What Is Ballet 5:8? A Mission Rooted in More Than Movement

At Ballet 5:8, we believe that ballet is more than entertainment—it’s a language that can speak to the deepest parts of the human experience. Our mission is simple yet bold: to engage audiences in conversations of life and faith through breathtaking dance and compassionate storytelling.

We are a nonprofit professional ballet company and school based in the Chicago Southland, founded in 2012. We’re passionate about combining classical excellence with stories that matter—stories that deal honestly with the struggles, beauty, and questions of real life.

From world premieres that explore justice and redemption, to performances that shine a light on underrepresented voices, everything we do is rooted in purpose. Whether you're a dancer in training or an audience member in the last row of the theater, we want you to leave feeling moved, challenged, and more connected to the world around you.

This isn’t ballet for the sake of tradition - this is ballet with a mission.

We believe that beauty will save the world.