Ballet 5:8 Presents Struggle and Resilience: Amplifying Black and Latina Women in the Arts at the Kehrein Center for the Arts

Photos provide by Apprey PR
Photos provide by Apprey PR

Ballet 5:8 Presents Struggle and Resilience: Amplifying Black and Latina Women in the Arts at the Kehrein Center for the Arts

Ballet 5:8 proudly announces Struggle and Resilience: Celebrating Black and Latina Women in the Arts, a groundbreaking evening of dance, spoken word, and music. Taking the stage at the Kehrein Center for the Arts, this production highlights the artistry, struggles, and triumphs of women who remain underrepresented in the world of classical ballet, particularly in Chicago.

Performance Details:

•    Date: March 1st, 2025

•    Time: 7:00PM

•    Venue: Kehrein Center for the Arts, 5628 W. Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL

•    Tickets: Pay-What-You-Can 

Reclaiming Ballet’s Voice in Chicago

In Chicago, where many of the city’s most prominent ballet institutions are led by white men, Struggle and Resilience challenges the status quo. Ballet 5:8 is committed to amplifying the voices of Black and Latina women, addressing systemic inequities in representation, funding, and access in classical ballet.

“We are not here to be displayed once a year in a program,” says Julianna Rubio Slager, Artistic Director of Ballet 5:8. “We are a vital part of this city’s artistic ecosystem, and we’re here to stay. Black and Latina women have incredible stories to tell, and our presence strengthens and enriches the arts community in Chicago.”

A Program of Empowered Women

The evening features a lineup of works by visionary Black and Latina women, including:

•    The Caged Bird Sings: Inspired by Maya Angelou’s iconic poem, this multidisciplinary ballet features choreography by Julianna Rubio Slager and music by Kady Debelak. The piece powerfully explores resilience and the triumph of the human spirit.

•    Transcendence by Tobin James: A reflective ballet that delves into the perseverance of the human spirit.

•    What’s a Woman Worth by Quina Aragon: A spoken word and movement collaboration that examines identity, value, and strength.

•    A New Work by Rachel Hutsell: Former New York City Ballet dancer Rachel Hutsell presents an innovative exploration of modern womanhood.

•    A New Work by Brittany Bradley: Chicago street dance artist Brittany Bradley delivers an electrifying celebration of individuality and cultural expression.

•    Frida Kahlo Solo by Silvita Diaz Brown: Drawing inspiration from Frida Kahlo’s life and art, this solo captures the intersection of pain, resilience, and creativity that defined Kahlo’s legacy.

The Power of Venue: Kehrein Center for the Arts

Located in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, the Kehrein Center for the Arts provides a stage that aligns perfectly with the themes of Struggle and Resilience. Its mission to foster hope and transformation through storytelling and art mirrors the production’s purpose of amplifying marginalized voices and celebrating the resilience of women.

“The Kehrein Center is a powerful space for storytelling,” says Rubio Slager. “It reflects the heart of what this program is about: transformation, connection, and the belief that art can create lasting change.”

Why This Story Matters

Black and Latina women face unique struggles in ballet, where leadership and visibility remain predominantly white and male, even in a city as diverse as Chicago. Struggle and Resilience confronts these disparities head-on, providing a platform for the artistry, leadership, and narratives of underrepresented women.

“This isn’t just about showcasing talent—it’s about ensuring that Black and Latina women are fully recognized as vital contributors to the arts,” says Rubio Slager. “Their voices are not optional—they are essential. If ballet is to evolve and stay relevant, it must reflect the diversity of the world it exists within.”

An Invitation to Reflect and Celebrate

Struggle and Resilience is more than a performance. It’s a celebration of artistry, a call to action, and a bold step toward a more inclusive future in ballet.

For tickets and more information, visit ballet58.org or contact the Box Office at info@ballet58.org.


About Ballet 5:8

Ballet 5:8 is a Chicago-based ballet company committed to storytelling that inspires, engages, and challenges audiences. Through a unique blend of classical and contemporary ballet, Ballet 5:8 amplifies diverse voices and explores themes that resonate in today’s world.

About the Kehrein Center for the Arts

The Kehrein Center for the Arts is a state-of-the-art performance venue located in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. Dedicated to fostering creativity, connection, and transformation through the arts, the Kehrein Center provides a space for artists and audiences to engage in meaningful storytelling and cultural exchange.


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