Calendar
Performances | Events | Master Classes | Additional Training
See breathtaking performances, and further your training with our intensives and master classes.
American Youth Ballet Festival
What is the American Youth Ballet Festival?
“The American Youth Ballet Festival was created to give elite young artists a non-competitive space to work with master teachers, receive performance feedback and foster relationships within the dance community.”
— Julianna Rubio Slager, Artistic Director
The American Youth Ballet Festival, held in south Chicago, aims to inspire and nurture young dancers through an immersive weekend of master classes, seminars, and performances. By bringing together students and esteemed faculty from renowned institutions, the festival fosters artistic growth, mental well-being, and a sense of community. Our mission is to create an environment where dancers can learn, perform, and connect, encouraging both personal and professional development. Through expert critiques and collaborative opportunities, we strive to elevate the artistry and dedication of each participant, building lasting friendships and memories in the process
The festival will have three levels for classes, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2 and Advanced. Detailed schedules will be released by February 15th, 2025.
Friday, May 2, 2025
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Registration
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Ballet Class
7:45 PM - 8:45 PM: Building Confidence as a Dancer (Seminar)
8:45 PM - 9:45 PM: Dancer Pizza Party | 90s Theme
8:45 PM - 9:45 PM: Teacher Networking
Saturday, May 3, 2025
8:30 AM Doors Open
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Ballet Class
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM: Jazz or Contemporary Class
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM: Lunch Break
1:15 PM - 2:45 PM: Jazz or Modern Class
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Repertoire
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM: Rotating Dinner Break and Tech for Performance
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM: Dinner Break
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Evening Performance & Adjudication
Sunday, May 4, 2025
12:30 PM Doors Open
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Ballet Class
2:45 PM - 4:15 PM: Social-Emotional Learning for Dancers Seminar
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Career Q&A with Guest Faculty
World class teachers, mindset coaches, community connections and lots of fun are key components of this festival. Dancers between the ages of 10-20 years are encouraged to join us! Directors can choose to bring their performance ensembles and teams, or individual dancers may register on their own.
Registration is $150 per dancer for master classes and workshops.
Classes begin on Friday, May 2nd and go through Sunday, May 4th.
There will be separate levels, directors will place students and individuals will be placed by age. Level placement may be adjusted based on faculty recommendation during the event in order to give each dancer the best experience.
See sample schedule.
Critiques are $45 per piece.
You may elect to purchase judges critiques or simply perform for the joy of it.
Each school is limited to three pieces.
Individual dancers are limited to one piece.
Lunch and dinner catering provided, and are optional.
Meals are $15 each and can be purchased at the time of registration.
All meals are provided through Healthy Nation Catering.
Parents may attend the performances, but tickets are limited to two per student.
Seating is limited and will sell out. Purchase tickets early!
Cinder Ella
May 24th at 2pm and 7pm
May 25th at 3pm
Lincoln Way West, New Lenox, IL
This spring, The School Ballet 5:8 and guest artists from Ballet 5:8 will present a brand new story ballet Cinder Ella. Our story centers around Ella, an orphan who is tasked with tending the fire at her stepmother’s home. The fire has scarred her face and arms, and she is seen by those around her as an ugly and unremarkable child. However, Ella’s beauty lies deep within, and is brought to radiant life through an unexpected encounter with the magic of the Giving Tree planted by her mother. Set to the stunning Prokofiev score, you’ll experience the enchantment of Ella's journey, where true beauty shines from within. Join The School of Ballet 5:8 for an unforgettable evening celebrating the power of kindness and character. With a cast of over 300 students and choreography set by Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager, you’ll be swept away by this classic and delightful story.
Cinder Ella
May 24th at 2pm and 7pm
May 25th at 3pm
Lincoln Way West, New Lenox, IL
This spring, The School Ballet 5:8 and guest artists from Ballet 5:8 will present a brand new story ballet Cinder Ella. Our story centers around Ella, an orphan who is tasked with tending the fire at her stepmother’s home. The fire has scarred her face and arms, and she is seen by those around her as an ugly and unremarkable child. However, Ella’s beauty lies deep within, and is brought to radiant life through an unexpected encounter with the magic of the Giving Tree planted by her mother. Set to the stunning Prokofiev score, you’ll experience the enchantment of Ella's journey, where true beauty shines from within. Join The School of Ballet 5:8 for an unforgettable evening celebrating the power of kindness and character. With a cast of over 300 students and choreography set by Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager, you’ll be swept away by this classic and delightful story.
