What Critics Are Saying About Ballet 5:8

Dance Magazine praises Ballet 5:8’s artistic excellence and distinct voice among faith-based companies:

“Polished and delightful…a breath of fresh air.”
“I have watched this company mature over many seasons and applaud their commitment to both their spiritual and artistic mission.”
— Lynn Shapiro, Dance Magazine

Ballet 5:8 shines on major stages like Chicago’s Harris Theater:

“It truly felt and looked like the company had been on the Harris stage for years.”
— Lori Dimun, President & CEO, Harris Theater for Music and Dance

On Rubio Slager’s choreography and storytelling through ballet:

“Everything is being used… Rubio-Slager’s choreography flows like chimes… It is my definition of phenomenal.”
— D’onminique Boyd-Riley, See Chicago Dance

On Ballet 5:8’s company culture and stage presence:

“It’s easy to feel the heart of this company and the passion that resonates from its mission.”
— Lauren Warnecke, See Chicago Dance

Faith, love, and compassion as core values in professional dance:

“Ballet 5:8 is a company whose mission is truly based around love, compassion, and kindness.”
— Kristi Licera, dancermusic.com

Audience Reactions to La Llorona

La Llorona connects with postpartum experiences and mental health themes in powerful, original ways:

“Yes, it was DEEP! Very emotional. This is real life for many postpartum women.”
— Marvalinn

An audience member shares how this ballet addresses mental health through movement:

“La Llorona brings a whole new aspect to the table – mental health.”
— Audience Member

A Spanish-language review highlighting the cultural and emotional impact of the piece:

“Una historia con mucha importancia... Ballet 5:8 cuenta la historia a través de la danza de manera increíble.”
— Andy Boeta, Orland Park Chamber of Commerce

A dancer and choreographer reflects on the ballet’s impact on the industry:

“It’s a very important piece, and will explode as the world of dance keeps evolving.”
— Dora Ciacca

A young audience member shares a visceral reaction:

“A 10/10 experience. I was struggling to hold back tears.”
— Mya Love

A healthcare professional affirms the ballet’s accuracy:

“As a registered nurse, this perfectly captured the stories told to me by women suffering from postpartum depression.”
— Registered Nurse

Professional Choreographers and Scholars on the Repertory

On “The Mother” based on a poem by Gwendolyn Brooks:

“Rubio Slager deftly weaves emotional questions… a sensitive and articulate work.”
— Pilar Garcia, Former acting coach to Gelsey Kirkland

On “Reckless,” a ballet tackling human trafficking and justice:

“An inspired piece of storytelling… communicates atrocities with symbolic clarity while protecting innocence.”
— Emma Santschi
“It opened a door for real conversations about human trafficking and God’s redemptive love.”
— Carolyn Zic, Parent & Pediatric Healthcare Provider
“So many similarities to the real stories of our residents. It truly was like witnessing them on stage.”
— Meredith, Refuge for Women Chicago
“Powerful, respectful, deeply moving… Your implicit storytelling was powerful.”
— Old Testament Scholar

Summer Ballet Intensive Reviews

Faith-based ballet intensives that don’t compromise on technique:

“Instructional excellence, prestige, and a faith-filled, welcoming atmosphere.”
— Austin Crumley, Former Professional Dancer

Respected industry members endorse the training experience:

“Ballet 5:8 nurtures the soul while encouraging excellence.”
— Kevin Jenkins, Choreographer
“A rare combination of high standards and attention to individuality.”
— Sarah Lane, Former ABT Principal

Students and parents reflect on the life-changing experience:

“I’ve received the best instruction I’ve ever gotten.”
— Summer Intensive Student
“Every time I come, I feel like God is working in me… It’s a transformative experience.”
— Zoe Chamberlain
“Top-notch training that forms me into a better dancer.”
— Regan Perkins
“As a mom, I was nervous about sending my daughter for 3 weeks —but everything exceeded expectations.”
— Amanda Lewallen, Summer Intensive Parent

Community and Peer Testimonials

Dance professionals and audience members alike recognize Ballet 5:8’s unique voice and spiritual clarity:

“One of the few companies I’ve seen that presents work in a spiritual context that actually felt honest, clear, and real.”
— Audience Member, Chicago Area Dancer

From choreographers who’ve collaborated with the company:

“The best commission experience I’ve ever had. Warm, smart, organized, grounded and deeply committed.”
— Kevin Jenkins, Choreographer

Spiritual resonance noted by leaders in the arts community:

“I cried through most of the performance. Your choreography is powerful.”
— Kimberly Bowden, Moody Bible Institute

What Dance Artists Are Saying

Artists outside the company praise Ballet 5:8’s balance of heart and technique:

“I love watching you guys dance—it’s so evident that you’re dancing from your hearts and also with such excellent technique.”
— Audience Member, CDF Dance Festival

Choreographers moved by Ballet 5:8’s ability to embody challenging themes:

“You had me in tears. The most powerful story I’ve seen told through dance.”
— Dancer & Choreographer, on Reckless

Faith + Art: Making the Invisible Visible

Ministry and theology leaders reflect on the integration of faith in performance:

“You’re doing a great work. You’re making the invisible visible.”
— Faith Leader & Audience Member
“This performance brought the love of Christ into a setting where some may never walk into a church.”
— *Audience Member, BareFace

Professional feedback on the spiritual weight of the work:

“One of the most meaningful performances I’ve seen in a long time. I felt the Spirit moving.”
— Audience Member

Audience Feedback from Diverse Performances

Emotional impact shared by general audiences:

“Your performance had me in tears. So moving, so relevant, so powerful.”
— Audience Member, Reckless Performance
“It’s the kind of art that stays with you.”
— Audience Member

Cultural resonance for underrepresented stories:

“I appreciated how you told the story in a way that honored the Mexican culture and also spoke to a universal experience.”
— Audience Member, La Llorona Performance

From Parents and Students

Families reflect on how Ballet 5:8 shapes lives—not just dancers:

“My daughter is growing in her faith and her art—thank you for creating a space that does both.”
— Parent of Ballet 5:8 Student
“Ballet 5:8 gave me the courage to pursue dance again after years away. It’s a rare gift.”
— Adult Ballet Student