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.

The Caged Bird Sings
Julianna Slager Julianna Slager

The Caged Bird Sings

Discover the power of Maya Angelou’s legacy through dance in Ballet 5:8’s The Caged Bird Sings, a multi-disciplinary exploration of what it means to be truly free.

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Beyond the Nutcracker | Ten Years of Magic
Julianna Slager Julianna Slager

Beyond the Nutcracker | Ten Years of Magic

Looking for a holiday ballet experience that touches both heart and soul? Ballet 5:8’s Beyond the Nutcracker reimagines the classic with a story of faith and courage.

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Behind the Creation of La Llorona: A Journey into Storytelling and Mental Health
Julianna Slager Julianna Slager

Behind the Creation of La Llorona: A Journey into Storytelling and Mental Health

Growing up, my Papa shared the story of La Llorona with me. It’s a tale many children in Mexico hear—a story of a woman named Maria, who in a fit of rage drowns her children after being abandoned by her husband. The haunting wails of La Llorona become a warning to us: "Don’t wander alone, or La Llorona will find you." For years, I carried this story with me, viewing Maria as a symbol of fear, an example of what happens when anger takes hold. But as I’ve grown, especially as a mother, I’ve begun to ask: What if there’s more to Maria than a cautionary tale? What if her story represents something deeper—something many women like me face every day?

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The Power of Ballet Scholarships for Dancers of Faith
Guest User Guest User

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.

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The Life-Changing Impact of Ballet Scholarships
Guest User Guest User

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.

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