Cinder Ella
May 24th at 2pm and 7pm
May 25th at 3pm
Lincoln Way West, New Lenox, IL
This spring, The School Ballet 5:8 and guest artists from Ballet 5:8 will present a brand new story ballet Cinder Ella. Our story centers around Ella, an orphan who is tasked with tending the fire at her stepmother’s home. The fire has scarred her face and arms, and she is seen by those around her as an ugly and unremarkable child. However, Ella’s beauty lies deep within, and is brought to radiant life through an unexpected encounter with the magic of the Giving Tree planted by her mother. Set to the stunning Prokofiev score, you’ll experience the enchantment of Ella's journey, where true beauty shines from within. Join The School of Ballet 5:8 for an unforgettable evening celebrating the power of kindness and character. With a cast of over 300 students and choreography set by Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager, you’ll be swept away by this classic and delightful story.
School of Ballet 5:8 Graduation
Celebrating Our Students, Honoring Our Graduates 🎉
Join us for a special evening as we celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our students at the School of Ballet 5:8 Graduation Ceremony!
This momentous occasion will recognize the dedication, artistry, and perseverance of each student as they complete their year of training. We will highlight the hard work of our entire student body, present special awards, and honor our Capstone graduates—a remarkable group of dancers who have not only refined their technique but have grown as artists and leaders in our community.
🌟
What to Expect:
✨ Student Recognitions & Awards
🎓 Capstone Graduate Honors
💐 Snacks and Desserts to Share in Celebration!
Come celebrate with us as we send off our graduates to their next steps with gratitude, joy, and anticipation for the future!
Bluey Camp | Half Day
Join us for a week full of adventures inspired by Bluey and Bingo! Your little ones will make new friends, go on exciting imaginary journeys, dance the day away, and create super fun crafts. This camp is perfect for parents looking for an active and engaging environment to inspire their children’s creativity and curiosity during the summer. Campers will build classroom skills, social skills, coordination, rhythm, and imagination while exploring tap, jazz, and ballet. No dance shoes? No worries! Just wear comfy clothes you can move in. Let the magic of Bluey and Bingo spark your child’s creativity and make their summer unforgettable!
Bluey Camp | Full Day
Join us for a week full of adventures inspired by Bluey and Bingo! Your little ones will make new friends, go on exciting imaginary journeys, dance the day away, and create super fun crafts. This camp is perfect for parents looking for an active and engaging environment to inspire their children’s creativity and curiosity during the summer. Campers will build classroom skills, social skills, coordination, rhythm, and imagination while exploring tap, jazz, and ballet. No dance shoes? No worries!
Just wear comfy clothes you can move in.
Let the magic of Bluey and Bingo spark your child’s creativity and make their summer unforgettable!
Emerging Artist Showcase
On March 15th at 2PM, we have our annual Emerging Artist Showcase at the Logan Center in south Chicago.
Join dancers from the Second Company and Studio Company of Ballet 5:8 for a special performance. This evening of dance features choreography created and performed by our talented students.
Master Class | Rachel Hutsell
Master Class | Rachel Hutsell
Join us for ballet technique and classical variations with Rachel Hutsell, former dancer with New York City Ballet. $40 for both classes. Open to intermediate and advanced dancers.
March 1st from 10:00a - 12:30p at the Ballet 5:8 Studios.
Photo of Rachel Hutsell from Dance Spirit Magazine
Ballerina Ball
10:00 AM and 2:00 PM at the Ballet 5:8 Orland Park Campus
Join us for a captivating caregiver and child core memory experience! This special day includes a performance by the Studio Company of Ballet 5:8, caregiver/child dance lesson, photo booth, craft, activities and dessert!
Don't wait to step into a world of whimsy and magic at the extraordinary Ballerina Ball! Invite doting daddies, beautiful daughters, marvelous mothers, and handsome sons to celebrate the magic of dance together. Be sure to secure your tickets as they will sell out!
Two opportunities to experience the Ballerina Ball at 10a and 2pm.
