Ballet 5:8 Returns to the Stage with Two Socially Distant World Premieres
Orland Park ‒ Ballet 5:8’s Fall Black Box Series marks a monumental return to the live stage after theaters around the world abruptly went dark last March. On the heels of a successful outdoor program held in local parks and Ballet 5:8’s own “backyard” in August and September, the October Fall Series will feature brand new works by Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager and returning works by Slager and guest choreographer Kevin Jenkins. Performances will be held on October 10-11, 17-18, and 24-25 at Ballet 5:8 studios in Orland Park. Following Illinois guidelines, each showing will be limited to 40 people and will include special cleaning procedures. Customized seating in the flexible black-box space will seat household groups together, with at least six feet of distance between groups. Individual tickets are $20 and available in advance only by calling 312-725-4752 or at ballet58.org/fallseries.
At a time when many professional dance companies have cancelled their fall seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ballet 5:8 is creatively providing ways for the public to safely experience the power and inspiration of live dance performance. The first two weekends of the Fall Black Box Series will feature the World Premiere of Julianna Rubio Slager’s The Golden Sessions, based on The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis. The ballet explores the various textures of the four Greek words for love, and how each one captures a unique aspect of our relationships. Slager says, “This season of life has drawn out what we truly value in relationships. Each one is a reminder of the sweat, the tears and the hard-earned privilege of just moving forward. Precious moments with loved ones, those sessions, have begun to take on a golden hue in my memory. They’re hard, yes, but they’re treasured.”
The final weekend of the Fall Black Box Series will feature the World Premiere of Dry Bones by Slager, which tells the epic ancient story of the Valley of Dry Bones of the prophet Ezekiel. “It’s a ballet about the times when hope is in tatters, but we still believe in a God of resurrection, a God of life,” Slager says.
The Fall Black Box Series will also mark the return of three favorite Ballet 5:8 works. Still Waters, by award-winning guest choreographer Kevin Jenkins with original music by Paula Dreyer, reflects on the beauty and peace found in Psalm 23. Julianna Rubio Slager’s Of Splendors and Horrors, called “a dramatic visual” by Lauren Warnecke of See Chicago Dance, also derives inspiration from C.S. Lewis and depicts a parable of the cascading effect each human life can have on others. Finally, Slager’s 4501 explores the humanity of the individuals in the prison system through the journey of a single prisoner, based on true stories.
ABOUT BALLET 5:8 - Founded in 2012, Ballet 5:8 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization based in Orland Park, IL, just outside of Chicago. The mission of Ballet 5:8 is to engage communities in Chicago, the Midwest and across the nation in conversation of life and faith through innovative storytelling and breathtaking dance. Ballet 5:8 also promotes thriving artistic communities through dance performance and education.