Hear from Ballet 5:8 Solo Artist Jessica Lohr as she reflects on her experiences during the 20/21 Season.

Jessica Lohr in Julianna Rubio Slager’s Golden Sessions — *Jessica Lohr in Julianna Rubio Slager’s* Golden Sessions

Pick one word to describe the overall season. Why?

Abounding! When I look back on this past season I am amazed by the amount the company was able to accomplish. From coming back from quarantine and performing our outdoor series, to bringing audiences into our studios for our Black Box Series, the creation of new works such as Julianna Rubio Slager's Golden Sessions and Reckless, and having the surreal opportunity of performing in a theater again in March, the past season abounded in opportunities, creativity, and new accomplishments for the company.

Can you share a favorite moment from on or offstage?

Performing in a theater for the first time in over a year was such an incredible feeling! Even just stepping onto the stage for warm-up class was surreal, I felt I had to just take it all in. I also felt such amazing on-stage camaraderie with my fellow dancers for those shows. There is nothing like such unity onstage that it feels like you are all thinking the same things at the same time! I knew that all the dancers were wholeheartedly invested and we were all there for one another.

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 Sessions holds a really special place in my heart! The choreography and the music genuinely make my heart sing and it is one of my favorite ballets I have had the opportunity to dance. This piece is also one of the most challenging ballets in Ballet 5:8's repertoire, so it was very rewarding being pushed in this way, and also incredibly inspiring watching my fellow dancers succeed in such virtuosic work. Golden Sessions reminds me of the magic of ballet!

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

Psalm 43:3 has been my inspiration this year! "Send out Your light and Your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to your dwelling!" My prayer is that all things in my life, dancing included, be led by God and lead to God!

What are you up to this summer?

This summer I will be teaching at Ballet 5:8's summer intensive, taking class to prepare for next season, as well as taking college classes and taking part in some shadowing and internship opportunities for school!