Glute Activation: Strength + Support in Dance
Glute Activation: Strength + Support in Dance
Teacher: Ms. Katrina Clarke
4:30-6p Ballet Technique
Drop In - Hour Class $20 | Drop In - 90mn Class $28
Technique classes are free to year-round School of Ballet 5:8 Students in Level 2A and or higher.
Chicago Audition & Master Class
Audition for Ballet 5:8’s Summer Intensive and Year-Round Programs
10:00-11:30a Ballet Technique
11:30-12p Parent Q&A
Classes will be divided by age. Seyong Kim and Julianna Rubio Slager teaching.
Registration is required if you plan to audition. Please register here.
This class is free to year-round School of Ballet 5:8 Students in Level 2A and or higher.
Ballet 5:8 Audition: South Chicago
South Chicago, January 25th, 2025
Join us for an audition and master class taught by Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager in the gorgeous Ballet 5:8 studios!
Registration: 9:30-10a
Audition Class en Pointe: 10-11:30a
Parent Q&A: 11:30-12p
Ages 10+, if dancers are en pointe they will be asked to do pointe work during the audition. $40 registration fee due at the time of registration to reserve a space in the class.
Audition Essentials #2 | Spring Master Class
Confidence on Stage: Audition Prep #2 + Contemporary Focus
10:00-11:30a Ballet Technique
11:30-12:30p Contemporary
Drop In - Hour Class $20 | Drop In - 90mn Class $28
Technique classes are free to year-round School of Ballet 5:8 Students in Level 2A and or higher.
Ballet 5:8 Audition: Birmingham
Birmingham, January 18th, 2025
Join us for an audition and master class taught by Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager in the beautiful Briarwood Ballet studios!
Registration: 9:30-10a
Audition Class en Pointe: 10-11:30a
Parent Q&A: 11:30-12:00p
Ages 10+, if dancers are en pointe they will be asked to do pointe work during the audition. $40 registration fee due at the time of registration to reserve a space in the class.
S.M.A.R.T Goals | Spring Master Class
Setting SMART Goals: Achieving Excellence in Ballet with Ms. Valerie Linsner
4:30-6p Ballet Technique
Drop In - Hour Class $20 | Drop In - 90mn Class $28
Technique classes are free to year-round School of Ballet 5:8 Students in Level 2A and or higher.
MLK Day | NO Essentials Class
No Essentials class this week. Happy Martin Luther King Day!
Audition Essentials #1 | Spring Master Class
Polish Your Performance: Audition Essentials + Repertoire with Ms. Sarah Clarke
10:00-11:30a Ballet Technique
11:30-12:30p Repertoire
Drop In - Hour Class $20 | Drop In - 90mn Class $28
Technique classes are free to year-round School of Ballet 5:8 Students in Level 2A and or higher.
Ballet 5:8 Audition: Detroit
Detroit, January 11th, 2025
Join us for an audition and master class taught by Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager in the beautiful Northville Ballet studios!
Registration: 9:30-10a
Audition Class en Pointe: 10-11:30a
Parent Q&A: 11:30-12p
Ages 10+, if dancers are en pointe they will be asked to do pointe work during the audition. $40 registration fee due at the time of registration to reserve a space in the class.
Snowflakes & Slippers
You’re invited to our Winter Open House, January 6th-11th! More details and class times here.
We’re hosting a Cinder Ella themed week for dancers from the Lincoln-Way area to come and experience the magic of the School of Ballet 5:8!
Ballet 5:8 Audition: Nashville
Nashville, January 4th, 2025
Join us for an audition and master class taught by School Principal Miranda Rubio Opsal at Nashville Ballet in the beautiful state of Tennessee.
Registration: 2:30-3:00p
Audition Class: 3-4:30p
Parent Q&A: 4:30-5:00p
Ages 10+, if dancers are en pointe they will be asked to do pointe work during the audition. $40 registration fee due at the time of registration to reserve a space in the class.
Ballet 5:8 Audition: School of American Ballet
New York City, January 4th, 2025
Join us for an audition and master class taught by Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager in the heart of NYC at the School of American Ballet.
Registration: 9:30-10a
Audition Class en Pointe: 10-11:30a
Ages 12+, dancers must be en pointe to audition. $40 registration fee due at the time of registration to reserve a space in the class.
