Ballet 5:8 Trainee Program Overview
The Ballet 5:8 Trainee Program and Men’s Program provide exclusive training for fifteen aspiring professional dancers. This immersive experience offers performance opportunities and development in dance-related fields.
Program Highlights
Season Duration: Runs from early August to mid-May.
Daily Training: Ballet technique and pointe classes, Monday through Friday, in Ballet 5:8’s 12,000 sq. ft. studios in Orland Park, IL. Classes are taken with the professional company twice each week. Trainees also have dedicated classes with Kim Sagami, Rachel Newton, Samuel Opsal and Julianna Rubio Slager
Summer Intensive: A five-week intensive featuring world-class guest faculty from across the nation, alongside Ballet 5:8’s core team, to prepare dancers for the season. Incoming Trainees are required to attend.
Class Variety
Trainees participate in:
Ballet technique, pointe, and men’s classes
Studio Company and Company rehearsals
Variations, classical repertoire, modern, improv, strength training
Pilates, Progressing Ballet Technique, port de bras, pas de deux
Academic Seminars: Dance history, music theory, anatomy, mental health, injury prevention
Spiritual growth is integrated into the program with sessions exploring the intersection of art and faith.
Curious about our teaching philosophy? [Find out more here].
Performance Opportunities
Frequent Performances: Trainees perform regularly in Ballet 5:8 Studio Company and Trainee repertoire, including outreach performances.
Featured Roles: Opportunities to perform corps, soloist, and featured roles in full-length classical ballets.
Professional Experience: Understudy and performance opportunities alongside the Ballet 5:8 Professional Company.
Housing and Amenities
Starting in Fall 2025, Ballet 5:8 is excited to partner with Trinity Christian College to offer housing options for year-round programs. Dancers can live in South Hall on Trinity’s campus, just a 30-minute drive from the studios.
Cost: $500 per month (shared room) or $1,000 per month (single room).
Location: South Hall at Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, IL.
Amenities:
Free WiFi
On-site parking and laundry
Personal suite bathrooms
Floor lounges for socializing
Secure keycard access to the building
24-hour campus security patrol
On-campus dining options available
Note: South Hall does not have air conditioning.
Upon registration, the first and last month’s rent is charged. Rent is non-refundable and will be charged regardless of attendance.
Evaluation and Mentorship
Twice-Yearly Evaluations: Trainees receive detailed feedback on progress.
Mentoring: Ongoing mentoring throughout the year, with opportunities to audition for Ballet 5:8’s Second Company and professional company.
Faculty
Ballet 5:8 Trainee Program faculty are all current or former professional dancers. Samuel Opsal and Sarah Clarke direct the program, alongside faculty such as Kim Sagami, Chloe Luneke, Rachel Newton, Miranda Rubio Opsal and Julianna Rubio Slager. They bring ample technical knowledge and professional performing experience to the program, challenging and enabling dancers to make the technical and artistic leap from student to professional.
Trainee Program and Men’s Program FAQs
Registration opens on November 1st
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Tuition for the 2025/26 Season is $6,000, due in three installments:
$600 deposit upon acceptance into the program.
$2700 on July 15th
$2700 on November 15th
With 35 hours per week for 36 weeks, Trainees pay less than $5 per class hour!
Tuition costs have been subsidized by the generosity of Ballet 5:8’s donors.
Men's Program Tuition is pro-rated based on need and experience. Awards are made after auditions.
Housing is a separate cost, as are college credits through Trinity Christian College. -
Yes! As of Fall 2025, housing is available through Trinity College. Students live in suite style apartments with private bathrooms, 24hr security, onsite parking, dining options and on-site laundry.
Cost:
$500 for a shared room.
$1000 for a single room.
Note: South Hall does not have air conditioning.
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A. There is only one ranking within the Trainee Program. Dancers who graduate the program are given first consideration for any open Second Company positions, as well as apprenticeships in the main Company. The Men’s Program has its own classes, as well as performing and being included in the Trainee Program.
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Trainees dance an average of 6-7 hours per day, including dancing in Company class twice per week. Trainees have a range of classes and rehearsals with the Company and with the School, creating the perfect bridge between student and professional.
Men's Program students take additional Pas de Deux and strength training classes, alongside their rehearsals with the Trainee Program.
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An average of two years, though some dancers may spend one or three years in the program. Our focus is on individual paths, not on generalizations.
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50% of the current Company has gone through either the Trainee Program or Second Company. Other graduates have gone on to perform with companies around the U.S.
Personalized audition help is provided every year for all students through Cecilia Iliesiu of Pacific Northwest Ballet.
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Yes! We have a new partnership with Trinity College that will allow Trainees to do both their dance and academic education while at Ballet 5:8. More information and details will be announced when audition registration opens on November 1st.
“I will forever be thankful for the Ballet 5:8 trainee program and all of its staff, who are so invested in all of their students. The trainee program is like a pressure cooker for ballet technique, strength, and endurance! With all of the hours of dancing and cross training, I got stronger than I even knew I could and it truly shaped me into dancer I am now. Thanks to teachers who led me, pushed me to and past my limits, and who saw beyond what I could see for myself, I graduated from the program feeling ready and excited for whatever came next.”
“Ballet 5:8’s Men’s program taught me discipline, technique and artistry. I learned partnering techniques I didn’t know existed, and have improved from a beginner to the Second Company in only three years thanks to the individual corrections and investment from the teachers.”
“Ballet 5:8’s Trainee Program gave me the finishing touches I needed to take my career to the next step. The small classes, individual corrections, numerous performance opportunities, intense schedule, and chances to go on tour with the company grew and stretched me as both a dancer and a person. I recommend it to serious dancers looking for growth, deep friendships, and meaningful dance.”
Alumni
Ballet 5:8 Trainee Program graduates receive first consideration for open positions with the Ballet 5:8 professional company, as well as individual career & audition counseling.
Currently Dancing with Ballet 5:8
Libby Dennen | Solo Artist
Valerie Linsner | Solo Artist
Kayla Kowach | Solo Artist
Melanie Rodrigues | Company Artist
Miranda Rubio Opsal | Company Artist
Sophia Snider | Company Artist
Christian English | Company Artist
Annaliese Icard | Company Apprentice
Rachel Walker | Company Apprentice