Becoming a Standout Dancer
At Ballet 5:8, we know a lot about the process of becoming a professional dancer. Ballet 5:8 Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager says there are ten key things that dancers need in order to stand out from the crowd.
Valparaiso Ribbon Cutting for Ballet 5:8 School of the Arts
VALPARAISO, IN – “We are thrilled to be serving the Valparaiso area community through high-quality dance classes from a Christian perspective” says Rachel Miller, the Director of Ballet 5:8 School of the Arts Valparaiso Campus. Though Ballet 5:8 has been teaching in Valparaiso since 2016, this fall marks a new chapter for the dance school since outgrowing its former home in a church basement. The Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Ballet 5:8’s new studio at 1155 Marsh Street on Wednesday, October 14 at 4:30pm. The ceremony is free and open to the public; due to social distancing requirements, RSVP is required at ow.ly/2HFD50BIj2A. Learn more about the Valparaiso Campus at school.ballet58.org/valparaiso.
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.
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