Ballet 5:8 returns to the Harris Theater with Beauty Will Save the World—a compelling mixed-repertory program that celebrates resilience, cultural heritage, and the transformative power of beauty in turbulent times. Anchoring the company’s annual Gala, this performance brings together five distinct works that cross boundaries of genre, language, and tradition. October 11th, 7:30PM, one night only

Tickets

The evening features a rare Chicago performance of Gerald Arpino’s Birthday Variations, alongside a world premiere by celebrated choreographer Kevin Jenkins. Ballet 5:8’s own audience favorite The Sea is Flat delivers a storm of movement exploring inner peace amid chaos. A new excerpt from the company’s nationally recognized BIOS Project uplifts the voice of an emerging BIPOC choreographer, and Día de los Vivos offers a joyful tribute to life, memory, and Hispanic identity.

Program Information

ACT I (45MN)
Dia de Los Vivos | Choreographed by Julianna Rubio Slager
Music by Ezio Bosso

These Quiet Moments | Choreographed by Kevin Jenkins
Music By Fredrick Chopin

Lisa | Choreographed by Jasmine Getz
Music by Elegy for the Arctic (Remastered) — Ludovico Einaudi
Underlying Truth —Howard Harper-Barnes
Outro —By M83

Birthday Variations | Choreographed by Gerald Arpino
Music by Giuseppe Verdi

The performance of Birthday Variations is presented with permission from The Gerald Arpino Foundation and is produced in accordance with the standards established by the foundation.

Intermission (20MN)


ACT II (40MN)

Somewhere | Special Guest, Tenor Rod Dixon
Composed by Leonard Bernstein, with lyrics written by Stephen Sondheim


The Sea is Flat | Choreographed by Julianna Rubio Slager

Why Attend?

  • One Night Only: This is the only chance to see this program in Chicago.

  • Cultural Depth: From Arpino’s Chicago-born choreography to new works rooted in diverse traditions, the evening is a testament to dance’s power to cross boundaries.

  • World-Class Artistry: Performed by Ballet 5:8’s acclaimed artists, known for their passion, precision, and storytelling.

  • Celebrate Chicago’s Arts Legacy: Honoring Gerald Arpino, one of Chicago’s most influential choreographers, alongside rising national voices.

Venue & Directions

Harris Theater for Music and Dance
205 E. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601
Millennium Park | Lower Level

Driving & Parking:
The Harris Theater is conveniently located off Michigan Avenue. Discounted parking is available in the Millennium Park Garage at 25 N. Michigan Ave., with direct elevator access to the theater lobby.

Public Transit:
Easily accessible by CTA Red, Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, and Pink Lines (exit at Washington/Wabash or Lake stations). Multiple bus routes stop along Michigan Avenue.

Walking:
The theater is located in Millennium Park, just east of Michigan Avenue and Randolph Street. Enter on Randolph and take the escalator or elevator down to the Harris Theater lobby.