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.
Dancing For Hope
Orland Park – Just like in the rest of the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has had countless impacts in the dance community as dance companies and schools have closed their physical spaces and gone virtual. Nonetheless, amid weeks and months of dancers taking classes in their kitchens and living rooms, there has been a silver lining: when you take class online, the possibilities for collaboration are limitless. On June 20, Ballet 5:8 is taking advantage of this by hosting a virtual master class series featuring five master teachers from around the U.S. and is extending the invitation to dancers anywhere. The added bonus: dancing for a cause. All of the proceeds will be donated to World Relief. Registration for a single class is $15 and $40 for the full series. For more information and to register, visit ballet58.org/hope.
Can Boys Dance?
The short answer to the question of whether boys can dance is a resounding yes! There are many different kinds of dancing, from ballet to hip hop, and in all of them boys can thrive.
Doing “Everything” At Once
Ms. Brette Benedict tackles the difficulty of remembering combinations, corrections and so much more - all at once!
Breathing for Dancers
Breathing in ballet is a necessity - not just to get you through that Grand Allegro combination, but to enhance your port de bras, develop the dynamics of your movement and bring life to you dancing. Breathing can assist your co-ordination, help you developing control and increasing your stamina (for that Grand Allegro next time!) Let’s look at three examples.
Are You Applying Your Corrections?
Corrections are continually being given to you in ballet class. For most of us it's very common to hear the same one over and over again, whether it is a personal or general correction. Even as a professional dancer, hearing the same correction constantly can get extremely frustrating.
Fuel for Dancing Recipes | Tea Biscuits
“This simple biscuit recipe is relatively quick and easy. Our family would make these when I was growing up and I have fond memories making and eating them. They taste amazing with a little butter and honey!” - Mr. Sam
Remembering Corrections
One of the hardest parts of ballet is remembering and applying corrections. You are thinking about so many different things already that trying to fix corrections can feel overwhelming. It is very important to really listen to each correction that the teacher gives and work to make the changes in your body.
Ballet 5:8 School of the Arts Bringing Hope to Households Through Dance
March 31, ORLAND PARK - “Shelter-in-place” has turned life upside down across the South Suburbs, but Ballet 5:8 is providing an incredible online program that gives students a bit of normal in the midst of the chaos. Nonprofit Ballet 5:8 School of the Arts provides dance education for over 400 students in the Chicago south suburbs and northwest Indiana, and the studio has become a second home to many of them. So when in-person classes were postponed due to COVID-19, the staff at Ballet 5:8 made an ambitious change -- they would transform their organization to meet the changing needs of their students.
Michelle Acke | Beyond the Nutcracker Character Interview
“I perform the Spanish lead with James Wainwright. Spanish is a spicy but joyful piece.” - Studio Company Member, Michelle Acke
Ballet 5:8 Celebrates 5th Anniversary of “Beyond the Nutcracker”
November 14, 2019 ORLAND PARK, IL – As the holidays approach, the sounds of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet score are drifting through Ballet 5:8 studios in anticipation of performances this December - for a fifth year in a row. Ballet School of the Arts, the dance education center of professional performing company Ballet 5:8, originally premiered its signature rendition of The Nutcracker in 2015. Since it’s premiere, the ballet has warmed the hearts of thousands of audience members each year thanks to its delightful combination of classic Nutcracker tradition and the joy of the very first Christmas.
Fuel for Dancing Recipes | Swedish Almond Rusks
“This recipe is another sweet treat that is great for the wintertime with coffee, tea or hot chocolate.”
Miranda Rubio | Beyond the Nutcracker Character Interview
“As much as I love neo-classical or contemporary ballets, there's still this six year old inside of me who looks at that satin dress and jeweled crown and goes ‘Oh yes, this is magical!’” - Second Company Member, Miranda Rubio
Eva Sernas | Beyond the Nutcracker Character Interview
“The happiness and energy that is present during this dance is something that makes me so happy. I adore all of Beyond the Nutcracker, but this dance has a very special place in my heart.” - Studio Company Member, Eva Sernas
Sophia Snider | Beyond the Nutcracker Character Interviews
“Every time I step into character, I am reminded of the constant source of hope we have in Jesus.” - Studio Company Member, Sophia Snider
Fuel for Recipes | Apple Pie
“For November I am going to be sharing my favorite apple pie recipe, seeing as Thanksgiving is right around the corner. This is a family recipe passed down from my great grandmother.” - Instructor and Company Member, Mr. Sam
Grace Rohder | Beyond the Nutcracker Character Interview
“It’s been my dream to dance this role since I was a little girl.” - Studio Company Member, Grace Rohder
Fuel for Dancing Recipes | Quinoa Salad
“October is the start of Ballet 5:8’s touring schedule so, for this month, I will be sharing a quinoa salad that has been a staple for the company in the midst of performing. “ - Company Artist and Instructor, Mr. Sam Opsal
Third Illinois Arts Council Agency Grant Supports Ballet 5:8’s Ongoing Investment in Illinois Communities
October 1, 2019 ORLAND PARK, IL - Ballet Five Eight NFP (Ballet 5:8), a nonprofit arts organization has been awarded a third grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency (IACA): $10,900 for general operating support. The grant will be partially supporting Ballet 5:8 operations between September, 2019 and August, 2020. Ballet 5:8 is committed to investing in Illinois communities, artists and residents through innovative storytelling and breathtaking dance, as well as high-quality, accessible dance education. Ballet 5:8 is looking forward to continuing its work in Illinois in part through this support.