Elayne Podolske
Company Artist

Originally from the small town of Round Lake Beach, IL, Elayne Podolske has been blessed to have many opportunities to perform, train and share the joy of dancing with others. Elayne began her training at a local park district then transitioned to the Dance Academy of Libertyville and joined the Ballet Theatre of Illinois. She had the opportunity to perform soloist roles in Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty and Peter & The Wolf . Upon graduating high school she joined Fort Wayne Ballet as a trainee where she was involved with school outreach programs but also lighting, props and costuming. Then she moved back to Chicago by invitation to join Ruth Page’s Civic Ballet Training Company in their inaugural season under Dolores Long, Birute Barodcaite and Victor Alexander. During that year, she was able to travel and dance with international schools in Colombia and Spain where she performed in excerpts of Raymonda, Swan Lake as well as an original contemporary piece, Pasaje Tiempo. During 2020, she accepted a trainee position with Ballet 5:8, followed by a promotion to their second company, where she performed alongside the professional company. Some of her favorite roles with Central Illinois Ballet have been Christmas Angel in The Nutcracker and Sacagawea in Women of History. Elayne is thrilled to start her second season with CIB!