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.
Samuel Opsal | 22/23 Season in Review
Solo Artist Samuel Opsal shares his 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.
Samuel Opsal | Season in Review
Solo Artist Samuel Opsal shares his experiences in the 2021/22 Season.
2020/21 Season in Review | Samuel Opsal
Hear from Solo Artist Samuel Opsal as he reflects on his 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. Solo Artist Samuel Opsal shares about his character.
Samuel Opsal | 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.
Samuel Opsal | 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.
Samuel Opsal | Season in Review
The year 2020 has proved a whirlwind, but the artists of Ballet 5:8 are staying positive! Keep reading for some insights on their experiences throughout Ballet 5:8's 2019/20 Season
Samuel Opsal | Mercy
Adapting to the current world situation, Ballet 5:8 has created new ballets designed for the outdoors! Learn about Julianna Rubio Slager’s Mercy from the artists themselves.