Ellington Nichols | 22/23 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 2022/23 Season.

Photo by Kristie Kahns.

Q. Pick one word to describe the 2022/23 Season. Why?

A. Enthralling, because it was fascinating performing all the different repertoire in addition to traveling to different areas performing for a variety of audiences. 

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

A. There are really too many to pick from, but I would say performing in my home town in Minnesota was very special. Feeling the joy of the audience, and knowing my family, friends, and past teachers were there supporting me, was truly special. 

Q. You performed many works this season! Does one stand out as the most meaningful or most notable for you personally? Why?

A. Dry Bones [choreographed by Julianna Rubio Slager] was a very exciting ballet this season because the movement was so different and intriguing to perform. From the music, to the costumes, to the lighting design, this ballet will probably always be one of my favorites.

Q. What or who has inspired you this season?

A. The strength of my colleagues and perseverance through each and every day of the season has inspired me immensely.

Q. What are you looking forward to next season?

A. I am looking forward to performing Butterfly next season. It was the first ballet I performed with the company when I came to Ballet 5:8 in 2019. I’m so excited for this beautiful story to be coming back.