A dancer in a black costume moves in a dramatic, curved pose against a vivid red-orange background. Warm light illuminates the dancer’s outstretched arm and upper body, while a glowing circular light hovers above, creating a striking, abstract composition that evokes intensity, movement, and emotion.

Resident Company

Women on Fire

Ballet 5:8

Performances

Apr 17 Sat 7:30PM

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Performance Run Time: Approximately 2 hours, including intermission.

Women on Fire is Ballet 5:8’s signature celebration of its 15th Anniversary Season, honoring the women whose creativity, leadership, resilience, and vision have shaped the organization over the past fifteen years. The program features works by four internationally acclaimed female choreographers—Julianna Rubio Slager, Jessica Lang, Stephanie Martinez, and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa—whose distinct artistic voices explore themes of purpose, sacrifice, joy, identity, and strength.

The evening includes two world premieres created for Ballet 5:8’s anniversary season: Women Who Carry Water, inspired by the often-unseen labor and perseverance of women, and Chingonas, a bold celebration of the women who helped build Ballet 5:8. Together with Lang’s The Calling, Martinez’s Grace in the Rush, and Lopez Ochoa’s vibrant Rondo Ma Non Troppo, the program highlights the extraordinary impact of women as artists, leaders, caregivers, mentors, and changemakers.

As Ballet 5:8 reflects on fifteen years of artistic excellence, Women on Fire invites audiences to celebrate the women who have shaped their own lives and communities while experiencing an evening of powerful, thought-provoking, and inspiring dance.

About Ballet 5:8

Ballet 5:8 is a nationally recognized Chicago ballet company and dance school that sparks discussion on life, faith, and human dignity through powerful storytelling and breathtaking dance. Founded in 2012, the organization creates original story ballets that explore literature, culture, history, spirituality, and the complexities of the human experience.

Under the leadership of Founder and Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager, Ballet 5:8 has created more than 70 original works and has become known for bold artistic vision, public humanities initiatives, and community engagement. The company’s performances have been supported by organizations including the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, Arts Midwest, and Healing Illinois, and its work has been featured by NPR, PBS, Chicago Magazine, Dance Informa, and See Chicago Dance.

A resident company of Chicago’s Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Ballet 5:8 challenges assumptions about who ballet is for, where it belongs, and what it can say. Through performances, educational programs, touring productions, and community partnerships, Ballet 5:8 continues to expand access to world-class dance while creating work that invites audiences into meaningful conversation.

A large ensemble of ballet dancers in flowing dark blue costumes moves in unison across a stage bathed in blue light. With arms extended diagonally upward and bodies leaning forward, the dancers create a sweeping sense of momentum, precision, and collective energy.