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

Brette Benedict | 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 10/5/20 Ballet 5:8 10/5/20

Brette Benedict | 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.

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

Brette Benedict | 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

Brette Benedict | Mo(u)rning

Adapting to the current world situation, Ballet 5:8 has created new ballets designed for the outdoors! Learn about Julianna Rubio Slager’s Mo(u)rning from the artists themselves.