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.

Ballet 5:8 7/15/20 Ballet 5:8 7/15/20

Lezlie Gray | 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

Ballet 5:8 7/15/20 Ballet 5:8 7/15/20

Jessica Lohr | 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

Ballet 5:8 7/15/20 Ballet 5:8 7/15/20

Alisa Nipp | 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

Ballet 5:8 7/15/20 Ballet 5:8 7/15/20

Brette Benedict | Mo(u)rning

Adapting to the current world situation, Ballet 5:8 has created new ballets designed for the outdoors! Learn about Julianna Rubio Slager’s Mo(u)rning from the artists themselves.

Ballet 5:8 7/15/20 Ballet 5:8 7/15/20

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.

Ballet 5:8 7/15/20 Ballet 5:8 7/15/20

Valerie Linsner | 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.

Ballet 5:8 7/15/20 Ballet 5:8 7/15/20

Miranda Rubio | 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.

Ballet 5:8 7/15/20 Ballet 5:8 7/15/20

Brette Benedict | 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.

Ballet 5:8 7/10/20 Ballet 5:8 7/10/20

Melanie Rodrigues | Mo(u)rning

Adapting to the current world situation, Ballet 5:8 has created new ballets designed for the outdoors! Learn about Julianna Rubio Slager’s Mo(u)rning from the artists themselves.

Ballet 5:8 7/8/20 Ballet 5:8 7/8/20

Miranda Rubio | 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.

Ballet 5:8 7/8/20 Ballet 5:8 7/8/20

Miranda Rubio | Mo(u)rning

Adapting to the current world situation, Ballet 5:8 has created new ballets designed for the outdoors! Learn about Julianna Rubio Slager’s Mo(u)rning from the artists.