Calendar
Performances | Events | Master Classes | Additional Training
See breathtaking performances, and further your training with our intensives and master classes.
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 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
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!
Cinder Ella
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.
May 24th at 2pm and 7pm
May 25th at 3pm
Cinder Ella
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.
May 24th at 2pm and 7pm
May 25th at 3pm
Cinder Ella
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.
May 24th at 2pm and 7pm
May 25th at 3pm
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.
Core Control in Ballet
Join Mrs. Julianna's Master Class on breath control and using your core muscles in ballet class!
Technique Essentials | Sept 30
September 30th
Theme: Balances and Pirouettes
Teacher: Sarah Clarke, Conservatory Program Director
A weekly open technique class taught by the best teachers at the School of Ballet 5:8. Come learn the secrets to the signature Ballet 5:8 style and movement quality. This class will focus on essentials like turnout, plie coordination, foot articulation, musicality, and more. The class is open to dancers age 11+ and is suitable for School of Ballet 5:8 dancers in Ballet 2A or higher.
Location: Ballet 5:8 Studios, 11545 183rd Pl. Suite 101, Orland Park, IL 60467
Fees:
Drop In - 60mn Class $20
Drop In - 90mn Class $28
Dress Code for Ladies: Solid colored leotard and pink or skin-toned tights with corresponding shoes.
Dress Code for Men: Black tights, white shirt, white shoes, white socks.
Composition for Choreography
Do you think you’d like to choreograph some day? Join Mrs. Julianna for a composition class that covers the basics of how she creates a ballet. Learn the elements needed to create a moving and technically engaging piece of dance.
Location: Ballet 5:8 Studios, 11545 183rd Pl. Suite 101, Orland Park, IL 60467
Fees:
Drop In - 60mn Class $20
Drop In - 90mn Class $28
Dress Code for Ladies: Solid colored leotard and pink or skin-toned tights with corresponding shoes. Warm-ups welcome for this class only.
Dress Code for Men: Black tights, white shirt, white shoes, white socks. Warm-ups welcome for this class only.
Technique Essentials | Sept 28
September 28th
Theme: School of American Ballet Technique
Teacher: Mrs. Julianna Rubio Slager, Artistic Director
A weekly open technique class taught by the best teachers at the School of Ballet 5:8. Come learn the secrets to the signature Ballet 5:8 style and movement quality. This class will focus on essentials like turnout, plie coordination, foot articulation, musicality, and more. The class is open to dancers age 11+ and is suitable for School of Ballet 5:8 dancers in Ballet 2A or higher.
Location: Ballet 5:8 Studios, 11545 183rd Pl. Suite 101, Orland Park, IL 60467
Fees:
Drop In - 60mn Class $20
Drop In - 90mn Class $28
Dress Code for Ladies: Solid colored leotard and pink or skin-toned tights with corresponding shoes.
Dress Code for Men: Black tights, white shirt, white shoes, white socks.
Interested in learning how to create choreography? Stay for our 11:30-12:30p Master Class.
Technique Essentials | Sept 23
September 23rd
Theme: Coordinating Eyelines and Port de Bra
Teacher: Valerie Linsner, Pre-Professional Program Director
A weekly open technique class taught by the best teachers at the School of Ballet 5:8. Come learn the secrets to the signature Ballet 5:8 style and movement quality. This class will focus on essentials like turnout, plie coordination, foot articulation, musicality, and more. The class is open to dancers age 11+ and is suitable for School of Ballet 5:8 dancers in Ballet 2A or higher.
Location: Ballet 5:8 Studios, 11545 183rd Pl. Suite 101, Orland Park, IL 60467
Fees:
Drop In - 60mn Class $20
Drop In - 90mn Class $28
Dress Code for Ladies: Solid colored leotard and pink or skin-toned tights with corresponding shoes.
Dress Code for Men: Black tights, white shirt, white shoes, white socks.
Break | NO Essentials or Master Class
No Essentials or Master Classes on September 21st. See you on Monday!
Technique Essentials | Sept 16
September 16th
Theme: Dynamics in Ballet
Teacher: Ms. Autumn Stull, Pre-Professional Program Assistant Director
A weekly open technique class taught by the best teachers at the School of Ballet 5:8. Come learn the secrets to the signature Ballet 5:8 style and movement quality. This class will focus on essentials like turnout, plie coordination, foot articulation, musicality, and more. The class is open to dancers age 11+ and is suitable for School of Ballet 5:8 dancers in Ballet 2A or higher.
