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.

Why Bigger is Not Always Better When Selecting a Training Program
Have you ever fallen into the hype that getting into a program with major name recognition is the holy grail of dance audition success?

Why Attend a Pas de Deux Intensive?
Choosing a summer intensive for a pre-professional dancer can be a daunting task, as there are many options available and it is important to find the right fit for your individual needs and goals. Here are some additional tips to help you make an informed decision, with a focus on the health and well-being of the whole dancer.

How to Choose the Best Summer Intensive for Your Dancing Goals
Choosing a summer intensive for a pre-professional dancer can be a daunting task, as there are many options available and it is important to find the right fit for your individual needs and goals. Here are some additional tips to help you make an informed decision, with a focus on the health and well-being of the whole dancer.

Becoming a Standout Dancer
At Ballet 5:8, we know a lot about the process of becoming a professional dancer. Ballet 5:8 Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager says there are ten key things that dancers need in order to stand out from the crowd.