Description

Ballet 5:8’s Second Company is a tuition-free bridge program for early career artists ages 18–22. These dancers train and perform alongside our professional company, gaining valuable stage experience and mentorship in a rigorous, faith-informed environment. Second Company dancers appear in touring productions, outreach events, and world premieres, preparing them for a career in the arts. Our Second Company dancers have gone on to join major companies, pursue choreography, arts administration and impact their communities through the arts. The Ballet 5:8 Board of Directors voted to make it a tuition free program. Dancers are paid a performance stipend when they are cast with the professional company. The Second Company represents Ballet 5:8 in the community by giving public performances of their own repertoire, as well as appearing in performances with the main company in Chicagoland and on tour. The dancers perform a diverse mix of classical and contemporary choreography. They also appear in outreach performances, lecture demonstrations and other community involvement initiatives. Open by audition only to dancers with a strong background in classical and contemporary ballet. The Second Company is a full-time program with 30hrs/week of classes and rehearsals. *Applicants who are not selected for Second Company positions may receive a contract in the Ballet 5:8 Trainee Program with the potential to progress to a Second Company position the following season. The Second Company begins their season each year in July during Ballet 5:8’s Professional Intensive. Incoming dancers attend all five-weeks of the summer program in order to familiarize themselves with Ballet 5:8’s repertoire and style ahead of the performing season. Dancers are evaluated twice each year and receive detailed feedback on their progress within the program. Second Company members receive mentoring throughout the year to move toward their future goals. Second Company members are given first consideration for any open positions with the Ballet 5:8 professional company and are also equipped to pursue contracts with other professional companies.