“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

2025 Summer Intensive Guest Faculty

  • Rachel Hutsell

    New York City Ballet

  • Kuu Sakuragi

    Soloist with Pacific Northwest Ballet

  • Catherine Batcheller

    San Francisco Ballet, the Stuttgart Ballet and the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Current faculty at Ballet West.

  • Malena Ani

    Pacific Northwest Ballet

  • Yinet Fernández

    Dance Theatre of Harlem

  • Glorielle Niedfeldt

    Muntu Dance Theatre, Milwaukee Ballet School

  • Kevin Jenkins

    Award Winning Choreographer and Artistic Director of Ballet Counterpointe

  • Dr. Carrie Skony

    Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician and Dance Medicine Specialist

Program Overview

  • Designed to provide individual coaching for early-career dancers. Ballet 5:8's Trainees and Second Company attend this program, and it is where many of our professional dancers began their careers.

  • Designed for serious dancers who are seeking elite pre-professional training. Beginning this year all students must audition in order to attend the program.

  • Exclusive training in Pas de Deux for a hand-selected group of students. Dancers will learn classical and contemporary partnering, and the ratio of women to men is limited to keep the learning atmosphere productive.

  • Following a rigorous application process, four emerging choreographers will be selected to be personally mentored by Julianna Rubio Slager and world renowned guest faculty. Apply today! This program fills quickly.

  • NEW! Teachers around the U.S. have asked to be mentored and inspired by the School of Ballet 5:8 syllabus. Receive training in our signature style, based in Vaganova and School of American Ballet techniques.

  • Adult Intensive

    After an incredible inagural year, Ballet 5:8 is expanding it's Adult Ballet Intensive. Suitable for beginning through advanced level adults 18+. Classes in ballet, pointe, pre-pointe, pas de deux, cross training, repertoire and wellness offered. Adult dancers should pursue their passion, and we're here for it!

  • Enroll your young dancer in Ballet 5:8’s Fast Track program! Designed for ages 8-11, this program builds strength, confidence, and artistry with expert-led, age-appropriate training. Perfect for aspiring dancers ready for focused instruction and rapid progress in ballet.

“Please please PLEASE put this intensive at the top of your list if it isn't there already. If you are ready to work, you will grow more in a week than you expected to grow in a year. If you are looking to mess around, this intensive is not for you. The friendships are fantastic and encouraged, but we are here to DANCE, and the people here are serious! The atmosphere is inspiring, healthy, encouraging, and non-competitive, and each and every teacher has overwhelming love and encouragement for every individual student.”

— Katie Gorectke, Summer Intensive Student

Why Spend the Summer at Ballet 5:8?

What People Are Saying

“I received good personal attention and corrections from all the teachers and was encouraged by all the faculty. I learned that ballet looks different on everyone and how to find your personal artistry and lines for yourself. I’ve always seen dance as a copy/paste kind of thing and had never considered the fact that I dance slightly differently than the people around me. I think that was my biggest takeaway this summer.”

— Summer Intensive Student, 2023

 

“My daughter has grown exponentially. She is loved, trained and encouraged to be the best she can be, by instructors that truly believe in her and that genuinely “see” her as the dancer she knows herself to be.”

— Summer Intensive Parent, 2022

“It's been an absolute treat, honor, and delight to be here and work with these beautiful humans and dancers…in awe of the work happening here... it's truly beautiful to witness and support!”

Madison Morris, Nutritionist and Former Houston Ballet Dancer

 

"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

Looking for a job this summer but also want to keep dancing? Join us as a Resident Assistant!

 

All Summer Intensive RA positions have been filled for the Summer of 2025!

Applications are rolling based on availability.

If you are 18 years or older you are invited to apply to be a Resident Assistant for Ballet 5:8’s Summer Intensive housing! Applicants can opt to fully participate in Ballet 5:8’s Summer Intensive or take a class load that suits their summer goals.

Benefits Include:
Free room and board
100% of tuition covered for Summer Intensive
$350 weekly stipend
Amazing opportunities to mentor the next generation of artists

Gain work experience and leadership skills

Email info@ballet58.org to learn more and apply.