La Llorona | Chicago
The Harris Theater for Music and Dance
Performances
October 5th | 7:30 PM
October 6th | 3:00 PM
Step into the Mexican myth of "La Llorona," where choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager reinterprets Maria’s journey through a lens of compassion and nuance. The story follows Maria, a new mother consumed by suspicions of her husband's infidelity, as she navigates the tumultuous waters of despair and mental anguish. Through Slager's masterful choreography and storytelling, Maria's journey is imbued with warmth and empathy, transforming what could be a tragic tale into one filled with hope and renewal. As audiences are drawn into Maria's harrowing struggles, they are confronted with the harsh realities of postpartum depression and are filled with tender empathy for her family. With each poignant movement and evocative scene, "La Llorona" sheds light on the silent struggles faced by new mothers, fostering empathy, understanding, and a call to action for greater awareness and support.
According to the NIH, 6.5-20% of new mothers face this silent struggle due to a lack of awareness hindering them from seeking help. Choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager, a mother of three, intimately understands these challenges. In her latest work, La Llorona, she reimagines the Mexican myth through a compassionate modern lens. Follow Maria, a new mother driven to despair by suspicions of her husband's infidelity, as she grapples with overwhelming darkness. Rather than succumbing to tragedy, Maria's journey becomes a poignant portrayal of a depressive episode. Ultimately Maria, her husband, and community learn to care for each other as they battle Maria’s mental illness. Through powerful storytelling, the ballet intertwines mythology with a crucial message, raising awareness for postpartum depression, especially among minority communities.
Featuring a performance by the all-female Mariachi Sirenas.
Performance Event Details
Harris Theater for Music and Dance
205 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
Questions? Contact Ballet 5:8 at 312.725.4752 or info@balle58.org
Performance Schedule
Lobby, box office, and will call opens | 6PM
Performance | 7:30-9:30 PM including intermission
Talk Back (open to all audience members) | 9:30-10 PM
Tickets are available at the door.
Beyond the Nutcracker at the Athenaeum
Pointe Magazine’s top ten Nutcrackers to see in Chicago!
A classic holiday tradition with a Ballet 5:8 twist. Join Emma and Uncle Abrahms as they embark on a miraculous journey through time and discover what Christmas is all about.
Beyond the Nutcracker at the Athenaeum
Pointe Magazine’s top ten Nutcrackers to see in Chicago!
A classic holiday tradition with a Ballet 5:8 twist. Join Emma and Uncle Abrahms as they embark on a miraculous journey through time and discover what Christmas is all about.
Beyond the Nutcracker at the Athenaeum
Pointe Magazine’s top ten Nutcrackers to see in Chicago!
A classic holiday tradition with a Ballet 5:8 twist. Join Emma and Uncle Abrahms as they embark on a miraculous journey through time and discover what Christmas is all about.
School of Ballet 5:8 | Beyond the Nutcracker at Lincoln Way East
Pointe Magazine’s top ten Nutcrackers to see in Chicago!
A classic holiday tradition with a Ballet 5:8 twist. Join Emma and Uncle Abrahms as they embark on a miraculous journey through time and discover what Christmas is all about.
School of Ballet 5:8 | Beyond the Nutcracker at Lincoln Way East
Pointe Magazine’s top ten Nutcrackers to see in Chicago!
A classic holiday tradition with a Ballet 5:8 twist. Join Emma and Uncle Abrahms as they embark on a miraculous journey through time and discover what Christmas is all about.
School of Ballet 5:8 | Beyond the Nutcracker at Lincoln Way East
Pointe Magazine’s top ten Nutcrackers to see in Chicago!
A classic holiday tradition with a Ballet 5:8 twist. Join Emma and Uncle Abrahms as they embark on a miraculous journey through time and discover what Christmas is all about.
Struggle & Resilience
Join Ballet 5:8, Overshadowed and a host of Chicago artists on March 1st at the Kehrein Center for a groundbreaking festival honoring the pivotal intersection of Black History Month and Women's History Month. Delve into the rich tapestry of movement and expression as Ballet 5:8 presents The Caged Bird Sings in collaboration with Overshadowed, alongside Tobin James' work, Transcendence. Experience the power, grace, and resilience of Black and Latina women through captivating performances that resonate with history, culture, and the spirit of empowerment. Don't miss this momentous celebration of diversity, creativity, and the transformative power of dance.
