SATURDAY, MARCH 11 | 7PM
CONNECTION CHURCH
CANTON, MI
PERFORMANCES MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
THANK
OUR
YOU TO
PARTNERS
DURING THE PERFORMANCE
PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEOGRAPHY, AND CELL PHONE USE ARE NOT PERMITTED DURING THE PERFORMANCE.
As a courtesy to the dancers and your fellow patrons, please turn your cell phones on do not disturb before the performance. The taking of photographs (flash, non-flash, and otherwise) and the use of any type of recording device is prohibited during the performance and is a violation of state and federal copyright laws. Ballet 5:8 reserves the right to delete digital media and to confiscate tape or film recorded of the performance, as well as to escort any patrons using cell phones and/or recording devices out of the theater with no ticket refund provided.
Additionally, late seating and re-entry is not permitted until intermission.
YOU’RE INVITED THE TALKBACK
What did you see? What did the performance make you feel or think? What questions do you have? All comments and questions are welcome.
INFORMATION
PERFORMANCE
Directly after the performance, take part in a special Ballet 5:8 tradition: the TalkBack. During this open panel discussion, you’ll have the opportunity to talk with Ballet 5:8 Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager and Artists of the Company about your experience during the performance.
Ballet 5:8 is a female and minority-led premiere ballet company recognized for remarkable artistic excellence, innovation and beauty. Chicana Artistic Director, Julianna Rubio Slager, creates original and dynamic ballet experiences drawing from life, faith, current events and diverse perspectives that tell relevant stories of the 21st century. Rubio Slager brings to life ballets that are relatable and accessible to all people, delighting both the seasoned balletomane and the first time audience.
Since its founding in 2012, Ballet 5:8 has presented more than 45 critically acclaimed ballets forging a robust repertoire, engaging and captivating communities in Chicago, the Midwest and across the nation. Headquartered in Orland Park, IL, Ballet 5:8 is the only performing arts company in Chicago’s South Suburbs serving more than 400 students a year as a cultural staple in the community. The School also has a Beverly Campus on Chicago’s South Side raising up the next generation of aspiring artists.
WHO WE ARE
DISCOVER BALLET 5:8 AT BALLET58.ORG
JULIANNA RUBIO SLAGER
Ballet 5:8 Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager is originally from Spring Arbor, Michigan. Rubio Slager began her dance training with Mrs. Lori Ladwig and went on to study under notable teachers from the New York City Ballet, the Vaganova Academy and Puerto Rican National Ballet. Rubio Slager enjoyed dancing under Barbara Smith at Greater Lansing Ballet during her training, and also under Kathy Thibodeaux and Sol Maisonet at Ballet Magnificat. Upon moving to Chicago, Rubio Slager had the opportunity to work as a freelance artist, teacher and choreographer in the Greater Chicago area.
Rubio Slager was instrumental in the co-founding of Ballet 5:8 in 2012. Rubio Slager is known for her unique ability to engage audiences in discussions of life and faith through her choreography. She has created over 45 works in her past ten years at Ballet 5:8. Ballet 5:8 tours nationally, bringing Rubio Slager‘s critically acclaimed ballets such as Reckless, Butterfly, The Space in Between, Scarlet and Compass to audiences across the nation. Rubio Slager has won several grants from the Illinois Arts Council and was selected for the DCASE Individual Artist Grant in 2015.
Rubio Slager is a groundbreaking figure within the field, as one of the few Mexican American Artistic Directors and Resident Choreographers of professional ballet companies in the world. She hopes that her leadership and creative work at Ballet 5:8 will pave the way for other women and minorities in professional ballet.
Over the past decade Rubio Slager has enjoyed training and mentoring the next generation of aspiring artists in the School of Ballet 5:8‘s Pre-Professional and Conservatory programs, and in the Ballet 5:8 Trainee Program. Her students have been awarded contracts, scholarships and placement with dance companies, colleges and training schools across the country.
