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.
La Llorona: A Serious Story Told with Tenderness—Open to All Ages
Ballet 5:8’s La Llorona reimagines the legendary folktale as a heartfelt story of love, loss, and hope. Directed by Julianna Rubio Slager, this family-friendly ballet uses tender storytelling and the perspective of children to invite audiences into meaningful conversations. Upcoming performances in Bloomington, Grayslake, and University Park.
Welcoming Katelyn Roth
Introducing our new dancers! Each one is exceptionally skilled in ballet, but they have many talents and interests. Keep reading to get to know them better.
Welcoming Miranda Rubio
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.
Welcoming James Wainwright
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.
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.
Welcoming Sarah Clarke
Introducing our new dancers! Each one is exceptionally skilled in ballet, but they have many talents and interests. Keep reading to get to know them better.