2020/21 Season in Review | Kennedy Ditzhazy

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

Kennedy Ditzhazy (right) in Julianna Rubio Slager’s Golden Sessions

Pick one word to describe the overall season. Why?

Affirming. God has revealed a lot to me about His reliability over the course of the season, and that even in all moments, He’s not only faithful but never leaves me desolate. He affirmed just how reliable and steady of a Father He is and always will be to me.

Can you share a favorite moment from on or offstage?

My favorite moment of the entire season was during the final show of Golden Sessions. My parents drove out to watch my last classical ballet show, and it just so happened that the place I stood to bow was right in front of where my parents were seated. I could see both of them standing up, loudly clapping and cheering for me. As my mom had tears streaming down her face, I could see how proud she was of all that I’d accomplished as a ballet dancer at Ballet 5:8 and also as her daughter. A very special and unforgettable moment for sure!

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

Golden Session’s Storge stands out the most for me. Getting to perform with Olivia Kruse in that piece will always be a sweet memory I’ll hold on to forever. Because Olivia and I are really great friends outside the studio, the end of Storge where we end the piece spinning together had an even more personal impact. In the last show, we had a lot of fun performing that section together!

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

God has reminded me over and over again before performances that “It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be His”. This always gave me the freedom to perform for Him out of praise and thanksgiving, instead of for any other reason.

What are you up to this summer?

This summer I’m pursuing my Master’s degree in Catechetics and Evangelization. I’m planning to continue on in the ministry of my Catholic faith!