Program a few questions about they love dance and what they’ve gained from their dance training… and here are the answers!

James Wainwright

James Wainwright is currently a Trainee II with the Ballet 5:8 professional company. He originally joined Ballet 5:8 School of the Arts’ Conservatory Program in 2017.

Why did you start ballet?

I honestly started ballet because my mom just one day signed me up for it. I went to my first class and immediately liked the intricate movement and artistic way of burning energy! From then my love for ballet just skyrocketed.

Why did you stay?

I stayed because I didn’t know anything before, or frankly I still don’t know anything as mentally and physically complicated as ballet. And I enjoy the challenge so much every day. Ballet continues to make me see every day as a new opportunity to create and move in new ways all to glorify God.

What have you learned?

I have learned so much about myself in a ballet class. It’s a way of retaining knowledge that really sticks with me. The biggest thing I’ve learned is how to spend my energy wisely.

What aspects of ballet do you love best?

I love jumps. I enjoy that feeling of beating gravity and that moment of suspense at the top of the jump is the greatest.