Beyond the Nutcracker 2024
The School of Ballet 5:8 Presents Beyond the Nutcracker
Embark on an incredible journey for the School of Ballet 5:8’s 10th Anniversary performance of Beyond the Nutcracker. Join Emma and Uncle Abrahms as they experience a miraculous journey through time to discover what Christmas is all about.
Immerse yourself in the magical choreography of Ballet 5:8 Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager, featuring over 300 students alongside the Ballet 5:8 Second Company.
Performances
December 21st at 2pm and 7pm
December 22nd at 3pm
Beyond the Nutcracker 2024
The School of Ballet 5:8 Presents Beyond the Nutcracker
Embark on an incredible journey for the School of Ballet 5:8’s 10th Anniversary performance of Beyond the Nutcracker. Join Emma and Uncle Abrahms as they experience a miraculous journey through time to discover what Christmas is all about.
Immerse yourself in the magical choreography of Ballet 5:8 Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager, featuring over 300 students alongside the Ballet 5:8 Second Company.
Performances
December 21st at 2pm and 7pm
December 22nd at 3pm
Beyond the Nutcracker 2024
The School of Ballet 5:8 Presents Beyond the Nutcracker
Embark on an incredible journey for the School of Ballet 5:8’s 10th Anniversary performance of Beyond the Nutcracker. Join Emma and Uncle Abrahms as they experience a miraculous journey through time to discover what Christmas is all about.
Immerse yourself in the magical choreography of Ballet 5:8 Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager, featuring over 300 students alongside the Ballet 5:8 Second Company.
Performances
December 21st at 2pm and 7pm
December 22nd at 3pm
Youth Division Winter Showcase
Join us for an enchanting ballet performance from the School of Ballet 5:8’s Youth Division and Preparatory 1 performing and opening for “Beyond the Nutcracker.” Experience the joy as talented students showcase their hard work and creativity in this captivating show. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the weekend with beautiful choreography, inspiring performances, and the joy of dance. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the next generation of dancers shine on stage!
December 21st | 10:00 - 10:30 AM
Beyond the Nutcracker Tea | 1:30p
Beyond the Nutcracker Tea: A Sensory-Friendly Holiday Adventure
Step into the enchanting world of Beyond the Nutcracker with Ballet 5:8’s sensory-friendly tea party! This 60-minute performance invites children and families to experience holiday magic with all the joy of dance and none of the usual restrictions. Held at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., this delightful event brings ballet to life with an atmosphere that welcomes little ones to move, clap, and dance along as they wish!
Beyond the Nutcracker Tea #1
Step into the enchanting world of Beyond the Nutcracker with Ballet 5:8’s sensory-friendly tea party! This 60-minute performance invites children and families to experience holiday magic with all the joy of dance and none of the usual restrictions. Held at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., this delightful event brings ballet to life with an atmosphere that welcomes little ones to move, clap, and dance along as they wish!
Classical Variations
Do you love variations? Learn a variation and work on perfecting it in this one hour master class that develops your capabilities as a soloist.
Mastering Pirouettes
Join Mrs. Julianna for a pirouette master class! She’ll touch on balance, coordination, spotting, eyelines, core engagement and more! If you want to level-up your turns this is the class for you. Don’t miss out!
School of American Ballet Workshop
Join Katrina Killian and Craig Hall at this incredible workshop on the School of American Ballet technique. The classes will be from approximately 9a-12p and are for intermediate and advanced dancers. Hosted by the School of Ballet 5:8, Julianna Rubio Slager, an SAB National Visiting Fellow, will co-host the event.
Taking Barre for Recover
Many dancers have phases of returning from an injury that require special attention and modifications at barre. This one hour workshop will focus on teaching students how to use barre to rehabilitate after an injury. This course is so valuable, whether you are injured or not, as injury will show up in every dancer’s life to some extent.
Coping with Stress Seminar with Danscend
Ballet 5:8 and Danscend present a workshop Danscend’s mission is to bring mental wellness to the forefront of performing arts training by providing a space for education, application, and community to performers, educators, and professionals.
Pas de Deux (Adagio)
Join us for a master class on Pas de Deux! Women must be on pointe for at least two years in order to attend.