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.

Miranda Rubio | 22/23 Season in Review
Company Artist Miranda Rubio shares her reflections on the 22/23 Season! One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us.

Elizabeth Marlin | 22/23 Season in Review
Solo Artist Elizabeth Marlin shares her reflections on the 22/23 Season! One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us.

Libby Dennen | 22/23 Season in Review
Solo Artist Libby Dennen shares her reflections on the 22/23 Season! One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us.

Sarah Clarke | 22/23 Season in Review
Solo Artist Sarah Clarke shares her reflections on the 22/23 Season! One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us.

Valerie Linsner | 22/23 Season in Review
Solo Artist Valerie Linsner shares her reflections on the 22/23 Season! One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us.

Melanie Rodrigues | 22/23 Season in Review
Company Artist Melanie Rodrigues shares her reflections on the 22/23 Season! One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us.

Ellington Nichols | 22/23 Season in Review
Company Artist Ellington Nichols shares her reflections on the 22/23 Season! One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us.

Kayla Kowach | 22/23 Season in Review
Company Artist Kayla Kowach shares her reflections on the 22/23 Season! One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us.

Samuel Opsal | 22/23 Season in Review
Solo Artist Samuel Opsal shares his reflections on the 22/23 Season! One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us.

Ford Tackett | 22/23 Season in Review
Company Artist Ford Tackett shares his reflections on the 22/23 Season! One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us.

Sophia Snider | 22/23 Season in Review
Company Artist Sophia Snider shares her reflections on the 22/23 Season! One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us.

Lezlie Gray | 22/23 Season in Review
Company Artist Lezlie Gray shares her reflections on the 22/23 Season! One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us.

Valerie Linsner | Season in Review
Solo Artist Valerie Linsner shares her experiences in the 2021/22 Season.

Jessica Lohr | Season in Review
Solo Artist Jessica Lohr shares her experiences in the 2021/22 Season.

Elizabeth Marlin | Season in Review
Solo Artist Elizabeth Marlin shares her experiences in the 2021/22 Season.

Ford Tackett | Season in Review
Company Apprentice Ford Tackett shares his experiences in the 2021/22 Season.

Kayla Kowach | Season in Review
Company Apprentice Kayla Kowach shares her experiences in the 2021/22 Season.

Lezlie Gray | Season in Review
Company Artist Lezlie Gray shares her experiences in the 2021/22 Season.

Ellington Nichols | Season in Review
Company Artist Ellington Nichols shares her experiences in the 2021/22 Season.

Melanie Rodrigues | Season in Review
Company Artist Melanie Rodrigues shares her experiences in the 2021/22 Season.