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.
Audience Review: Reckless
This is a ballet that I want to see again. The skill and sincere artistic expression of the dancers, the vision of the choreographer, the powerful music, and the effectiveness of the set all blended seamlessly to present the story of Gomer, saved by a reckless true love and unending mercy!
Ballet 5:8 Returns to the Stage with a Breathtaking Ballet and a Bold Story
Amy Sanderson gives a review of Ballet 5:8’s world premiere of Reckless.
Review of Ballet 5:8’s Reckless
Jeremy Slager gives a review of Ballet 5:8’s world premiere of Reckless.
Meet the Characters | Reckless
Hear from the dancers about the characters they are portraying in Julianna Rubio Slager’s newest work, Reckless. Company Apprentice Katelyn Roth shares about her character.
Meet the Characters | Reckless
Hear from the dancers about the characters they are portraying in Julianna Rubio Slager’s newest work, Reckless. Second Company Artist Ford Tackett shares about her character.
Meet the Characters | Reckless
Hear from the dancers about the characters they are portraying in Julianna Rubio Slager’s newest work, Reckless. Company Artist Ellington Nichols shares about her character.
Meet the Characters | Reckless
Hear from the dancers about the characters they are portraying in Julianna Rubio Slager’s newest work, Reckless. Senior Apprentice Melanie Rodrigues shares about her character.
Meet the Characters | Reckless
Hear from the dancers about the characters they are portraying in Julianna Rubio Slager’s newest work, Reckless. Company Apprentice Miranda Rubio shares about her character.
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.
Meet the Characters | Reckless
Hear from the dancers about the characters they are portraying in Julianna Rubio Slager’s newest work, Reckless. Company Apprentice Sarah Clarke shares about her character.
Meet the Characters | Reckless
Hear from the dancers about the characters they are portraying in Julianna Rubio Slager’s newest work, Reckless. Company Artist James Wainwright shares about his character.
Meet the Characters | Reckless
Hear from the dancers about the characters they are portraying in Julianna Rubio Slager’s newest work, Reckless. Solo Artist Samuel Opsal shares about his character.
Meet the Characters | Reckless
Hear from the dancers about the characters they are portraying in Julianna Rubio Slager’s newest work, Reckless. Solo Artist Jessica Lohr shares about her character.
Meet the Characters | Reckless
Hear from the dancers about the characters they are portraying in Julianna Rubio Slager’s newest work, Reckless. Solo Artist Olivia Kruse shares about her character.
Meet the Characters | Reckless
Hear from the dancers about the characters they are portraying in Julianna Rubio Slager’s newest work, Reckless. Second Company member Lydia Lund shares about her character.
Meet the Characters | Reckless
Hear from the dancers about the characters they are portraying in Julianna Rubio Slager’s newest work, Reckless. Company Artist Valerie Linsner shares about her character.
Meet the Characters | Reckless
Hear from the dancers about the characters they are portraying in Julianna Rubio Slager’s newest work, Reckless. Lead Artist Lorianne (Barclay) Robertson shares about her character.
Meet the Characters | Reckless
Hear from the dancers about the characters they are portraying in Julianna Rubio Slager’s newest work, Reckless. Company Artist Libby Dennen shares about her character.
Meet the Characters | Reckless
Hear from the dancers about the characters they are portraying in Julianna Rubio Slager’s newest work, Reckless. Senior Apprentice Lezlie Gray shares about her character.
Is Reckless Appropriate For My Child?
Are you wondering if Reckless is appropriate for your child? Here is a guide for deciding if your child should see Reckless.