Valparaiso Grand Opening for Ballet 5:8 School of the Arts
VALPARAISO, IN – "[Ballet 5:8] has helped foster a passion for dance that will stick with the kids, not just be a part of a phase in their childhood,” says Andrea Richart, whose daughter and son both attend classes at Ballet 5:8 School of the Arts’ Valparaiso Campus. Ballet 5:8, a faith-based nonprofit, has been offering dance lessons in a church in Valparaiso since 2016, but… This fall, classes will begin in a new location, a freshly remodeled 22’ x 33’ professional studio at 1155 Marsh Street! Classes begin Monday, August 24, and free trials for new students are ongoing - information is available at school.ballet58.org/Valparaiso or by calling 219-249-1188.
Dance provides an important outlet for social interaction, physical activity, constructive expression, and involvement in the arts. These are important building blocks of healthy kids and healthy communities, but access is limited right now due to current pandemic restrictions. Ballet 5:8 School of the Arts is thrilled to be able to provide space in a safe, socially-distanced environment where local children and youth can both learn to dance and take their technique to the next level. Ballet 5:8 School of the Arts is a member of More Than Just Great Dancing and follows the Safer Studio™ guidelines for dancing safely during the pandemic, including cleaning precautions, social distancing, and mask wearing when social distancing is not possible. Students will temporarily pivot to Ballet 5:8’s online platform if needed due to pandemic conditions throughout the school year.
According to Arlene Cochran, "The greatest gift Ballet 5:8 has given my girls is a Christ based studio with professional dancers who foster a great love and passion for dance to all the sweet kiddos that come their way.” Ballet 5:8 is unique among many other dance studios because of its commitment to excellence while also integrating faith and dance, and maintaining a warm, family-like environment. Rachel Miller, a recent graduate from Anderson University, is now the dedicated Valparaiso Campus Director. She says she is excited to inspire her students “to excellently utilize their talents to glorify God."
The newly renovated Valparaiso studio features professional marley, sprung flooring and mirrors, and an expanded class schedule. Dancers can enroll for the full school year, or in flexible mini-sessions. Classes available starting at age 18 months include Toddler & Me, Ballet, Tap, Modern, Boys Dance, and Adult Ballet. Financial aid is available.
ABOUT BALLET 5:8 - Founded in 2012, Ballet 5:8 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization based in Orland Park, IL. Ballet 5:8’s dance education arm, with locations in Orland Park, Beverly (Chicago), and Valparaiso, IN, serves the Chicago South Suburbs and beyond, making high-quality dance training accessible to students of all ages and levels of ability in a nurturing environment where students thrive.