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.

Julianna Slager 9/26/25 Julianna Slager 9/26/25

Where the Company Meets the School: Why This Model Matters at Ballet 5:8

Julianna Slager 9/23/25 Julianna Slager 9/23/25

Why Dance Matters in the Age of AI

In a world transformed by artificial intelligence, the skills that set our children apart won’t be mechanical—they’ll be human. Creativity, resilience, empathy, and collaboration are the true keys to thriving in the future. Dance nurtures all of these, making it one of the most powerful ways to prepare kids for what’s ahead.

Jeremy Slager 9/17/25 Jeremy Slager 9/17/25

La Llorona: A Serious Story Told with Tenderness—Open to All Ages

Ballet 5:8’s La Llorona reimagines the legendary folktale as a heartfelt story of love, loss, and hope. Directed by Julianna Rubio Slager, this family-friendly ballet uses tender storytelling and the perspective of children to invite audiences into meaningful conversations. Upcoming performances in Bloomington, Grayslake, and University Park.

Julianna Slager 8/6/25 Julianna Slager 8/6/25

The Real Women Behind the BIOS Project: Stories That Move

Meet the women and choreographers behind Ballet 5:8’s BIOS Project—a powerful performance series where lived experience becomes movement, and storytelling becomes healing.

Julianna Slager 8/6/25 Julianna Slager 8/6/25

What Is La Llorona? The Legend Behind Ballet 5:8’s Haunting Ballet

Ballet 5:8’s La Llorona reimagines the legendary weeping woman through a compassionate lens—exploring postpartum depression, motherhood, and healing in a breathtaking ballet.

Ballet 5:8 8/6/25 Ballet 5:8 8/6/25

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.