Libby Dennen serves as Second Company Director and Company Répétiteur at Ballet 5:8, where she is a vital force in both the artistic and educational branches of the organization. A founding member of the company, Dennen has collaborated closely with Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager since Ballet 5:8’s inception in 2012. She is a core member of Slager’s creative team, contributing as co-choreographer for La Llorona and consultant for BareFace.

As a performer, Dennen has appeared in numerous featured and principal roles in Slager’s repertoire, including Reckless, 4501, Golden Sessions, Surprised by Joy, Scarlet, and Stor(ies) of You & Me. Her work on stage is marked by a deep sensitivity to musicality and storytelling, reflecting the hallmarks of Ballet 5:8’s distinctive movement vocabulary.

Dennen is also an accomplished choreographer. She has created several original works for Ballet 5:8 through the company’s Making Space initiative, and regularly choreographs for the Second Company and School of Ballet 5:8. Her choreography is known for its clarity, emotional depth, and strong compositional structure.

In her role as répétiteur, Dennen is recognized for her mastery of Rubio Slager’s choreographic language. She brings both technical precision and a nurturing presence to the studio, guiding dancers with insight and intentionality. Her teaching emphasizes not only the accurate transmission of choreography but also the cultivation of each dancer’s unique artistic voice. Beloved by students and colleagues alike, Dennen’s leadership continues to shape the next generation of Ballet 5:8 artists.