Julianna Rubio Slager Co-Founder & Artistic Director
Jeremy Slager Executive Director
Lauren Diaz Operations Director
Libby Dennen Rehearsal Director
Cynthia Newland, President Founder & Director, Alible3 and Dancer Wellness Care. Dance Faculty, Belhaven University and Palm Beach Atlantic University
BALLET 5:8 STAFF
Sarah L. Freeman Stage & Production Manager
Lezlie Gray Social Media Associate
Kayla Kowach Executive Adminstrative Associate
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mia Kay Calabrese, Secretary
Founder, Tendu by Miss Mia Director of Operations, Colorado Ballet Society
Laura Peterman Willis Communications Coordinator
Lorianne Robertson Resident Costume Designer, Head of Wardrobe
Caitlin Wuethrich, Treasurer CEO, Caitlin Wuethich Media
Are you passionate about the arts and have time to volunteer your passion, leadership and expertise? Ballet 5:8 is looking to expand our Board of Directors. Read a full Board Member job description on ballet58.org/jobs or send an email to president@ballet58.org with an inquiry.
CHOREOGRAPHER & STAFF
THE DANCERS ARTISTS OF THE COMPANY
The BareFace cast is additionally joined by Ballet 5:8 Trainee Christian English.
Ballet 5:8 Second Company
Grace Blando
Katrina Clarke
Margaret Fitz
Annaliese Hunter
Molly McGuerty
Morgan Rice
Caedence Sajdowitz
Gabrielle Timm
Elizabeth Tjia
Rachel Walker
Marissa Woo
Melanie Rodrigues Company Artist
Ellington Nichols Company Artist
James Wainwright Company Artist
Sophia Snider Company Artist
Ford Tackett Company Artist
Sarah Clarke Solo Artist
Miranda Rubio Company Artist
Lezlie Gray Company Artist
Kayla Kowach Company Artist
Johnathan Bostelman Company Artist
Laura Peterman Willis Company Artist
Libby Dennen Solo Artist
Valerie Linsner Solo Artist
Elizabeth Marlin Solo Artist
Samuel Opsal Solo Artist
Ruth Sevlie Company Apprentice
Natalie Chinn Company Apprentice
Lydia Lund Company Apprentice
IT IS WITH GREAT JOY THAT BALLET 5:8 PRESENTS DANCERS FROM NORTHVILLE BALLET TO OPEN TONIGHT’S PRODUCTION OF BAREFACE.
GOD IS IN THIS STORY
Choreography | Kathy Cooke and Alicia Pomponiov
Music | Big Daddy Weave and Katy Nichole
Dancers | Julia Christiansen, Christie Evancoe, Eliana Gibbs, Kendall Lambrecht, Jorja Pomponio, Isabelle Vidosh
BAREFACE HAS TWO ACTS AND A 15 MINUTE INTERMISSION. ACT I IS 75 MINUTES LONG AND ACT II IS 60 MINUTES.
PLEASE ENJOY THE PERFORMANCE!
BAREFACE
Choreography and Lighting: Julianna Rubio Slager
Costumes: Lorianne Robertson | Props: Sarah L. Freeman
Scenery: Sarah L. Freeman, Graham Louthan Scenic Design, special thanks to Gergana Khouchaba & Sophia Snider
Projections: Sarah L. Freeman, Julianna Rubio Slager
Copyright Julianna Rubio Slager (2023), All Rights Reserved.
CAST ORUAL | Sarah Clarke
PSYCHE | Elizabeth Marlin
REDIVAL | Valerie Linsner
CUPID | James Wainwright
KING TROM | Jonathan Bostelman
THE FOX | Ford Tackett
THE NEW QUEEN | Lezlie Gray
ORUAL’S MOTHER | Ruth Sevlie
BATTA | Libby Dennen
BARDIA | Samuel Opsal
ANSIT | Miranda Rubio
THE PRIEST OF APHRODITE | Kayla Kowach
TRUNIA | James Wainwright
APHRODITE | Played by a mannequin
PALACE SLAVES | Katrina Clarke, Gabby Timm, Marissa Woo
MINERS | Natalie Chinn, Lezlie Gray, Kayla Kowach, Ellington Nichols, Laura Peterman Willis, Melanie Rodrigues, Sophia Snider, Rachel Walker
NOBILITY | Christian English, Lydia Lund, Laura Peterman Willis, Melanie Rodrigues, Caedence Sajdowitz, Ruth Sevlie
THE PROGRAM & CAST
Act One begins with Orual making her case before Cupid that he has treated her unjustly. The story rewinds to Orual’s childhood and we see Psyche’s birth, the death of the new queen, and Orual’s relationships with Redival, the Fox, and her father King Trom. Glome faces a plague and drought among the miners, which is cast away by Psyche’s loving touch. This angers Aphrodite and leads to the sacrifice of Psyche to Cupid. Afterward, Orual and Bardia travel up the mountain to bury Psyche, but she is alive. She claims to live in a magical palace with Cupid, her husband, whose only rule is that she cannot see his face. Orual catches a glimpse of Psyche’s palace, but refuses to believe in it and tells the Fox it does not exist.
