Lezlie Gray | 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. Unique. I had the opportunity to explore and perform in a wide range of dance styles this season. We also had the opportunity to engage with the Chicago community a lot this season which was fun!

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

A. I have many fond memories from this season, but I think my favorite was getting to tour our Baptized Imagination program to Messiah University. Being from that area, it was special to share our performance with many people who had watched me grow up or had their hand in helping me get to where I am today.

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

A. I really enjoyed performing Yellow World in Julianna Rubio Slager's All God's Children. I love the light-heartedness of this ballet while sharing such an important message. It was great fun kicking-off our season with a performance of this ballet.

Q. What or who has inspired you this season?

A. My co-workers have been inspirational to me this season. I enjoy getting to watch them dance everyday as it inspires me to continue to hone my craft and grow as an artist.

Q. What are you looking forward to next season?

A. I'm looking forward to bringing back Julianna Rubio Slager's Butterfly to the stage. This was the first ballet that I performed as an original cast member for Ballet 5:8 so it holds a special place in my heart. Its performance run was also cut short due to the pandemic, so I am excited that it has another opportunity to take the stage and impact new audiences this season.