Ballet 5:8 Teacher
Development Intensive

July 17 - 20, 2025

Elevate Your Teaching. Transform Your Students.

Join Ballet 5:8’s immersive Teacher Development Intensive, designed for dance educators who want to enhance their teaching techniques, build stronger student relationships, and deepen their understanding of ballet pedagogy. This unique program combines practical, hands-on teaching experience with expert-led workshops, class participation, and real-time feedback from Ballet 5:8’s renowned faculty.

Whether you’re looking to refine your approach to technique, improve classroom management, or grow your ballet curriculum, our Teacher Intensive offers the tools and insights you need to take your teaching to the next level. There are only 10 full program positions open for this program, so be sure to apply soon!

Applications open November 1st.

Applicants must submit a headshot, teaching philosophy statment, and one full class teaching the age group of their choice.

Ballet 5:8 is looking for teachers who are good communicators, open to learning and interested in developing their teaching skill set.

Videos need not be highly produced, iphone is perfectly acceptable.

July 17 - 20, 2025

Thursday 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM & Friday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full Program Tuition: $500
Two-Day Program: $325

  • Full Program (Thursday – Sunday): $500
    Includes class participation, observation, workshops, teaching evaluations, and certification. This comprehensive program offers significant value, with a focus on practical teaching experience and personal growth. Includes a catered lunch each day.

  • Two-Day Program: $325
    Teachers can attend either Thursday/Friday or Saturday/Sunday, receiving a mix of workshops, and observations. Includes a catered lunch each day. Evaluations of teaching classes are only available through the full program.

Program Highlights:

  • Hands-On Teaching Evaluations: Receive real-time feedback as you teach, with personalized evaluations to help you refine your class structure, corrections, and communication with students.

  • Class Participation: Experience what your students feel by participating in adult ballet classes, gaining firsthand insights into the training process.

  • Student Class Observation: Observe Ballet 5:8 school classes to see our top-tier faculty in action, focusing on technique, artistry, and classroom management.

  • Specialized Workshops: Dive deep into topics like teaching pas de deux, effective parent communication, curriculum development, and motivating young dancers.

  • Pas de Deux Training: Learn how to safely and effectively teach pas de deux, focusing on partnership dynamics and artistry.

  • Certificate of Completion: Finish the intensive with a certification, demonstrating your commitment to excellence in ballet education. (Full Program only)

  • 6:00 - 7:30 PM | Adult Ballet Class
    Location: Studio 1
    Teachers immerse themselves in an adult ballet class, experiencing the Ballet 5:8 training method firsthand.

    • 7:30 - 8:30 PM | Orientation & Networking Reception
      Location: Lounge Area
      Welcome and meet fellow participants while enjoying light refreshments. Ballet 5:8 faculty will provide an overview of the intensive schedule and key objectives for the weekend.

  • 9:00 - 10:30 AM | Observation: Ballet Technique (Advanced)

    Location: Studio 2
    Teachers will observe a Ballet 5:8 advanced pre-professional ballet technique class, focusing on classroom management, corrections, and student engagement.

    10:30 - 12:00 PM | Workshop: Effective Classroom Management & Student Engagement
    Location: Studio 3
    Explore techniques for maintaining discipline while encouraging creativity and enthusiasm in students.

    12:00 - 1:00 PM | Lunch Break
    Location: Lounge Area

    1:00 - 2:30 PM | Teaching Evaluation Session 1: Foundational Ballet Technique
    Location: Studio 2
    Teachers will take turns instructing segments of a beginner/intermediate ballet class, receiving real-time feedback from Ballet 5:8 faculty on their teaching techniques, corrections, and class flow.

    2:30 - 4:00 PM | Workshop: Parent Communication – Building Partnerships for Student Success
    Location: Conference Room
    Learn strategies for effective communication with parents, including handling difficult conversations, setting expectations, and creating a supportive relationship that benefits student progress.

    4:00 - 6:00 PM | Observation: Pas de Deux Class (Advanced Students)
    Location: Studio 1
    Teachers will observe a pas de deux class, focusing on the balance of technique, partnership dynamics, and artistic expression.on text goes here

  • 9:00 - 10:30 AM | Adult Ballet Class
    Location: Studio 1
    Teachers will join an advanced-level adult ballet class to experience the intensity and depth of training at this level.

    10:30 - 12:00 PM | Workshop: Teaching Pas de Deux for Different Levels
    Location: Studio 3
    A hands-on session where teachers learn how to instruct pas de deux classes for various skill levels, focusing on safety, technique, and artistry.

    12:00 - 1:00 PM | Lunch Break & Networking
    Location: Cafe Area

    1:00 - 2:30 PM | Teaching Evaluation Session 2: Intermediate/Advanced Ballet Technique
    Location: Studio 2
    Teachers will lead segments of an intermediate/advanced class, with Ballet 5:8 faculty providing detailed feedback on their methods and approaches.

    2:30 - 4:00 PM | Workshop: Incorporating Musicality into Technique Classes
    Location: Studio 1
    This session will explore how to use music effectively to enhance students’ timing, phrasing, and artistic expression in ballet classes.

    4:00 - 6:00 PM | Observation: Pointe Class (Pre-Professional Students)
    Location: Studio 2
    Teachers will observe a pointe class, focusing on correction methods and developing foot strength, technique, and artistry.

  • 8:30 - 9:00 AM | Worship (Optional)

    9:00 - 10:30 AM | Adult Ballet Class
    Location: Studio 1
    Teachers can join an intermediate adult ballet class, gaining insights into how adult dancers build their technique.

    10:30 - 12:00 PM | Final Teaching Evaluation: Advanced Technique Class
    Location: Various Studios
    Teachers will complete their final evaluation, teaching an advanced class segment and receiving feedback on corrections, pacing, and student interaction.

    12:00 - 1:00 PM | Lunch Break
    Location: Lounge Area

    1:00 - 2:30 PM | Workshop: Mentoring and Motivating Young Dancers
    Location: Studio 3
    Learn how to be a mentor and motivator for young dancers, focusing on holistic development, balancing technical and personal growth.

    2:30 - 4:00 PM | Final Seminar: Building a Well-Rounded Ballet Curriculum
    Location: Conference Room
    Teachers will develop strategies for creating a comprehensive ballet curriculum, balancing technique, artistry, and student engagement across levels.

    4:00 - 5:00 PM | Reflection, Certification, and Closing Discussion
    Location: Studio 2
    Conclude the intensive with a reflection session, where teachers will receive feedback, share their key takeaways, and be awarded a certificate of completion.

  • Housing Options near Orland Park

    There are many hotels within 10 - 20 minutes of the studio. Below we have listed some of our favorites.

    Holiday Inn Express & Suites

    19220 Greenwich Dr, Mokena, IL 60448

    10 minutes from the studio | Free parking, wifi, and complimentary breakfast

    Hampton Inn

    18501 N Creek Dr, Tinley Park, IL 60477

    15 minutes from the studio | Free parking, wifi, pool and complimentary breakfast

    Even Hotel

    18501 Convention Center Dr, Tinley Park, IL 60477

    15 minutes from the studio | Free parking, wifi, fitness center, breakfast and bar available

Guest Faculty Announcement Coming Soon!

Need a place to stay for the weekend? Join our Teacher Room Block by emailing our Front Desk for details.