Emerging Artist Showcase
Join dancers from the Second Company and Studio Company of Ballet 5:8 for a special performance. This evening of dance features choreography created and performed by our talented students.
Imagine Better
Join us at the Ohio Star Theater for a stunning mixed repertoire bill featuring new works and audience favorites. Witness the premiere of The Cave, by Julianna Rubio Slager and a new creation by guest choreographer Seyong Kim. Lost Women of Juarez and Wind have been heralded as some of Ballet 5:8’s most compelling work, and will round out this stunning evening of innovative storytelling and breathtaking dance.
Performances at 1pm and 7pm
The Space in Between Mixed Repertoire Bill
Join us at Connection Church in Canton, MI for a stunning mixed repertoire bill featuring new works and audience favorites. Witness the premiere of The Cave and Celestia by Julianna Rubio Slager, as well as a new creation by guest choreographer Seyong Kim. The Space in Between is based on C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce, this stunning performance is a Ballet 5:8 classic and will round out this unforgettable evening of innovative storytelling and breathtaking dance.
Performance at 3PM.
THREE WORLD PREMIERES IN ONE SHOW Join us for a mesmerizing journey of "The Cave," a profound tale derived from Plato's ancient allegory. Choreographed by Julianna Rubio Slager, this ballet transports audiences into a society confined within the rocky walls of a cave, their existence limited to the shadows dancing before them. The Cave invites audiences to ponder the power of perception and the pursuit of truth.
Enter the ethereal realm of Julianna Rubio Slager’s latest masterpiece, "Celestia." Traverse the boundless expanse of the cosmos as we contemplate the enduring beauty, eternity, and transcendence of the stars. Rubio Slager brings us back to earth drawing parallels between the stars and our souls, each a unique and matchless creation. Ponder the infinite depths within and beyond in "Celestia."
World Premiere by Seyong Kim, "In this collaboration with Ballet 5:8, I aspire to achieve an artistic synergy that transcends cultural boundaries and emphasizes peaceful coexistence in our contemporary, globalized society. Through an interpretive lens grounded in Christian values, we shall fuse our distinct creative voices into a harmonious, profound, and holistic artistic expression.
Finally, this performance features the return of the Ballet 5:8 classic "The Space in Between" as the final performance of Lead Artist Lorianne Robertson. Drawing inspiration from The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis, "The Space in Between" explores the nature of eternity and the joy found on its shores. In Lewis’ work, Hell is not a place where a vengeful God tortures his victims, but a place “where the gates are locked from the inside.”
The Cave Mixed Repertoire Bill
A stunning mixed repertoire bill at the Harris Theater featuring new work and audience favorites. Celebrate with us as we honor the eleven year career of Lead Artist Lorianne Robertson. The evening features Rubio Slager’s newest works The Cave and Celestia, as well as a new work by Seyong Kim. Lorianne Robertson stars in the final ballet of the evening, audience favorite The Space in Between. Based on C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce, this ballet has not been onstage since 2019 and showcases the remarkable expressive power of Ballet 5:8’s dancers.
THREE WORLD PREMIERES IN ONE SHOW Join us for a mesmerizing journey of "The Cave," a profound tale derived from Plato's ancient allegory. Choreographed by Julianna Rubio Slager, this ballet transports audiences into a society confined within the rocky walls of a cave, their existence limited to the shadows dancing before them. The Cave invites audiences to ponder the power of perception and the pursuit of truth.
Enter the ethereal realm of Julianna Rubio Slager’s latest masterpiece, "Celestia." Traverse the boundless expanse of the cosmos as we contemplate the enduring beauty, eternity, and transcendence of the stars. Rubio Slager brings us back to earth drawing parallels between the stars and our souls, each a unique and matchless creation. Ponder the infinite depths within and beyond in "Celestia."
World Premiere by Seyong Kim, "In this collaboration with Ballet 5:8, I aspire to achieve an artistic synergy that transcends cultural boundaries and emphasizes peaceful coexistence in our contemporary, globalized society. Through an interpretive lens grounded in Christian values, we shall fuse our distinct creative voices into a harmonious, profound, and holistic artistic expression.
