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 4/26/21 Ballet 5:8 4/26/21

2020/21 Season in Review | Alisa Nipp

Hear from Company Apprentice Alisa Nipp as she reflects on her experience during the 20/21 Season.

Ballet 5:8 3/18/21 Ballet 5:8 3/18/21

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.

Ballet 5:8 3/15/21 Ballet 5:8 3/15/21

Review of Ballet 5:8’s Reckless

Jeremy Slager gives a review of Ballet 5:8’s world premiere of Reckless.

Ballet 5:8 3/9/21 Ballet 5:8 3/9/21

Why Summer Intensives Are Crucial for the Career of Collegiate Ballet Dancers

Hear from Company Apprentice Alisa Nipp about why attening Ballet 5:8’s Collegiate Summer Intensive is helpful for your summer dance training.

Ballet 5:8 3/8/21 Ballet 5:8 3/8/21

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.

Ballet 5:8 3/5/21 Ballet 5:8 3/5/21

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.

Ballet 5:8 3/4/21 Ballet 5:8 3/4/21

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.

Ballet 5:8 3/3/21 Ballet 5:8 3/3/21

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.

Ballet 5:8 3/2/21 Ballet 5:8 3/2/21

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.

Ballet 5:8 3/1/21 Ballet 5:8 3/1/21

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.

Ballet 5:8 2/26/21 Ballet 5:8 2/26/21

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.

Ballet 5:8 2/25/21 Ballet 5:8 2/25/21

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.

Ballet 5:8 2/24/21 Ballet 5:8 2/24/21

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.

Ballet 5:8 2/18/21 Ballet 5:8 2/18/21

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.

Ballet 5:8 2/17/21 Ballet 5:8 2/17/21

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.

Ballet 5:8 2/16/21 Ballet 5:8 2/16/21

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.

Ballet 5:8 2/15/21 Ballet 5:8 2/15/21

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.

Ballet 5:8 2/12/21 Ballet 5:8 2/12/21

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.

Ballet 5:8 2/11/21 Ballet 5:8 2/11/21

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.

Ballet 5:8 2/10/21 Ballet 5:8 2/10/21

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.