The Men’s Program is a focused segment of the Conservatory and Trainee Programs. Men take additional allegro, weight training and partnering classes to match the demands of men’s professional careers.
Sarah Clarke and Samuel Opsal are the Program Directors and are both principal dancers with Ballet 5:8.
The Men’s program focuses on strengthening technique, musicality, effortless partnering, allegro, injury prevention, movement quality and choreography retention.
What to Expect
The Conservatory encompasses the highest three levels of the School of Ballet 5:8. These talented dancers learn the most advanced, technically-challenging levels of the Ballet 5:8 syllabus.
The Ballet 5:8 Conservatory and Men’s Program are a small, exclusive training ground for 25 artists aspiring to careers in professional dance performance and related fields.
Ballet 5:8’s five-week Summer Intensive kicks off the program, with guest faculty from across the nation adding to Mrs. Slager and her incredible team of Faculty to prepare the dancers for the upcoming season. The dance season begins in late August and goes through mid-May. Dancers attend ballet technique daily, Monday - Friday at Ballet 5:8's 12,000 square-foot studios in Orland Park, IL. Dancers participate in Studio Company rehearsals, and a rotation of classes such as and men’s variations, allegro, classical repertoire, modern, improv, weight training, Pilates, Progressing Ballet Technique, port de bras and partnering. Additional academic seminars may include dance history, music theory, anatomy, mental health and injury prevention.
Classes are taught by Ballet 5:8 Faculty and frequent guest instructors in order to provide a wealth of perspective and a wide variety of artistic experiences. Optional wellness events are offered weekly.
Curious about our teaching philosophy? Find out more here.
Classes take place in Ballet 5:8's spacious 12,000 square foot building with five studios, a dedicated cross-training room, ample mirrors, and professional Marley and sprung flooring.
Samuel Opsal
“The staff has been amazing when it has come to making those who are new feel welcome. Along with that, having the patience and time to discuss anything after or before class.”
— Christian, Men’s Program Student
Ballet 5:8 is a place you want to be!
We promote individual attention for each student and an encouraging learning environment.
Our year-round training programs are attended by over 80 students from a range of Chicagoland communities and from across the nation.
Conservatory students have regularly received admission and scholarships at prestigious summer intensive programs including at Alonzo King LINES Ballet, The School of American Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Ballet 5:8, Boston Ballet, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Charlotte Ballet, Houston Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, The Kirov School, Orlando Ballet and Pacific Northwest Ballet.
Housing
As of Fall 2025 housing is available through Trinity College. Students live in suite style apartments with 24hr security, onsite parking, dining options and on-site laundry. More information and pricing will be available on November 1st when audition registrations open.
Academics
Conservatory dancers who are still completing their high school academic studies have many options! Many area public high schools allow early release, which our dancers have used to attend Conservatory classes. Other students study online through accredited courses instead of attending classes at a physical school.
Dancers also now have the option to take college classes through Trinity College.
Laurel Springs Online High School
The School of Ballet 5:8 partners with the accredited Laurel Springs Online School specifically to support Conservatory dancers finishing their high school academic study. Enrollees gain access to a Laurel Springs Partnership High School Counselor who has years of experience with student athletes and setting them up for success after graduation.
Teachers & Staff
Ballet 5:8 Conservatory instructors and staff are all current or former professional dancers. They bring a wealth of technical knowledge and professional performing experience to the program, enabling dancers to make the technical and artistic leap from student to professional. Prestigious guest master teachers also work with the students on a regular basis, providing a well-rounded experience.
Full-Term Enrollment
As an advanced level classical training program, Conservatory enrollment is by full-term only (36 weeks of classes). This allows dancers to access the full benefits of Conservatory syllabus and their training with Ballet 5:8.
Tuition
We are proud to be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a commitment to keeping our programs accessible to aspiring artists from all backgrounds and walks of life. We work to keep operational costs as minimal as possible and rely on the generous support of donors and foundations, as well as ongoing school-wide fundraising. Detailed tuition and payment information is available by request.
Scholarships
Financial aid, work, men's and merit scholarships are available. New students wishing to apply for aid based on financial need must submit our financial aid application form. Because available financial aid is limited, new applicants are encouraged to apply no later than January for the following school year.