A legend, reimagined with empathy. Maria’s story unfolds through powerful choreography and a haunting score—illuminating postpartum depression with tenderness, not fear.

2PM at the Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin, IL

This Halloween season, Ballet 5:8 invites Elgin audiences to experience La Llorona — a haunting and deeply human reimagining of one of Latin America’s most enduring legends. Costumes are encouraged, and families are invited to enjoy trick-or-treating festivities as part of this special Halloween performance.

This is not a horror story.

While the production explores serious themes with emotional honesty, it does so with care, beauty, and hope rather than graphic imagery or horror. Families across the country have attended together, finding the performance both accessible and meaningful for intergenerational audiences.

“Everyone has something to talk about with their families after leaving the ballet.”
— Desiree Norton

“La Llorona is a story many people in Mexico grow up listening to… Ballet 5:8’s take on the tale brings a whole new aspect onto the table… mental health. It’s wonderful to see how one story can be told through dance with so much expression and sentiment.”
— Andy Boeta, Orland Park Chamber of Commerce

Come in costume. Come for the legend. Leave with compassion.