Get to know the professional artists of Ballet 5:8 as we ask them about their hometowns, favorite dance memories, and people who helped them succeed.

*Lorianne Robertson in Portland, Oregon*

Where is your hometown? What is it like?

My hometown is Portland, Oregon. I have always felt that it has the quirk of a small town but the accessibility of a larger city. Surrounded by nature, it is close to both the coast and the mountains, providing many options for outdoor adventures. Known for great craft coffee, delicious food, and die-hard/supportive sports fans, Portland bursts with art around the city; I grew up going to Oregon Ballet Theater shows with my Dad. Probably most notable is Portland's rainy climate, but you have to get all those green trees and grass from somewhere! There will always be a piece of the northwest in me.

Is there one person that helped you get where you are today? If so, tell us a little about them and your journey.

My trainee director, John Magnus, had a profound impact on my career and was a gift from God in my training. I started dance late and had some physical limitations within my own body structure. Mr. Magnus never put me in a box or doubted how far I would progress in my training—he truly believed in hard work and correct mindsets being your most valuable asset in dance. He once said, “Ballet is for the brave.” I live out this reality many days, but what a gift to know my “bravery”, my hope, comes from something outside of me, from a God who loves me infinitely!

What is one favorite or funny memory from your years of dance training?

My same director, Mr. Magnus, was originally from South Africa and had this amazing accent. During one of my first years of training with him, we were rehearsing A Mid Summer Night’s Dream. He told us to go to the “hop” section, so we all went to the places we stand for the hops en pointe. He stared at us, confused, and repeated himself again. We all looked around and replied, “Yes, this is the hop section,” to which he laughed and said in an overtly American accent, “I meant the h-aaarrr-p section!” Of course, harp versus hop! To this day I want to pronounce harp with the soft “A” as he did!

What is your favorite thing about summer in Chicago? Do you have a favorite place to visit/local restaurant/activity?

I love being able to dine outdoors in the city in the summer! The hustle and bustle is a perfect combination with the long-awaited warm weather. I also enjoy Garfield Park—I know it’s indoors, but it’s always been a favorite place to visit.

Last thing—what in the upcoming 2021/22 season are you most excited for?

I’m really excited about two things, the first being Julianna Rubio Slager's ballet based on paintings by Makoto Fujimura, The Four Holy Gospels. It has been amazing designing the costumes, but equally exciting to see this ballet come to life alongside Fujimura's work.

The second thing I'm excited about is performing at the Harris Theater in downtown Chicago. This has always been a huge dream for Ballet 5:8, and it will be especially cool to be there as it happens during our 10th anniversary season!