2020/21 Season in Review | Libby Dennen

Hear from Ballet 5:8 Company Artist Libby Dennen as she reflects on her experiences during the 20/21 Season.

Libby Dennen rehearsing Julianna Rubio Slager’s Reckless

Pick one word to describe the overall season. Why?

Accomplished—not accomplished in myself or anything we did as humans, but in seeing all the ways God used us to accomplish His glory.

Can you share a favorite moment from on or offstage?

This is a hard one—I would have to say the dress rehearsal for Reckless. It was our first time being back in a theater on a real stage in about a year. Everything ran so smoothly and there was so much excitement in the group! I felt a lot of peace and strength in being back on stage. It was so clear that God’s hand was in every minute of that day.  

Out of all the works you performed this season, does one stand out as the most meaningful or most notable for you personally? Why?

Reckless. It opened my eyes to how current and close to home the horror of sex trafficking is, and how easily someone gets trapped in it.

From a dancing perspective, Reckless pushed my physicality and artistry more than any ballet before. It was also encouraging to see the company as a whole rise to the physical and emotional challenge of this ballet.

Is there a particular quote or idea that has been inspirational to you this season?

The idea that pursuing excellence is just as godly as telling his story. We need to commit to God's calling to the best of our ability, no matter what that looks like. That means being a witness of his glory, while still holding my turnout!

What are you up to this summer?

I'll be working my second job and staying in shape. Hopefully, I'll also do some traveling if the pandemic allows.