Finally, this performance features the return of the Ballet 5:8 classic "The Space in Between" as the final performance of Lead Artist Lorianne Robertson. Drawing inspiration from The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis, "The Space in Between" explores the nature of eternity and the joy found on its shores. In Lewis’ work, Hell is not a place where a vengeful God tortures his victims, but a place “where the gates are locked from the inside.”
La Llorona | Chicago
The Harris Theater for Music and Dance
Performances
October 5th | 7:30 PM
October 6th | 3:00 PM
Step into the Mexican myth of "La Llorona," where choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager reinterprets Maria’s journey through a lens of compassion and nuance. The story follows Maria, a new mother consumed by suspicions of her husband's infidelity, as she navigates the tumultuous waters of despair and mental anguish. Through Slager's masterful choreography and storytelling, Maria's journey is imbued with warmth and empathy, transforming what could be a tragic tale into one filled with hope and renewal. As audiences are drawn into Maria's harrowing struggles, they are confronted with the harsh realities of postpartum depression and are filled with tender empathy for her family. With each poignant movement and evocative scene, "La Llorona" sheds light on the silent struggles faced by new mothers, fostering empathy, understanding, and a call to action for greater awareness and support.
According to the NIH, 6.5-20% of new mothers face this silent struggle due to a lack of awareness hindering them from seeking help. Choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager, a mother of three, intimately understands these challenges. In her latest work, La Llorona, she reimagines the Mexican myth through a compassionate modern lens. Follow Maria, a new mother driven to despair by suspicions of her husband's infidelity, as she grapples with overwhelming darkness. Rather than succumbing to tragedy, Maria's journey becomes a poignant portrayal of a depressive episode. Ultimately Maria, her husband, and community learn to care for each other as they battle Maria’s mental illness. Through powerful storytelling, the ballet intertwines mythology with a crucial message, raising awareness for postpartum depression, especially among minority communities.
Featuring a performance by the all-female Mariachi Sirenas.
And a big thank you to our stage sponsor and caterer for the 2024 Annual Gala.
Performance Event Details
Harris Theater for Music and Dance
205 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
Questions? Contact Ballet 5:8 at 312.725.4752 or info@balle58.org
Performance Schedule
Lobby, box office, and will call opens | 6PM
Performance | 7:30-9:30 PM including intermission
Talk Back (open to all audience members) | 9:30-10 PM
Tickets are available at the door.
La Llorona | Twin Cities
Saturday, September 21st | 7PM | The Ames Center | Burnsville, MN
Step into the Mexican myth of "La Llorona," where choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager reinterprets Maria’s journey through a lens of compassion and nuance. The story follows Maria, a new mother consumed by suspicions of her husband's infidelity, as she navigates the tumultuous waters of despair and mental anguish. Through Slager's masterful choreography and storytelling, Maria's journey is imbued with warmth and empathy, transforming what could be a tragic tale into one filled with hope and renewal. As audiences are drawn into Maria's harrowing struggles, they are confronted with the harsh realities of postpartum depression and are filled with tender empathy for her family. With each poignant movement and evocative scene, "La Llorona" sheds light on the silent struggles faced by new mothers, fostering empathy, understanding, and a call to action for greater awareness and support.
According to the NIH, 6.5-20% of new mothers face this silent struggle due to a lack of awareness hindering them from seeking help. Choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager, a mother of three, intimately understands these challenges. In her latest work, La Llorona, she reimagines the Mexican myth through a compassionate modern lens. Follow Maria, a new mother driven to despair by suspicions of her husband's infidelity, as she grapples with overwhelming darkness. Rather than succumbing to tragedy, Maria's journey becomes a poignant portrayal of a depressive episode. Ultimately Maria, her husband, and community learn to care for each other as they battle Maria’s mental illness. Through powerful storytelling, the ballet intertwines mythology with a crucial message, raising awareness for postpartum depression, especially among minority communities.
Performance Event Details
Saturday, September 21st | 7PM | The Ames Center
12600 Nicollet Avenue Burnsville, MN 55337
Questions? Contact Ballet 5:8 at 312.725.4752 or info@balle58.org
Performance Schedule
Lobby, box office, and will call opens | 6PM
Performance | 7-9PM including intermission
Talk Back (open to all audience members) | 9-9:30PM
Tickets are available at the door.