Location: Ballet 5:8 Studios, 11545 183rd Pl. Suite 101, Orland Park, IL 60467
Fees:
Drop In - 60mn Class $20
Drop In - 90mn Class $28
Dress Code for Ladies: Solid colored leotard and pink or skin-toned tights with corresponding shoes.
Dress Code for Men: Black tights, white shirt, white shoes, white socks.
Learn La Llorona Choreography
Learn La Llorona choreography with Ms. Libby Dennen. Enjoy the unique blend of folklorico and contemporary ballet that is a signature of Mrs. Julianna Rubio Slager. Develop your range of technique and artistry through this exciting opportunity!
Location: Ballet 5:8 Studios, 11545 183rd Pl. Suite 101, Orland Park, IL 60467
Fees:
Drop In - 60mn Class $20
Drop In - 90mn Class $28
Dress Code for Ladies: Solid colored leotard and pink or skin-toned tights with corresponding shoes.
Dress Code for Men: Black tights, white shirt, white shoes, white socks.
Technique Essentials | Sept 14
September 14th
Theme: Picking up Choreography Quickly
Teacher: Ms. Libby Dennen, Second Company Director
A weekly open technique class taught by the best teachers at the School of Ballet 5:8. Come learn the secrets to the signature Ballet 5:8 style and movement quality. This class will focus on essentials like turnout, plie coordination, foot articulation, musicality, and more. The class is open to dancers age 11+ and is suitable for School of Ballet 5:8 dancers in Ballet 2A or higher.
Location: Ballet 5:8 Studios, 11545 183rd Pl. Suite 101, Orland Park, IL 60467
Fees:
Drop In - 60mn Class $20
Drop In - 90mn Class $28
Dress Code for Ladies: Solid colored leotard and pink or skin-toned tights with corresponding shoes.
Dress Code for Men: Black tights, white shirt, white shoes, white socks.
Interested in learning Ballet 5:8 Repertoire by Julianna Rubio Slager? Stay for our 11:30-12:30p Master Class.
Technique Essentials | Sept 9
September 9th
Theme: Plie Coordination
Teacher: Mrs. Katrina Clarke, Preparatory Program Director
A weekly open technique class taught by the best teachers at the School of Ballet 5:8. Come learn the secrets to the signature Ballet 5:8 style and movement quality. This class will focus on essentials like turnout, plie coordination, foot articulation, musicality, and more. The class is open to dancers age 11+ and is suitable for School of Ballet 5:8 dancers in Ballet 2A or higher.
Location: Ballet 5:8 Studios, 11545 183rd Pl. Suite 101, Orland Park, IL 60467
Fees:
Drop In - 60mn Class $20
Drop In - 90mn Class $28
Dress Code for Ladies: Solid colored leotard and pink or skin-toned tights with corresponding shoes.
Dress Code for Men: Black tights, white shirt, white shoes, white socks.
Pas de Deux Master Class | Sept 7
September 7th
Theme: Pas de Deux
Teacher: Mr. Samuel Opsal, Trainee Program Director
Explore the art of pas de deux from the incredible Mr. Samuel Opsal. He has over 10 years of partnering experience in a professional setting and has launched many of his students into successful pas de deux roles in their professional careers.
Female dancers must be en pointe for over a year in order to attend this class. We reserve the right to ask ladies to observe if they are not strong enough for pas de deux work.
Location: Ballet 5:8 Studios, 11545 183rd Pl. Suite 101, Orland Park, IL 60467
Fees:
Drop In - 60mn Class $20
Drop In - 90mn Class $28
Dress Code for Ladies: Solid colored leotard and pink or skin-toned tights with corresponding pointe shoes.
Dress Code for Men: Black tights, white shirt, white shoes, white socks.
Technique Essentials | Sept 7
September 7th
Theme: Anatomy of Turnout
Teacher: Mr. Samuel Opsal, Trainee Program Director
A weekly open technique class taught by the best teachers at the School of Ballet 5:8. Come learn the secrets to the signature Ballet 5:8 style and movement quality. This class will focus on essentials like turnout, plie coordination, foot articulation, musicality, and more. The class is open to dancers age 11+ and is suitable for School of Ballet 5:8 dancers in Ballet 2A or higher.
Location: Ballet 5:8 Studios, 11545 183rd Pl. Suite 101, Orland Park, IL 60467
Fees:
Drop In - 60mn Class $20
Drop In - 90mn Class $28
Dress Code for Ladies: Solid colored leotard and pink or skin-toned tights with corresponding shoes.
