Call for Board Members
Are you interested in becoming involved with a successful, growing Christian arts organization in the Chicagoland area? Ballet 5:8 has grown substantially since its beginnings in 2012 and is seeking candidates to fill newly added positions on the Board of Directors!
What is Ballet 5:8?
Ballet 5:8 was founded in 2012 by Julianna Rubio Slager and Amy Kozol Sanderson as a publicly supported nonprofit organization. Currently celebrating its 8th performance season, Ballet 5:8 has a growing roster of professional dancers and an expanding repertoire of original, innovative works created by Slager and contemporary creatives. The company shares the beauty, power and inspiration of professional dance with thousands of audience members each season across the nation through over 40 performances in settings ranging from professional theaters to school gyms. Ballet 5:8 also works to promote thriving artistic communities and shares its mission with aspiring young artists, professional dancers, and dance educators across the nation through a range of workshops, master classes, summer intensive programs, retreats and conferences.
Ballet 5:8’s dance education center, Ballet 5:8 School of the Arts, extends the company’s mission to over 250 students each year from its base in Orland Park, IL - serving the greater Chicagoland area. The school includes a nationally-recognized classical ballet training program, a range of recreational dance classes for all ages and levels of ability, and a uniquely nurturing environment where students thrive. Ballet 5:8 is passionate about training and equipping the artists of tomorrow, and about investing in local communities through high-quality dance education that is widely accessible to children, youth and families from all backgrounds and walks of life.
The vision of Ballet 5:8 is to be one of the foremost professional dance companies in the world and to be a place where artists create, thrive, and exchange ideas informed by our Christian faith. The mission of Ballet 5:8 is to engage communities in Chicago, the Midwest and across the nation in conversation of life and faith through innovative storytelling and breathtaking dance.
What is the role of Ballet 5:8’s Board of Directors?
As a nonprofit corporation established in the State of Illinois, Ballet 5:8 is a publicly-owned organization that is managed by its Artistic & Executive Directors and governed by the Board of Directors. At a high level, the Board is the steward of Ballet 5:8’s mission and vision. The Board works with Ballet 5:8’s Directors to ensure the organization maintains sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as that it has adequate resources to advance its mission. Though not involved in the daily operations of the organization, Board members provide Directors and staff with foresight, oversight, and insight. Board members also play an important role in fundraising and serve as advocates and ambassadors for the mission.
Who Makes a Good Board Member?
Ballet 5:8 may be an arts and cultural organization, but you don’t have to have a background in dance or even the arts to qualify as a Board member! Individuals from a wide variety of professions and backgrounds can further Ballet 5:8’s positive impact in our local communities and our world by bringing business and management expertise to the Board, advocating for the organization’s mission in their spheres of influence, and connecting new supporters, audience members and students with the organization. If you’re excited about Ballet 5:8’s work and mission, could be willing to invest some time in Board meetings, advocacy and volunteerism, and are not afraid to involve your contacts in things your passionate about, keep reading! Experience with nonprofits and/or board service is a plus but not required.
What are the Benefits of Serving on Ballet 5:8’s Board?
Ballet 5:8’s Board of Directors plays a vital role in making Ballet 5:8’s work possible, and serving on the board can be a very satisfying and rewarding experience! As part of its mission, Ballet 5:8 -
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Commissions new works of art, created from the basis of our faith, and takes them into the public sphere
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Shares the joy and inspiration of professional dance performance with 10,000+ people in Chicagoland, the Midwest and the nation each season
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Invites audience members into conversation of life and faith through original works that tell meaningful stories and explore relevant topics in our time and culture
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Takes time to discuss the inspiration behind its ballets with audience members through post-performance Q&A events
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Extends its mission to communities of all shapes and sizes through touring performances
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Invests in local communities in South Chicagoland and beyond through accessible, high-quality dance education programs at Ballet 5:8 School of the Arts, in a faith-filled environment where students thrive
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Fosters the development of the artists of tomorrow: whole, healthy, strong and creative men and women who can continue Ballet 5:8’s work of taking the beauty of dance and meaningful conversation to the people of Illinois and beyond.
Basic Ballet 5:8 Board Responsibilities
Board membership does come with responsibilities - to learn more, you can always talk with one of our current board members and request a copy of our full Board Commitment. To summarize, key responsibilities are:
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Attend quarterly meetings and additional committee meetings as scheduled; most meetings held during evening hours at Ballet 5:8’s main location in Orland Park
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Serve on at least one committee and commit appropriate volunteer hours to fulfill associated responsibilities (i.e. Benefit Dinner planning committee)
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Attend the annual Benefit Dinner and make meaningful financial contributions
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Participate in Board initiatives to cultivate Ballet 5:8 financial support, including applying for grants and corporate sponsorship
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Introduce your networks to Ballet 5:8’s work
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Attend at least three performances per year - and bring friends!
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Act responsibly and prudently as a steward of the purpose and mission of the organization
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Interpret the organization’s work and values to the community and represent the organization in a positive manner