Ellington Nichols | 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. Getting to know the dancers and hearing about their journey is always a treat, and this year is no exception - even in a year turned upside down by a national pandemic! A special thank you to the artists of the company for sharing about their experiences in the 2019/20 Season.

Congratulations to Ballet 5:8 Company Apprentice Ellington Nichols, who was promoted to Company Artist at the conclusion of the 2019/20 Season.

Ellington Nichols, Company Artist

Q. Pick one word to describe the overall season. Why?

A. Enriching!

Q. Can you share a favorite moment from on or offstage?

A. It's hard to pick a favorite moment, but I think performing Butterfly on stage knowing that everyone is giving their all and expressing their complete raw emotion. Specifically, the very beginning of the ballet when the curtain rises. Knowing the story that we are about to tell and the impact it will have on the audience makes me extremely excited. It is such a blessing to be able to share hope in such a beautiful and unique way.

Q. Of course choosing this is probably going to be hard, but out of the works you performed this season, does one stand out as the most meaningful or most notable for you personally? Why?

A. Getting to perform Brothers and Sisters was a major highlight. The energy on stage is magical and it feels so good to be dancing alongside my brothers and sisters in Christ! However, Butterfly will always have a special place in my heart because of the story of hope that is portrayed and the emotion behind every aspect of the ballet.

Q. Is there a particular quote or idea that has been inspirational to you this season?

A. BOLDNESS - the idea that I need to be bold in not only my dancing but also my faith. In the studio, on stage, and in regular life.

Q. What room did you dance in during quarantine?

A.  I danced in my dining room back at my parents house in Minnesota.

Q. What are you up to this summer?

A. Working, taking some college summer classes, and trying to get back into dancing shape while still trying to enjoy some summer fun!