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.

Guest User 8/16/23 Guest User 8/16/23

The Power of Ballet Scholarships for Dancers of Faith

Title: The Power of Ballet Scholarships for Dancers of Faith

Ballet scholarships play a vital role in nurturing dancers of faith, providing them with training, artistic growth, and a supportive community. These scholarships enable dancers to express deep truths through their performances. Read several personal accounts of how these scholarships have helped our dancers.

Guest User 8/10/23 Guest User 8/10/23

The Life-Changing Impact of Ballet Scholarships

Title: Igniting Transformation: The Power of Ballet Scholarships for Aspiring Dancers

Discover how ballet scholarships are more than just financial aid – they're catalysts for personal growth. From equalizing opportunities and boosting confidence to nurturing discipline and resilience, these scholarships empower aspiring dancers to excel. Join us in exploring how these scholarships shape the artists of tomorrow and enrich our cultural landscape.

Ballet 5:8 6/26/23 Ballet 5:8 6/26/23

Sophia Snider on the Importance of New Work

Being part of a company focused on creating new works is meaningful because it aligns with Ballet 5:8's faith-based mission. Continuously generating fresh pieces allows us to mirror God's creative nature, express our faith, and reach diverse audiences with relevant stories rooted in the Gospel.

Jeremy Slager 6/21/23 Jeremy Slager 6/21/23

Valerie Linsner on the Importance of New Work

Being part of a company that prioritizes creating new works is meaningful to me. It pushes me as an artist, connects with current culture, and allows me to craft unique art. At 5:8, we passionately produce truth-rooted, stereotype-free works that bring a fresh voice to the arts community.

Performing in a work created specifically for me is thrilling. It comes with responsibility and freedom - giving my all to the choreographer's vision while being liberated from comparison.

The stories we tell at 5:8 are for everyone. They tackle uncomfortable subjects, shed light on the unexplored, and resonate deeply. They challenge, inspire, and remind us of our collective voice. Our work at 5:8 is truly extraordinary.

Ballet 5:8 6/16/23 Ballet 5:8 6/16/23

The Power of New Works: Transforming Ballet for the 21st Century

Julianna Rubio Slager, Artistic Director of Ballet 5:8, brings fresh and dynamic work to her audience, uniting athleticism and poetry in ballet. Creating new works allows ballet to reflect society, engage new audiences, push boundaries, encourage collaboration, and preserve tradition. Ballet's transcendent beauty impacts souls and offers hope for a brighter future.

Ballet 5:8 5/24/23 Ballet 5:8 5/24/23

Miranda Rubio | 22/23 Season in Review

Company Artist Miranda Rubio 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.