Reviews

Lauren Warnecke | See Chicago Dance

“[Ballet 5:8’s] director is not holding back, making challenging work that stretches their technique and partnering skills to the max and provides dance fans with options for good quality professional ballet outside the city limits.”

“Slager is an ambitious director who, with a robust team of supporters and administrators, has capitalized on her location in the less artistically-saturated suburbs to build what I predict will be an enduring organization.”

Ken Norris | WKTV Journal

“The Space in Between” not only was a thing of thoughtful beauty but a powerful addition to Slager and Ballet 5:8’s catalogue.”

Jeffrey Pierce | Elgin Review

“The company looked spectacular and mature as an ensemble, with movement that made the Ives symphonic excerpts sound like they were written just for this ballet.”

Kristi Licera | DancerMusic.com

“Choreographers can shed new light on some of history’s darkest days. But that ability is an art in and of itself, and few are as well equipped to shine that light as Ballet 5:8 Artistic Director, Julianna Slager.”

“Julianna has worked to nurture her creative process to produce a number of works that had the dancers touring nationally just two years later. This is no small achievement.”