Summer Intensive 2027
Come ready to work.
Leave ready for more.
Strong technique. Individual artistry. A summer that challenges you—and a community that knows your name.
A summer that moves you forward.
Build the strength, musicality, and confidence to approach your next season with greater clarity.
Strengthen your technique
Study ballet, pointe or men’s work, and classical repertoire through level-appropriate progressions and individual corrections.
Expand your artistry
Explore contemporary movement, musical phrasing, character, and new choreography. Develop thoughtful choices in your dancing.
Train the whole artist
Build strength and control through conditioning, Pilates, and Progressing Ballet Technique, alongside coaching in wellness and performance.
Learn the details that make a difference.
Our syllabus combines the clear progressions of Vaganova training with influences from the School of American Ballet and the teaching legacy of Marcia Dale Weary.
Connect precise footwork, coordinated movement, musical sensitivity, and expressive performance with faculty who pay attention to your progress.
“I received good personal attention and corrections from all the teachers, and was encouraged by all the faculty.”
— Bethany Wolek
Fresh perspectives.
Personal attention.
Learn from visiting artists who bring their experience, creative approaches, and professional insights into the studio.
Our guest faculty joins Ballet Five Eight’s resident faculty to challenge your technique and expand your artistic range.
Steven Melendez
Danielle Diniz
Lauren King
Adrian Blake Mitchell
Veronica Ramirez Casanova
Guest artists teach during designated portions of the summer. Faculty participation varies by session.
2027 tuition & housing
Choose a two-, three-, or five-week program. Housing is optional for eligible students. Compare tuition and housing below.
Five weeks
$2,500
$500 per week in tuition
More time to apply corrections, build consistency, and develop confidence through sustained training.
Optional housing: $2,500
Tuition + housing: $5,000
Three weeks
$1,800
$600 per week in tuition
An extended period of focused training to deepen technique and explore your artistic range.
Optional housing: $2,000
Tuition + housing: $3,800
Two weeks
$1,300
$650 per week in tuition
Concentrated training for dancers balancing summer study with other commitments.
Optional housing: $1,500
Tuition + housing: $2,800
Year-round Ballet Five Eight students
Year-round Ballet Five Eight students receive a reduced tuition rate. Please inquire at the front desk for details.
Scholarships and financial aid are available. Explore assistance options or contact the School office to discuss your family’s questions.
Combined totals are the sum of tuition and optional housing. Tuition deposit: $500. Housing deposit: $200 for housing students. Review payment terms during registration.
Need help matching your availability to a session? Email schooloffice@ballet58.org .
Settle in. Make friends. Focus on dancing.
Supervised housing at the University of St. Francis gives dancers a place to recharge and connect beyond the studio.
Shared meals, time with fellow dancers, and organized activities help turn summer training into a community experience.
Housing is available for students ages 11 and older by May 1, 2027. Local students may commute.
Included in the housing package
- Supervised, dorm-style accommodations.
- Three meals each day.
- Daily transportation between housing and studios.
- Airport pickup and drop-off at Chicago Midway and O’Hare on designated dates.
Plan with confidence
Share dietary restrictions, allergies, and medical needs with the School office before arrival to discuss arrangements.
Confirm airport transportation dates with the School office before purchasing flights.
Email schooloffice@ballet58.org with questions.
Housing rates: $2,500 for five weeks, $2,000 for three weeks, and $1,500 for two weeks. Housing for the Choreography or Pas de Deux Intensive is $750 per intensive.
“I am completely confident that she will be well cared for, safe, and that she will grow in ways that help her meet her goals for dance.”
— Amanda Lewallen, Summer Intensive parent
New friendships.
New experiences.
A summer to remember.
Some of your favorite summer moments happen between the classes.
Meet dancers who share your dedication, celebrate each other’s progress, and enjoy time together outside the studio.
From a group outing to a conversation over dinner, these everyday moments help dancers feel connected while they grow in confidence and independence.
A little adventure belongs in your summer, too.
Train in Chicago’s Southland and experience the city through organized weekend trips. From its lakefront and parks to its art and architecture, Chicago offers memorable places to explore.
Weekend outings give dancers a chance to enjoy time together, discover something new, and return to the studio refreshed.
Contact the School office for the planned outing schedule, participation details, and any additional activity costs.
A place to work hard and be respected.
Ballet Five Eight is rooted in Christian faith. Our mission is to spark discussion on life, faith, and human dignity through powerful storytelling and breathtaking dance.
We welcome dancers of all backgrounds and beliefs. Students do not need to share our faith to train here. We approach each dancer as a person worthy of dignity, thoughtful instruction, and respect.
In the studio, that means clear expectations, meaningful feedback, and encouragement to ask questions and develop your own artistic voice.
Participation in faith-based activities is optional. These activities take place outside regular intensive hours and are not required for participation in the program.
Start with an audition.
Audition in person on our national tour or submit a video. Both pathways begin with the School of Ballet Five Eight application in DanceApply.
Step 1
Choose your audition
Find an in-person location that works for your family, or choose the video option.
View locations & times →Step 2
Prepare your materials
Include a headshot and a full-body photo in first arabesque, en pointe if applicable. Video applicants should follow the instructions in the application.
Step 3
Apply through DanceApply
Use the School application for Summer Intensive. Read your audition listing and complete the required information.
Open the School application →“The high standard of ballet training along with the attention to individuality is rare. I would recommend this summer program to any student.”