Dress Code for Men: Black tights, white shirt, white shoes, white socks.
Interested in Pas de Deux? Stay for our 11:30-12:30p Master Class.
Fall for Dance Open House
Join us for a week of amazing classes, prizes and back to school shopping! The School of Ballet 5:8 Fall for Dance Open House is August 12th, 13th and 15th.
New students can come for an audition class, and returning students come get fitted for your new shoes and leotards! We can’t wait to see you and look forward to classes starting for the 2024-2025 School Year.
Live on the Lawn
Join Ballet 5:8 at the New Lenox Commons for their final week of Live on the Lawn. 6:00 PM performance.
The Future is NOW
Showtime | 7:30 PM
Tickets | $15-$30
Venue Details
Lincoln Way East High School
201 Colorado Avenue
Frankfort, IL, 60423
Parking available on site.
Enter at Door #40 for the Performing Arts Center
6:30 PM | Box Office Opens
7:00 PM | House Opens
7:30 PM | Curtain
Late Seating not permitted
Pay What You Can tickets available
Adult Summer Intensive
Are you a passionate adult ballet dancer or teacher who wants to spend a weekend learning and growing this summer? Look no further! Ballet 5:8's new Adult Ballet Summer Intensive includes ballet classes taught by Julianna Rubio Slager and the exceptional Ballet 5:8 faculty. Classes include ballet, repertoire, pointe/pre-pointe, contemporary, Progressing Ballet Technique, strength training and seminars on fueling for dance, safe stretching for adults, and a variety of other topics to support your dance journey.
Toymaker
LINCOLN-WAY WEST HIGH SCHOOL, NEW LENOX
Performances
Saturday, May 25 | 2:00 PM
Saturday, May 25 | 7:00 PM
Sunday, May 26 | 3:00 PM
Step into the enchanting world of Toymaker, where the vibrant town of Marisol sets the stage for a captivating ballet created by Julianna Rubio Slager. Curiosity drives young Nadia to uncover the secrets of the legendary Toymaker, leading her on a mesmerizing quest. From the magical Woodlands to the Toymaker's workshop filled with exquisite, life-sized dolls, witness the moment they come alive and the turmoil that ensues. Set to the enchanting score by Leo Delibes, this ballet is an ode to the beloved classic, Coppélia.
As the dolls strive to become real like Nadia, they face the devious Mayor Kratz and a selfless act of love that changes everything. Experience the power of forgiveness and acceptance as the Toymaker extends an invitation to freedom, and join the talented students from across the United States who have come to dance at the School of Ballet 5:8 on an extraordinary journey filled with captivating choreography, evocative music, and the artistry of storytelling that will ignite your imagination and touch your heart.
24/25 Audition
Dear Parents and Dancers,
We extend a warm invitation to you and your dancer to attend our upcoming Open House event, where you will have the opportunity to explore the School of Ballet 5:8’s Pre-Professional and Conservatory Programs.
Date: May 11th
Time: 1:30-3p
The School of Ballet 5:8 Orland Park Campus, 11545 183rd Place, Orland Park, IL 60467
12yr+ Audition Class & Scholarship Awards | 1:30-3p, students who are studying en pointe should bring pointe shoes. Dancers will audition for the Pre-Professional and Conservatory programs, and will be considered for merit scholarships for the 24/25 season. New students interested in the program are required to audition. Current students will be considered for placement and for scholarships during their spring exams.
Email our Front Desk to register.
We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to dance with you!
Audition for the School of Ballet 5:8 | Ages 9-11
Do you have a dancer who is ready to take their training to the next leel? Let The School of Ballet 5:8 be their guide to turning passion into precision. Our renowned curriculum and dedicated instructors have been honed over time to nurture budding talent into polished performers.
Join us for auditions for our 2024-2025 programs on May 11th and receive a complimentary assessment of your child's dance abilities. Prior experience is required for ages 9-11 years. We'll be evaluating dancers based on their current technique level, classroom skills, sense of rhythm, and coachability.
9-11yr Audition Class | 12:30-1:30p, prior experience encouraged
Reserve your spot today by emailing the Front Desk and let the artistry of dance ignite your child's passion and creativity.
This opportunity is perfect for parents eager to support their child's passion for dance but unsure of the next steps in their training journey. Our team is here to provide guidance and support every step of the way, ensuring your young ballet dancer thrives in their artistic pursuits.
Boys and girls alike are encouraged to attend! Let's embark on this journey together, shaping dreams into graceful reality at The School of Ballet 5:8.