Act Two begins with Orual’s second trip up the mountain, where she convinces Psyche to uncover Cupid’s face to prove he is real. Psyche is exiled and Orual hears constant wailing. Orual chooses to wear a veil permanently as a sign of her grief. King Trom becomes sick and dies, making Orual queen. Soon after Queen Orual meets Trunia, an exile from a neighboring kingdom, and she defends his life, cementing her role as Queen among the people. The ballet fast-forwards through the majority of Orual’s reign. Nearing the end of her life, she travels and meets a traveling theater group who tells her the Myth of Cupid and Psyche but with Orual as the villain. Bardia dies unexpectedly. Bardia’s wife, Ansit, and Orual have a confrontation, and Orual starts to recognize that her “love” for Bardia was not as pure as she thought. The Queen begins to have strange visions, imagining her face as that of Aphrodite, realizing the cruelty of her own actions. She appears in the courtroom before Cupid, but instead of a case against him, she is only holding a small, worn out scroll that reveals her own jealous actions. In a climatic reversal, Cupid reveals his face to Orual and meets her with love and compassion as she takes her last breath.
Are you interested diving deeper into the characters in Glome?
Rubio Slager was inspired by the classic Cupid and Psyche myth as well as C.S. Lewis’ interpretation of that myth in his novel, Till We Have Faces. We highly recommend reading Till We Have Faces to further experience the depth of the characters in Glome and their interpretation of love. Additionally, check out Season 3 of the Pints with Jack podcast where the hosts discuss each chapter of Till We Have Faces alongside C.S. Lewis experts.
THE PROGRAM & CAST
As a 501(c)(3) Ballet 5:8 is partially supported by individual donors Our donors make it possible for Ballet 5:8 to create art that matters. The mission is possible because of their ongoing support. Can you join us in making ballets that spark discussions of life and faith today?
WAYS TO GIVE
• Visit ballet58.org/donate
• Text GIVE to 312-584-2615
• Visit the Front of House team
• Write a check payable to Ballet Five Eight NFP
Additional Ways to Support Ballet 5:8 Matching Funds
Many employers match charitable donations or volunteer hours. Please reach out to your Human Resources department to inquire if your donation can be matched.
Donor Advised Funds
As a 501(c)(3) we are eligible to receive donations from donor-advised funds. Please contact your account manager for more infromation.
Ballet 5:8 Apparel
Visit the merchandise tables in the lobby. We have shirts, hoodies, hats, bags and stickers!
Thrivent Choice Dollars
Are you a Thrivent Member? You can elecet your Choice Dollars to benefit Ballet 5:8. Find us on their list as Ballet Five Eight NFP.
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SPECIAL THANKS
THANK YOU CONNECTION CHURCH STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS FOR MAKING THIS PERFORMANCE POSSIBLE.
DANCEMAKERS CIRCLE
Special thanks to the highlighted Dancemakers Circle members, who give monthly and are sustaining partners!
BENEFACTOR CIRCLE
($10,000+)
Robert & Wanda Bowman
Illinois Arts Council Agency
Suzy Jillson
DIRECTOR CIRCLE
($6,000+)
Anonymous
Kathleen & Mark Blando
Eric & Eve Watts
CHOREOGRAPHER CIRCLE
($1,200+)
Anonymous
Anonymous (3)
Tim & Nancy Botts
Ting Ting & Jim Branit
Stephanie Chinn
Greg & Carrie Clarke
Fawn & James Duncan
Ian & Abi Gardner
Ruth Gray
Linda Jillson
Matthew & Frieda Linsner
Stephanie & John Marlin
Dan & Dana Meinkow
Karina Mora-Metts
Mrs. Fields/Cheesecake
Factory
David & Trudy Nye |
In honor of Kayla Kowach
Open Window Theatre
Dolores Rubio
Reuben & Kathleen Rubio
Laura Slager
Patrick & Denise Pienias
School of Ballet 5:8
Families
In memory of Arlene
Moellendorf
Melissa & Del Tackett
Joshua Tjia
Tara Torkelson
ARTIST CIRCLE ($720+)
Anonymous (5)
Armstrong Ceiling Solutions
Bruce Broberg
CD’s & ME, INC.
