Ballet 5:8 Blog: Dance that Lingers

At Ballet 5:8, every movement tells a story. Our blog takes you deeper—into the rehearsal room, into the minds of our choreographers, and into the real-life experiences that shape our art. Whether you’re a dancer, an arts lover, or just curious, we invite you to explore the beauty, faith, and resilience at the heart of our work.

What You’ll Find Here:

Behind the Scenes: Go inside the making of new works like La Llorona, The House on Mango Street, and The Curious Life of Edgar Allan Poe.
Artist Voices: Read reflections from our dancers, choreographers, and guest faculty.
Creative Process: From inspiration to premiere—learn how ballets are built.
Community Impact: See how Ballet 5:8 connects with students, schools, and neighborhoods.
Tour Diaries & Studio Life: Follow us from Orland Park to the Harris Theater and beyond.

Enjoy exploring our work below or search the blog for topics you’re curious about.

Ballet 5:8 5/11/21 Ballet 5:8 5/11/21

2020/21 Season in Review | James Wainwright

Hear from Company Artist James Wainwright as he reflects on his experience during the 20/21 Season.

Ballet 5:8 5/10/21 Ballet 5:8 5/10/21

2020/21 Season in Review | Lorianne Robertson

Hear from Lead Artist Lorianne Robertson as she reflects on her experience during the 20/21 Season.

Ballet 5:8 5/9/21 Ballet 5:8 5/9/21

2020/21 Season in Review | Valerie Linsner

Hear from Company Artist Valerie Linsner as she reflects on her experience during the 20/21 Season.

Ballet 5:8 5/8/21 Ballet 5:8 5/8/21

2020/21 Season in Review | Libby Dennen

Hear from Company Artist Libby Dennen as she reflects on her experience during the 20/21 Season.

Ballet 5:8 5/7/21 Ballet 5:8 5/7/21

2020/21 Season in Review | Melanie Rodrigues

Hear from Senior Apprentice Melanie Rodrigues as she reflects on her experience during the 20/21 Season.

Ballet 5:8 5/6/21 Ballet 5:8 5/6/21

2020/21 Season in Review | Sarah Clarke

Hear from Company Apprentice Sarah Clarke as she reflects on her experience during the 20/21 Season.

Ballet 5:8 5/5/21 Ballet 5:8 5/5/21

2020/21 Season in Review | Samuel Opsal

Hear from Solo Artist Samuel Opsal as he reflects on his experience during the 20/21 Season.

Ballet 5:8 5/4/21 Ballet 5:8 5/4/21

2020/21 Season in Review | Jessica Lohr

Hear from Solo Artist Jessica Lohr as she reflects on her experience during the 20/21 Season.

Ballet 5:8 5/3/21 Ballet 5:8 5/3/21

2020/21 Season in Review | Miranda Rubio

Hear from Company Apprentice Miranda Rubio as she reflects on her experience during the 20/21 Season.

Ballet 5:8 5/2/21 Ballet 5:8 5/2/21

2020/21 Season in Review | Laura Peterman

Hear from Company Artist Laura Peterman as she reflects on her experience during the 20/21 Season.

Ballet 5:8 5/1/21 Ballet 5:8 5/1/21

2020/21 Season in Review | Lezlie Gray

Hear from Senior Apprentice Lezlie Gray as she reflects on her experience during the 20/21 Season.

Ballet 5:8 4/30/21 Ballet 5:8 4/30/21

2020/21 Season in Review | Katelyn Roth

Hear from Company Apprentice Katelyn Roth as she reflects on her experience during the 20/21 Season.

Ballet 5:8 4/30/21 Ballet 5:8 4/30/21

2020/21 Season in Review | Olivia Kruse

Hear from Solo Artist Olivia Kruse as she reflects on her experience during the 20/21 Season.

Ballet 5:8 4/29/21 Ballet 5:8 4/29/21

2020/21 Season in Review | Kennedy Ditzhazy

Hear from Company Artist Kennedy Ditzhazy as she reflects on her experience during the 20/21 Season.

Ballet 5:8 4/28/21 Ballet 5:8 4/28/21

2020/21 Season in Review | Ellington Nichols

Hear from Company Artist Ellington Nichols as she reflects on her experience during the 20/21 Season.

Ballet 5:8 4/27/21 Ballet 5:8 4/27/21

2020/21 Season in Review | Elizabeth Marlin

Hear from Company Artist Elizabeth Marlin as she reflects on her experience during the 20/21 Season.

Ballet 5:8 4/26/21 Ballet 5:8 4/26/21

2020/21 Season in Review | Alisa Nipp

Hear from Company Apprentice Alisa Nipp as she reflects on her experience during the 20/21 Season.

Ballet 5:8 3/18/21 Ballet 5:8 3/18/21

Ballet 5:8 Returns to the Stage with a Breathtaking Ballet and a Bold Story

Amy Sanderson gives a review of Ballet 5:8’s world premiere of Reckless.

Ballet 5:8 3/15/21 Ballet 5:8 3/15/21

Review of Ballet 5:8’s Reckless

Jeremy Slager gives a review of Ballet 5:8’s world premiere of Reckless.

Ballet 5:8 3/9/21 Ballet 5:8 3/9/21

Why Summer Intensives Are Crucial for the Career of Collegiate Ballet Dancers

Hear from Company Apprentice Alisa Nipp about why attening Ballet 5:8’s Collegiate Summer Intensive is helpful for your summer dance training.

Ballet 5:8 Blog: Dance that Lingers

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