2020/21 Season in Review | Ellington Nichols

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

Ellington Nichols (left) in Julianna Rubio Slager’s Reckless

Pick one word to describe the overall season. Why?

Exhilarating. After not being in a studio and not being able to perform, being back in the studio and performing on stage was such an exhilarating experience.

Can you share a favorite moment from on or offstage?

One specific moment that was prominent this season was being backstage at the beautiful Studebaker theater moments before we stepped on stage to perform Reckless. It was our first time performing on a real stage in a year, and that feeling of excitement and anticipation at the beginning of a ballet was something I had missed. 

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

To me, Reckless stands out the most meaningful. The story of Reckless is a very difficult story to tell. However, through all the research we did in preparation for this ballet, my perspective and eyes were opened up to the tragedies that happen [in the human-trafficking industry]. Additionally, Reckless is the first full-length ballet I have performed with Ballet 5:8, so that was memorable as well. 

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

I think the gift of comradery has really stood out to me this season. This season was difficult because we didn’t really know what it was going to look like. We were unsure if we would be able to perform, but God always pulled through in miraculous ways. We had to stick together through the hardships, but through it all, we grew together as a team and for that I am grateful. 

What are you up to this summer?

I will be spending some extra time with family in addition to working, taking keep-up classes, doing extra cross-training, and going to college online.