Kayla Kowach

School of Ballet 5:8 Faculty

Ballet 5:8 Professional Company

Trainee 2020 | Second Company 2021
Apprentice 2021-2022 | Company Artist 2022-Present

Kayla Kowach, originally from Waukegan, IL, began dancing at the age of 3 at her local park district. Her formal training began at Dancenter North, under the direction of Stacy Joy Keller, providing a solid framework for her artistic development. There she was given the opportunity to perform lead roles such as Sugar Plum and Paquita and was provided with high-caliber training in many dance forms. Kowach pursued summer intensive training at various summer programs, including Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet, Colorado Ballet, and Ballet 5:8. These experiences enriched her dance vocabulary and underscored her commitment to continual growth. In 2020, Kowach joined Ballet 5:8's Trainee program, directed by Brette Benedict and Julianna Rubio Slager. During her time with Ballet 5:8, she has gotten the opportunity to perform many of Slager's poignant works, including Dia De Los Vivos, BareFace, and Beyond the Nutcracker. Kowach was promoted to the 2nd Company in 2020, Apprentice in 2021, then to Company Artist in 2022, and Solo Artist in 2023. Beyond the stage, Kowach also serves as an instructor at the School of Ballet 5:8 as well as the Executive Administrative Assistant. Throughout her career Kowach is reminded of and grateful for the continued support of her family.