Elizabeth Marlin | Season in Review

One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us. A special thank you to the artists of the company for sharing about their experiences in the 2021/22 Season.

Elizabeth Marlin (partnered by Samuel Opsal) in Julianna Rubio Slager’s Gospel Impressions. Costume design by Lorianne Robertson.

Q. Pick one word to describe the 2021/22 Season. Why?

A. Fulfilling. It was a very busy season of touring and a challenging amount of repertoire in a short period of time, but whenever I felt empty or drained, God always poured His Holy Spirit over me. I can't even count the number of times my heart almost burst with joy and peace both onstage and off!

Q. Can you share a favorite moment from on- or off-stage?

A. One of my favorite offstage moments this season was during a company class. We were rehearsing for Julianna Rubio Slager's ballet "The Mother" at the time, so the green armchair set piece was by the sound system in the studio. We were doing a grand allegro and one of our dancers ended his tour en l'air a little close to the chair. Undeterred, he improvised a hop-spin and sat down perfectly calm, hands neatly folded in the chair, perfectly timed on the very last beat of the music with the most serene look on his face. It was a much needed moment of levity!

Q. What are you looking forward to next season?

A. I am really looking forward to BareFace and for all the tours that are planned! I particularly cannot wait to tour to my home state of Pennsylvania!