Explore what’s coming up in our most innovative season yet. Get a sneak peek of the 2025/26 repertoire, guest choreographers and collaborators. Tickets on sale now!

Lynn Colburn Shapiro, See Chicago Dance

“Often, when an artistic entity is in service of an ideology, the art suffers. With Ballet 5:8, both seem to nourish and enhance each other. The dancing was polished and delightful, and came across as a breath of fresh air.”

Ballet 5:8 is a female- and minority-led professional ballet company recognized for artistic excellence, innovation, and beauty.

Under the direction of Mexican American choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager—who has created an astonishing 60 ballets in her career and was named a 2023 National Visiting Fellow with the School of American Ballet—the company produces bold, story-driven works rooted in life, faith, and diverse perspectives.

A Resident Company at the Harris Theater, Ballet 5:8 has been featured in Dance Magazine, Modern Luxury, Newcity, and Third Coast Review, with coverage on PBS, WGN, NBC, ABC, and FOX.

Upcoming events

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Ballet 5:8’s beloved holiday tradition returns to Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center with two festive weekends of performances—now in its eleventh year and praised by Pointe Magazine as one of Chicagoland’s Top 10 Nutcrackers. This season features a special collaboration with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, performing Tchaikovsky’s score live at select shows.

Performance Weekends

  • December 6–7: Recorded Score

  • December 13–14: Live Orchestra (Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra)

Experience the wonder, music, and storytelling your family will remember all season long. Reserve the best seats today.

Outdoor concert at Pritzker amphitheater with a large crowd at sunset, city skyline in background.

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