Dance for Life
Ballet 5:8 will be performing Wind at the Annual Dance for Life Gala at the Auditorium Theater.
Showtime | 6:00 PM
Venue Details
Auditorium Theater
50 East Ida B. Wells Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
Lost Women of Juárez
As a Resident Company at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Ballet 5:8 presents Lost Women of Juarez, Wind, Counterpart, and The Sea is Flat.
The Lost Women of Juarez tells the story of thousands of women who have vanished in the borderland between El Paso and Ciudad Juarez. Julianna Rubio Slager, a Chicana with a deep personal connection to the story, approaches it with sensitivity, empathy, and authenticity. Through her vision, she will give life to the stories of these women, capturing their essence and the emotional journey they endured.
The Sea is Flat explores the capricious power of the sea and a divine presence that speaks order into chaos.
Wind is a mesmerizing ballet by renowned choreographer Steve Rooks, inspired by Alfonso Peduto’s music.
Counterpart is Julianna Rubio Slager’s breathtaking new pas de deux that transcends boundaries and ignites the imagination to reconsider the tension and thrill of equality.
Imagine Better | Bartlett Performing Arts Center
The Lost Women of Juarez tells the story of thousands of women who have vanished in the borderland between El Paso and Ciudad Juarez. Julianna Rubio Slager, a Chicana with a deep personal connection to the story, approaches it with sensitivity, empathy, and authenticity. Through her vision, she will give life to the stories of these women, capturing their essence and the emotional journey they endured.
The Sea is Flat explores the capricious power of the sea and a divine presence that speaks order into chaos.
Wind is a mesmerizing ballet by renowned choreographer Steve Rooks, inspired by Alfonso Peduto’s music.
Counterpart is Julianna Rubio Slager’s breathtaking new pas de deux that transcends boundaries and ignites the imagination to reconsider the tension and thrill of equality.
Butterfly | Bowie Center for the Arts
Step into the transformative world of Butterfly, where the harmony of music, dance, and visual art create an unforgettable and deeply moving experience. Butterfly tells the story of Friedl Dicker-Brandeis and her student Helga Weiss in the Jewish ghetto of Terezin during the Holocaust. With a descendant of Holocaust survivors in the cast, the story is a deeply moving testimony to the resilience of the human spirit.
Butterfly | Logan Center for the Arts
Butterfly originally premiered in 2019 on the eve of the pandemic and is a captivating production that includes music composed in the haunting confines of the Jewish ghetto of Terezin. Julianna Rubio Slager’s choreography infuses the story with raw emotion and echoes the melodies of the score. The ballet also features artwork created by the children of Terezin projected on the backdrop and immerses the audience in the horror and persistent hope of the Holocaust.
Butterfly returns to Chicago on February 11th at the Logan Center in Hyde Park. Ellington Nichols, a descendant of Holocaust survivors, will play the role of Helga Weiss.
Also in this bill are two World Premieres: Steve Rook’s Wind and Julianna Rubio Slager’s Counterpart.
Ballet 5:8 is excited to join the Logan Center as a Community Arts Partner for the 2023/24 Season.
Beyond the Nutcracker at Lincoln-Way East
LINCOLN-WAY EAST HIGH SCHOOL
Performances
December 16 | 2:00 PM
December 16 | 7:00 PM
December 17 | 3:00 PM
A classic holiday tradition with a Ballet 5:8 twist returns this season. Join Emma and Uncle Abrahms as they embark on a miraculous journey through time and discover what Christmas is all about.
Immerse yourself in the magical choreography of Ballet 5:8 Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager, featuring the students of the School of Ballet 5:8 and Guest Artists from Ballet 5:8.
Beyond the Nutcracker at Lincoln-Way East
LINCOLN-WAY EAST HIGH SCHOOL
Performances
December 16 | 2:00 PM
December 16 | 7:00 PM
December 17 | 3:00 PM
A classic holiday tradition with a Ballet 5:8 twist returns this season. Join Emma and Uncle Abrahms as they embark on a miraculous journey through time and discover what Christmas is all about.
Immerse yourself in the magical choreography of Ballet 5:8 Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager, featuring the students of the School of Ballet 5:8 and Guest Artists from Ballet 5:8.