Beverly Dennen
Beverly Haas
Sharon Flynn
Sarahlynn Joseph
Jennifer & Tim Kowach
Anissa Lindahl
ARTIST CIRCLE CONT.
Pittco Architectural Metals
Lori & Steven
Evenhouse
In memory of Patricia
Windel
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($360+)
Amazon Smile Foundation
Anonymous (2)
Anonymous (2)
Pamela Dennen
Lauren & Rey Diaz
A. Samuel & Virginia
Gray
Karyn Hecht
Pamela & William
Freeman
Stan & Stephanie
Harding
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Klarich
Kevin Lynch - Farmer’s
Insurance
Susan Milauskas
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Ben & Heather Merrill
More Than Just Great
Dancing - Misty Lown
Brian & Shawna
Paterson
Elyssa Peters
Sara Peters
Charles C Pringle
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Rimkunas Family
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Robertson
In honor of Melanie
Rodrigues
Sarah Rosenthal
In honor of Gwen & Luci
Perry & Ginger Sapp
Schantz Family
Julianna & Jeremy
Slager
Deana Thompson
Ken Wainwright
Leslie Willis
In memory of Patricia
Windel
ADVOCATE CIRCLE
($180+)
Abt
Anonymous (4)
Anonymous (8)
Brian Beakley
Beary Landscaping
Rebecca Black & John
Schumacher
Ann Broda | In memory of Linnea Strauss
Pam Champlin
Lisa & Steve Chikerotis
Janice Corbett
Bonnie Ehlers
Flipbook Moving Pictures
Rick Gray
Joshua Hamlett
Michelle Harry
Phyllis Hosking | In honor of Margaret Fitz
Emelene Jay
Lisa Lam
Liz Lampright
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Magtek Mechanical
Michael Musci
Lilliann & Gerald Novak
Sharon Quick
Amanda Rosenthal
Amy Sakell
Scott & Carmen
Shepard
Andrew & Brenda
Sippel
Dr. Carrie Skony -
PERFORM Active Wellness + Dance
Medicine
Angela Smith
John Szwast
Thrivent Choice
Jarrood Tindall
Lisa Wainwright
Erin Wendorf
Caitlin Wuethrich
Noel Young
Megan Zepeda
FRIEND ($75+)
Anonymous (10)
Nell Aiken
Christina & Ryan
Anderson
Lawrence & Virgina
Biasotto
Tim & Carolyn Bierma
Bob & Jan Billingsley
Darnetta Bolton
Connie Borg
Elia Bonilla
Greg Bullock
Rita Burnett
Dr. Carolyn Burns
Angela Cardas-Meredith
Loridine Cariquitan
Lisa & Steve Chikerotis
Elena Colombo
Briana Colton
Aimee & Daniel Curry
Jordan Dennen
John Dillard
Stephanie Dorais
Marc & Nikki Fontanetta
David Gallagher
Lisa & Brian Garrigan
Joan Greenwood
Kyoko & Garrett Hahn
Libby Hargis
Cavin Harp
ZaraLayna Hawksley
Tobin James
Susan Jiang
Doyle King
Gergana Khouchaba
Gail Klotz
Jason & Sue Kreider
Mary Lambert
Valerie LaPorte
Gerard Laud
Gregory Lee
Liliana Lewis
Anna Masters
Kimmi McCarrell
Brian Miller
Nick & Kylene Mitchell
Amanda Neeley
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Margaret Osmianski
Chul Park
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Mckenna Palmer
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Carmen Rogge
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Tasha Scurlock
Jay & Diane Stanwich
Joy Starr
Selah Strong
Linda Taylor
Gerri Terry
Jeff Tulk
Joy Van Patten
Iris VanWieren
Lisa Wilson
Beverly Yaiko
MATCHING GIFTS
Acxiom
Boeing Caterpillar
MBI Staffing
Microsoft PNC Foundation
The Next Level Planning Group, LLC
Wells Fargo
ADVISORY COUNCIL
K.J. Johnson
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PARTNERS
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PARTNERS
SUMMER INTENSIVE
June 26–July 28, 2023
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July 10–July 14, 2023
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July 31–August 4, 2023
CHALLENGE YOUR LIMITS. DISCOVER YOUR POTENTIAL
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VIDEO AUDITION
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