Alisa Nipp | Dry Bones

A celebration of our hope in God, Dry Bones tells the epic ancient story of the Valley of Dry Bones from the Book of Ezekiel. Hear what the Ballet 5:8 artists have to say about this innovative new ballet by Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager.

Alisa Nipp, Apprentice

Q: What has stood out to you the most about the choreography of Dry Bones? How is Dry Bones different from other ballets in the Ballet 5:8 repertoire?

A: Dry Bones is different from past Ballet 5:8 repertoire because the movement in the first half of the ballet is very disjointed and angular, highlighting the human skeleton. It matches the mechanical sound of the music. Later in the ballet, we receive the breath of life. At that point, the sound score is no longer mechanical but aids in the idea of new life coming together and building upward layer upon layer. By the end of the ballet, the audience will have witnessed a transformation in the music and movement alike: from the darkness and deadness of dry bones to the hopefulness and wholeness of living bodies.

Q: What does the story of the Valley of Dry Bones mean to you? How do you convey this meaning through your dancing?

A: The story of the Valley of Dry Bones in Ezekiel 37 is about restoration and hope. Through God alone, dead things can receive life and become more than anyone can imagine. As we dance this ballet, we have to demonstrate the extremes: the deadness and ugliness of our original state versus the life and beauty of our transformed state.

Q: Why should audience members see Dry Bones?

A: Dry Bones is a message of hope. In these times, everyone is searching for hope and transformation because they recognize that society is not what it should be.

The online premiere of Dry Bones will be Friday, November 13. Learn more at ballet58.org/online.