Samuel Opsal | 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. Immersive. I felt that the works that we debuted this season fully immersed me as an artist into the process. From the residencies of Tobin James and Matthew Rushing to the creative process of the full-length work BareFace (choreographed by Julianna Rubio Slager), I felt completely engaged in the creative process throughout the year.

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

A. One of my favorite moments on stage was the premiere of BareFace in Canton, Michigan. There had been an incredible amount of work over the past year to prepare for it to take the stage, and the exhilarating moment as the curtain closed after a beautiful show was a highlight for the season.

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

A. The character of Bardia (in BareFace) was a meaningful role this season. I enjoy the process of developing a character for a full length ballet and the many nuances that transform the character into a three dimensional role as the ballet is created.

Q. What or who has inspired you this season?

A. During the fall season I memorized Romans 12. That chapter has many powerful verses that I have contemplated and been inspired by throughout the season.

Q. What are you looking forward to next season?

A. I am looking forward to the new ballet Counterpart, choreographed by Julianna Rubio Slager, this upcoming season. The intricate and challenging pas de deux work showing the ways that two people can mutually support one another will be a joy to dance!