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 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 11/17/20 Ballet 5:8 11/17/20

Alisa Nipp | Studio Style

Hear from the Ballet 5:8 artists about how they like to express their style in their dance attire and learn about their go-to dance bag items.

Ballet 5:8 11/10/20 Ballet 5:8 11/10/20

Alisa Nipp | Dry Bones

A celebration of our hope in God, Dry Bones tells the epic ancient story of the Valley of Dry Bones from the Book of Ezekiel. Hear what the Ballet 5:8 artists have to say about this innovative new ballet by Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager.

Ballet 5:8 7/29/20 Ballet 5:8 7/29/20

Alisa Nipp | The Rough-Face Girl

Based on Algonquin folklore, The Rough-Face Girl tells the story of one of the most powerful, haunting versions of the Cinderella story ever told. Learn about Julianna Rubio Slager’s new work from the artists themselves.

Ballet 5:8 7/29/20 Ballet 5:8 7/29/20

Welcoming Alisa Nipp

Introducing our new dancers! Congratulations to each artist joining the Ballet 5:8 professional company for the 2020/21 Season. One of our traditions is asking a few questions to get to know them.

Ballet 5:8 7/20/20 Ballet 5:8 7/20/20

Alisa Nipp | Pursuing Dance Professionally

What do you want to do when you grow up? Here are the stories of the Ballet 5:8 dancers and how they knew they wanted to pursue dance professionally.

Ballet 5:8 7/15/20 Ballet 5:8 7/15/20

Alisa Nipp | Season in Review

The year 2020 has proved a whirlwind, but the artists of Ballet 5:8 are staying positive! Keep reading for some insights on their experiences throughout Ballet 5:8's 2019/20 Season