— Sarah Lane, past Summer Intensive guest faculty
Your summer questions, answered.
Who is the Summer Intensive designed for?
The Summer Intensive serves dancers ages 11–18. Three to four years of classical ballet training is recommended, along with a willingness to work, receive corrections, and try new approaches. Younger dancers can explore Fast Track for ages 8–11 , which does not require an audition.
Where does training take place?
Classes take place at Ballet Five Eight’s studios: 11545 183rd Place, Suite 101, Orland Park, IL 60467. Housing is located separately at the University of St. Francis.
How do we choose between two, three, and five weeks?
Consider your dancer’s goals, readiness for time away, family schedule, and budget. Five weeks offers the lowest weekly tuition and more time to apply corrections. Shorter sessions offer focused training within a smaller time commitment. Contact the School office for help matching your dates to a session.
How are dancers placed in levels?
Placement takes place through a class on the first day. Faculty consider technical strength, coordination, attentiveness, and retention. Placement reflects training needs rather than age or a dancer’s level at another school.
What will my dancer study?
Training includes ballet, pointe or men’s work, repertoire, contemporary movement, conditioning, and artistic development. Classes are adapted to each level. Advanced dancers may study partnering where appropriate.
Will my dancer study with every guest artist?
Guest artists teach during designated portions of the summer. Your dancer’s faculty experience will depend on session dates and level. Contact the School office if you are planning around a particular guest artist.
Will there be a performance opportunity?
Two-, three-, and five-week students participate in an end-of-program showcase. Rehearsals help dancers apply their training through repertoire, ensemble work, and performance preparation.
Can local students commute?
Yes. Housing is optional. Commuting students pay tuition and arrange their own daily transportation to and from the Orland Park studios.
What does the housing package include?
Supervised dorm-style accommodations, three meals daily, transportation between housing and studios, and airport transportation on designated dates. Housing is available for dancers ages 11 and older by May 1, 2027.
Which airports should we use?
Airport transportation is available through the housing program for Chicago Midway and O’Hare on designated dates. Confirm arrangements with the School office before booking flights.
What happens outside class?
Housing students spend time together through shared meals and organized activities. Weekend trips offer opportunities to explore Chicago and enjoy time away from the studio. Ask the School office about the outing schedule, participation details, and additional activity costs.
What if my dancer has allergies or medical needs?
Contact the School office before registration to discuss dietary restrictions, allergies, medications, or other support needs. Providing details early helps your family understand what arrangements can be made.
Are scholarships or reduced rates available?
Scholarships and financial aid are available. Year-round Ballet Five Eight students receive a reduced tuition rate; please inquire at the front desk. Other families can review our financial aid information or contact the School office.
Does my dancer need to be Christian to attend?
No. Ballet Five Eight is rooted in Christian faith and welcomes dancers of all backgrounds and beliefs. Students are expected to treat one another respectfully and can expect that same respect from faculty. Faith-based activities are optional and take place outside regular intensive hours.
What should dancers wear and bring?
Plan for fitted ballet attire, ballet shoes, pointe shoes if applicable, a refillable water bottle, and conditioning clothes. Standard ballet attire includes a black leotard with pink or skin-tone tights and matching ballet shoes, or a white fitted shirt with black tights and ballet shoes. Follow registration materials for the complete packing list.
Can we audition by video?
Yes. Choose the video option in the School’s DanceApply application and follow its submission instructions. The School application covers Summer Intensive, Conservatory, and Trainee.
What should we know about payments and refunds?
A $500 tuition deposit is due at registration. Housing students also have a $200 housing deposit. Registration fees and deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Review the full payment, cancellation, and documented-injury terms before completing registration.
Who can help with our questions?
Contact the School office at schooloffice@ballet58.org or 708-329-8773. We can help with auditions, session selection, housing, and registration.
Explore our other summer programs.
Choreography Intensive
Explore the creative process and develop experience learning, creating, and performing new work.
Explore Choreography Intensive →Pas de Deux Intensive
Focus on classical and contemporary partnering through dedicated study.
Explore Pas de Deux Intensive →Fast Track
Focused summer ballet training for younger dancers ready to strengthen their foundation.
Explore Fast Track →Adult Intensive
Make time for your own training and connect with other adult dancers in the studio.
Explore Adult Intensive →Your next season starts with this summer.
Take the next step toward stronger technique, greater confidence, and a deeper connection to your artistry.
June 28–August 6, 2027
Orland Park, Illinois · Ages 11–18
School of Ballet Five Eight
11545 183rd Place, Suite 101
Orland Park, IL 60467
"While in the Summer Intensive program, I felt that I was given so many opportunities to grow as a dancer and in my faith. The space you have created at Ballet 5:8 is truly a uniquely beautiful environment that I felt blessed to be a part of. There have been very few spaces that I have danced in where I didn’t feel that my body was the determinative factor for how I was viewed and treated, but while at Ballet 5:8 I never felt that my size played a role in how I was treated. Overall, it was just such a transformative experience for me in many ways, and I just wanted to express my gratitude for being able to participate in the program."
— Summer Intensive Student, 2023
“Ballet 5:8 provides students with such strong faith-based and classically-based training to sustain young artists and elite athletes physically, mentally, and spiritually. The atmosphere encourages healthy, disciplined dancers and creative humans. I love that lunches are catered providing fresh, balanced meals! The high standard of ballet training along with the attention to individuality is rare. I would recommend this summer program to any student.”
- Sarah Lane, Former Principal with American Ballet Theatre