Dancer Spotlight: Selah Strong Finds Purpose and Passion Through Ballet 5:8

Now in her third year with Ballet 5:8’s Second Company, dancer Selah Strong has found more than just a place to perform — she’s discovered a calling.

“Being a part of Ballet 5:8 has allowed me to use my talents and passion for God’s glory,” Selah shares. “It’s given me a space where faith and artistry meet — where every rehearsal, every performance, is a way to worship and connect with others through beauty.”

Selah credits much of her growth to Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager, whose mentorship has shaped both her artistry and her mindset. “Miss Julianna’s leadership has inspired me to embrace challenges and pursue excellence,” she says. “She pushes us not just to dance well, but to think deeply about what we’re saying on stage.”

That intentional approach to storytelling is what makes Ballet 5:8’s mission — to spark discussion on life, faith, and human dignity — so tangible for Selah. “Ballet 5:8’s mission comes alive through our work because of the deep meaning that is behind every piece we perform,” she explains. “Each ballet invites the audience to reflect, to feel, and to see the world differently.”

For Selah, being part of this community is both a privilege and a responsibility — one that’s made possible by those who believe in the company’s vision. “Your support allows dancers to pursue their dreams and allows us to share art and beauty with the community,” she says with gratitude.

Through her artistry and her faith, Selah embodies what Ballet 5:8 stands for: using dance to move hearts, spark conversation, and bring light to the stage.