Ballet Company Aims to Reach New Audiences

90.9 FM WDCB | The Arts Section
Hosted by Gary Zidek
Aired: Oct 9, 2022
Posted: Oct 17, 2022

GaryWDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to Julianna Rubio Slager, the co-founder and artistic director of Ballet 5:8.

“I look forward to seeing how Ballet 5:8 will continue to grow and develop, and how the company will be able to support more artists who want to tell stories that relate to our communities.”

- Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager

It was that desire to tell stories for communities that traditionally aren’t represented by ballet companies that inspired the creation of Ballet 5:8. The company is currently making final preparations for its fall program - Imagine Better will be presented at Athenaeum Center on Saturday, October 15. Gary catches up with Julianna Rubio Slager about the upcoming program and the evolution of Ballet 5:8.

“One thing that I’ve seen, at least in my community, ballet can be super intimidating, and so I’ve always gone ‘wait a second, ballet is for everyone and it doesn’t have to feel exclusive or far off.’ I have created a lot of work that is really accessible.”

- Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager talking about creating new works to reach new audiences.

It’s been the journey for Orland Park-based Ballet 5:8. Established in 2012, the company has grown from humble beginnings to reach great heights. Ballet 5:8 Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager co-founded the company with a desire to reach communities that traditionally aren’t represented by ballet companies.

Ballet 5:8;s next program, Ver la Música, Oír la Danza is set to take place on November 12 at the National Museum of Mexican Art.

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South Suburban Ballet Company Highlights Hispanic Heritage, Mental Health Awareness