Beyond the Nutcracker at Lincoln-Way East
LINCOLN-WAY EAST HIGH SCHOOL
Performances
December 16 | 2:00 PM
December 16 | 7:00 PM
December 17 | 3:00 PM
A classic holiday tradition with a Ballet 5:8 twist returns this season. Join Emma and Uncle Abrahms as they embark on a miraculous journey through time and discover what Christmas is all about.
Immerse yourself in the magical choreography of Ballet 5:8 Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager, featuring the students of the School of Ballet 5:8 and Guest Artists from Ballet 5:8.
Beyond the Nutcracker at the Athenaeum
The South Suburbs’ Favorite Nutcracker and one of Pointe Magazine’s top ten Nutcrackers to see in Chicago!
A classic holiday tradition with a Ballet 5:8 twist. Join Emma and Uncle Abrahms as they embark on a miraculous journey through time and discover what Christmas is all about.
BareFace at the Athenaeum | 10/21/23
Step into the mesmerizing world of BareFace, a fresh and enthralling dance production that delves deep into thought-provoking themes and evocative storytelling. Inspired by the ancient myth of Cupid and Psyche, choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager tells a female-driven, utterly compelling story of love, jealousy, and a case against the gods.
BareFace at the Athenaeum | 10/20/23
Step into the mesmerizing world of BareFace, a fresh and enthralling dance production that delves deep into thought-provoking themes and evocative storytelling. Inspired by the ancient myth of Cupid and Psyche, choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager tells a female-driven, utterly compelling story of love, jealousy, and a case against the gods.
BareFace at the Athenaeum | 10/18/23
Step into the mesmerizing world of BareFace, a fresh and enthralling dance production that delves deep into thought-provoking themes and evocative storytelling. Inspired by the ancient myth of Cupid and Psyche, choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager tells a female-driven, utterly compelling story of love, jealousy, and a case against the gods.
BareFace Grand Rapids
“Rubio Slager’s choreography glows like chimes, leaving an enduring impact long after the wind has passed. The performance is nothing short of phenomenal.”
— D'onminique Boyd-Riley
WHEN
Saturday, October 7th | 7:00 PM
Lobby opens 30min before the performance
Talkback on stage immediately following
WHERE
Devos Center for Arts & Worship on the campus of Grand Rapids Christian High School
2300 Plymouth Avenue Southeast
Grand Rapids, MI, 49506
TICKETS | $10-$45
Step into the mesmerizing world of BareFace, a fresh and enthralling dance production that delves deep into thought-provoking themes and evocative storytelling. Inspired by the ancient myth of Cupid and Psyche, choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager tells a female-driven, utterly compelling story of love, jealousy, and a case against the gods.
The power of human connection and relationships takes center stage in BareFace. Just as Cupid and Psyche longed for each other, the dancers’ movements intertwine and interact, portraying the intricacies of love, longing, and the universal desire for connection. “With technical precision and graceful beauty,” writes Kathy D. Hey from Third Coast Review, “the talented artists of Ballet 5:8's dance company convey a range of emotions, from moments of grief and longing to lighter moments of comedy.”
Hillsdale College Artist Series
Join Ballet 5:8 at the Hillsdale Artist Series in Hillsdale Michigan on September 17th, 2023.
Wheaton College Artist Series
Join Ballet 5:8 at the Wheaton Artist Series in Wheaton, IL on September 15th, 2023. Presented in partnership with the Wade Center’s Muriel Fuller Endowment, this double-bill performance showcases the exceptional piano accompaniment by Daniel Paul Horn and Kyle Orth, adding a layer of richness to the artistic tapestry.
The Future is NOW
For the first time, Ballet 5:8 Professional Company will perform at Lincoln-Way East Performing Arts Center alongside the talented artists attending Ballet 5:8’s Summer Intensive, featuring:
Look to the East
Transcendence
Mi Familia
Solace
Dia de los Vivos
World Premieres by Emerging Choreographers
Showtime | 7:00 PM
Tickets | $20-$30
Venue Details
Lincoln Way East High School
201 Colorado Avenue
Frankfort, IL, 60423
Parking available on site.
Enter at Door #40 for the Performing Arts Center
6:00 PM | Box Office Opens
6:30 PM | House Opens
7:00 PM | Curtain
Late Seating not permitted