Laura Peterman | Golden Sessions
Based on C.S. Lewis’ renowned work The Four Loves, Golden Sessions is a poetic interpretation of love and its many forms. Hear what the Ballet 5:8 artists have to say about Julianna Rubio Slager’s virtuosic new ballet.
Laura Peterman, Company Artist
Q: Describe your experience during the creation and rehearsal process of Golden Sessions. What have been the most challenging and rewarding parts of learning this ballet?
A: It has been so rewarding to be back in pointe shoes, working on something so technically challenging and classical. I have always loved our more classical works in the repertoire, and Golden Sessions already is one of my favorites. The choreography is some of the most challenging and virtuosic in Ballet 5:8's repertoire, so right now I'm working on building back stamina and maintaining clean technique, while letting the artistry flow through. I've been impressed at how quickly Miss Julianna has been setting the ballet, and it's exciting to see it all come together.
Q: What is your favorite movement of Golden Sessions to dance and why? How would you describe the choreographic style of this movement?
A: It's so hard to choose...but Agape is one of my favorites to dance. It opens with the whole corps de ballet onstage, and the music is so sweeping, grand, and beautiful. There is so much unity and beauty in everyone dancing together, and at the end when I'm starting to fatigue (after already dancing in two other movements!), the music really takes me and carries my body through the rest of the steps.
Q: Why should audience members see Golden Sessions?
A: Ballet 5:8 is returning to the theater with a work that tops our repertoire as one of the most challenging, virtuosic, and breathtaking ballets we've performed. Now more than ever, I think we need to see stories of beauty, and be reminded of love. And it will be socially-distanced--you really cannot go wrong. I'm so excited to dance this work and show new & returning audience members what Ballet 5:8 has been creating during these crazy times.
To learn more, visit ballet58.org/golden-sessions.