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.
Is Ballet Right for My Child? A Guide for First-Time Dance Parents
Curious about enrolling your child in ballet? Learn the benefits of dance training, how to choose the right program, and what to expect in your child’s first class.
Sophia Snider on the Importance of New Work
Being part of a company focused on creating new works is meaningful because it aligns with Ballet 5:8's faith-based mission. Continuously generating fresh pieces allows us to mirror God's creative nature, express our faith, and reach diverse audiences with relevant stories rooted in the Gospel.
The Power of New Works: Transforming Ballet for the 21st Century
Julianna Rubio Slager, Artistic Director of Ballet 5:8, brings fresh and dynamic work to her audience, uniting athleticism and poetry in ballet. Creating new works allows ballet to reflect society, engage new audiences, push boundaries, encourage collaboration, and preserve tradition. Ballet's transcendent beauty impacts souls and offers hope for a brighter future.
Miranda Rubio | 22/23 Season in Review
Company Artist Miranda Rubio shares her reflections on the 22/23 Season! One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us.
Elizabeth Marlin | 22/23 Season in Review
Solo Artist Elizabeth Marlin shares her reflections on the 22/23 Season! One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us.
Libby Dennen | 22/23 Season in Review
Solo Artist Libby Dennen shares her reflections on the 22/23 Season! One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us.
Sarah Clarke | 22/23 Season in Review
Solo Artist Sarah Clarke shares her reflections on the 22/23 Season! One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us.
Valerie Linsner | 22/23 Season in Review
Solo Artist Valerie Linsner shares her reflections on the 22/23 Season! One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us.
Melanie Rodrigues | 22/23 Season in Review
Company Artist Melanie Rodrigues shares her reflections on the 22/23 Season! One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us.
Ellington Nichols | 22/23 Season in Review
Company Artist Ellington Nichols shares her reflections on the 22/23 Season! One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us.
Kayla Kowach | 22/23 Season in Review
Company Artist Kayla Kowach shares her reflections on the 22/23 Season! One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us.
Samuel Opsal | 22/23 Season in Review
Solo Artist Samuel Opsal shares his reflections on the 22/23 Season! One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us.
Ford Tackett | 22/23 Season in Review
Company Artist Ford Tackett shares his reflections on the 22/23 Season! One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us.
Sophia Snider | 22/23 Season in Review
Company Artist Sophia Snider shares her reflections on the 22/23 Season! One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us.
Lezlie Gray | 22/23 Season in Review
Company Artist Lezlie Gray shares her reflections on the 22/23 Season! One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us.
The Female Leads of BareFace | Company Artist Kayla Kowach
In honor of Women’s History Month, we are interviewing the female leads of BareFace to get to know their characters before they take the stage this spring! Hear from Company Artist Kayla Kowach on dancing the role of The Priest.
The Female Leads of BareFace | Solo Artist Valerie Linsner
In honor of Women’s History Month, we are interviewing the female leads of BareFace to get to know their characters before they take the stage this spring! Hear from Solo Artist Valerie Linsner on dancing the role of Redival.
“Till We Have Faces” and the Female Gaze | Ballet Year Million
The female gaze is a powerful thread pulled through the novel of “Till We Have Faces,” offering a unique perspective on the age-old tale of Cupid and Psyche. The novel is narrated by Orual, Psyche's older sister, who provides a complex and nuanced portrayal of the story that is often missing from other retellings.