Valerie Linsner was born and raised in Champaign, Illinois, where she began her formal ballet training at age seven. Continuing to dance her way through high school, Valerie performed with Champaign Urbana Ballet and trained at Champaign Ballet Academy under Deanna Doty. She also attended summer intensives at Ballet 5:8, Boston Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre in New York. It was in Champaign, though, where Valerie discovered her love for teaching, and continues to guest teach when she is able. Upon high school graduation, Valerie was led to dance in Ballet 5:8's Trainee Program, and is excited to begin teaching at Ballet 5:8 School of the Arts for the 2018-19 season!