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.

Valerie Linsner | 22/23 Season in Review
Solo Artist Valerie Linsner shares her 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.

Melanie Rodrigues | 22/23 Season in Review
Company Artist Melanie Rodrigues shares her 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.

Ellington Nichols | 22/23 Season in Review
Company Artist Ellington Nichols shares her 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.

Kayla Kowach | 22/23 Season in Review
Company Artist Kayla Kowach shares her 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 | 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.

Ford Tackett | 22/23 Season in Review
Company Artist Ford Tackett 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.

Sophia Snider | 22/23 Season in Review
Company Artist Sophia Snider shares her 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.

Lezlie Gray | 22/23 Season in Review
Company Artist Lezlie Gray shares her 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.

The Female Leads of BareFace | Company Artist Kayla Kowach
In honor of Women’s History Month, we are interviewing the female leads of BareFace to get to know their characters before they take the stage this spring! Hear from Company Artist Kayla Kowach on dancing the role of The Priest.

The Female Leads of BareFace | Solo Artist Valerie Linsner
In honor of Women’s History Month, we are interviewing the female leads of BareFace to get to know their characters before they take the stage this spring! Hear from Solo Artist Valerie Linsner on dancing the role of Redival.

“Till We Have Faces” and the Female Gaze | Ballet Year Million
The female gaze is a powerful thread pulled through the novel of “Till We Have Faces,” offering a unique perspective on the age-old tale of Cupid and Psyche. The novel is narrated by Orual, Psyche's older sister, who provides a complex and nuanced portrayal of the story that is often missing from other retellings.

Used vs. Loved | Ballet Year Million
While many traditional ballets feature female protagonists who are used by their powerful male counterparts instead of being loved, there are also examples of female protagonists who challenge these conventions and showcase their strength and independence. As ballet continues to evolve in the 21st century, it is important for female protagonists to continue pushing back against these limitations and seeking out roles that allow them to express themselves fully and authentically.

Demure vs. Empowered | Ballet Year Million
Throughout the 20th century, ballerinas were often relegated to demure roles that did not showcase their true strength and power. These roles were designed to emphasize traditional gender roles and limit the ways in which women could express themselves through dance. In this blog post, we will explore some specific examples of how ballerinas were placed in demure roles instead of being empowered.

Hierarchy vs. Equality | Ballet Year Million
Ballet, as an art form, has a rich history that spans centuries. However, one aspect of this history that has come under scrutiny in recent years is the celebration of hierarchy. This hierarchy was celebrated as an essential part of ballet, but 21st-century ballets need to reflect equality across a diverse landscape.

Why Bigger is Not Always Better When Selecting a Training Program
Have you ever fallen into the hype that getting into a program with major name recognition is the holy grail of dance audition success?

Archaic vs. Innovative | Ballet Year Million
Ballet is a timeless art form that has evolved over the centuries. However, in the 20th century, traditional ballet became characterized by a certain set of stories and forms that are now considered archaic and in need of innovation. These stories and forms, while once considered cutting edge, no longer resonate with today's audiences and fail to represent the diversity of our world. As such, it is essential that ballet embrace new and diverse stories and storytellers in order to remain relevant and engaging.

Male vs. Female Gaze | Ballet Year Million
Throughout history, women in ballet have often been objectified due to the dominance of the male directors and choreographers, which has influenced the way dancers are choreographed, costumed, and presented on stage. In the 21st century, it is imperative that women’s voices are heard.

The Female Leads of BareFace | Solo Artist Sarah Clarke
In honor of Women’s History Month, we are interviewing the female leads of BareFace to get to know their characters before they take the stage this spring! Hear from Solo Artist Sarah Clarke on dancing the principal role of Orual.

Why Attend a Pas de Deux Intensive?
Choosing a summer intensive for a pre-professional dancer can be a daunting task, as there are many options available and it is important to find the right fit for your individual needs and goals. Here are some additional tips to help you make an informed decision, with a focus on the health and well-being of the whole dancer.

The Female Leads of BareFace | Solo Artist Elizabeth Marlin
In honor of Women’s History Month, we are interviewing the female leads of BareFace to get to know their characters before they take the stage this spring! Hear from Solo Artist Elizabeth Marlin on dancing the role of Psyche.