Review: Ballet 5:8 Showcases World Premieres

People & Places Newspaper
November 2022 Issue
By Anna Hessel

Ballet 5:8’s professional company brought Hispanic Heritage Month to a first-rate climax with a magnificent performance by their stellar dance troop at the lovely Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture in Chicago.

“Imagine Better” was expertly executed, beautifully costumed, with magnificent music. This supernal faith-based organization is filled with a cast of talented performers dancing for God’s glory.

The production featured two superb world premieres, “Solace“ and “Look to the East.“ These poignant pieces were flawlessly danced - mental health was, in essence, on the bill, actively serving to diminish the erroneous negative stigma often associated with clinical despondency.

Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager courageously shared her own struggle with depression in an on-stage chat, which followed the exemplary performance; she was joined by members of the cast, all of whom spoke eloquently about the roles they played in the ballets.

Pas de deux and ensemble numbers were innovative, athletic, and strong. The solo parts beautifully showcased individual skill and expertise.

Ballet 5:8 is truly poetry in motion - precise, pretty, and thought-provoking dance at its finest.

For tickets or information for upcoming performances, including a pair of free shows November 12th at the National Museum of Mexican Art, and their holiday event “Beyond the Nutcracker” December 17th and 18th, please visit www.ballet58.org.