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.
Elizabeth Marlin | 22/23 Season in Review
Solo Artist Elizabeth Marlin shares her reflections on the 22/23 Season! One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us.
The Female Leads of BareFace | Solo Artist Elizabeth Marlin
In honor of Women’s History Month, we are interviewing the female leads of BareFace to get to know their characters before they take the stage this spring! Hear from Solo Artist Elizabeth Marlin on dancing the role of Psyche.
Elizabeth Marlin | Season in Review
Solo Artist Elizabeth Marlin shares her experiences in the 2021/22 Season.
Dancer Fun Facts | Elizabeth Marlin
Get to know Company Artist Elizabeth Marlin in our summer blog series: Dancer Fun Facts!
2020/21 Season in Review | Elizabeth Marlin
Hear from Company Artist Elizabeth Marlin as she reflects on her experience during the 20/21 Season.
Meet the Characters | Reckless
Hear from the dancers about the characters they are portraying in Julianna Rubio Slager’s newest work, Reckless. Company Artist Elizabeth Marlin shares about her character.
Elizabeth Marlin | 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.
Elizabeth Marlin | 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.
Elizabeth Marlin | 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.