Ballet 5:8 proves the arts can thrive in the Southland with its inspiring, locally grown holiday classic

Ballet 5:8 proves the arts can thrive in the Southland with its inspiring, locally grown holiday classic

Frankfort, IL — The Southland’s own Libby Dennen returns to center stage this December, reprising her original 2015 role as Anastasis in Ballet 5:8’s acclaimed holiday production, Beyond the Nutcracker.

Born and raised in the South Suburbs, Dennen first performed the role as a teenage student at the School of Ballet 5:8 in Orland Park. Now, a decade later, she returns as a professional Solo Artist, mentoring a new generation of Southland dancers who share the same stage where she began.

“Libby’s story is proof that artists don’t have to leave the South Suburbs to find opportunity,” says Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager, who founded Ballet 5:8 to create a professional, mission-driven arts hub in the region. “There can be a thriving artist community right here. The Southland doesn’t have to remain an arts desert.”

Set in 1940s England, Beyond the Nutcracker reimagines Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet through the eyes of a young girl named Emma, offering a moving reflection on hope, peace, and goodwill. With dazzling choreography, lavish costumes, and over 300 student performers alongside Ballet 5:8’s 16 professional artists, this South Suburban holiday favorite continues to grow into one of Chicagoland’s most anticipated seasonal productions.

2025 Highlights

Live Orchestra: The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra performs Tchaikovsky’s score live December 13–14.

Community Cameos: Southland mayors, educators, and community leaders join the cast in walk-on roles.

Student Matinees: December 4–5 and 11–12, welcoming thousands of area students at $5–$10 ticket prices.

Professional Meets Student Cast: More than 300 local students share the stage with Ballet 5:8’s professional company.

Performance Schedule

Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center

19900 S. Harlem Ave., Frankfort, IL 60423

December 6 & 7 – Recorded Score

Saturday 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM | Sunday 3:00 PM

December 13 & 14 – Live Orchestra

Saturday 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM | Sunday 3:00 PM

Free parking and accessible facilities. Convenient from I-80 and I-355, with nearby dining in Frankfort, Mokena, and Orland Park.

Tickets

Tickets start at $20 and are available at www.ballet58.org.

Based in Orland Park, Ballet 5:8 is a female- and minority-led professional ballet company dedicated to sparking conversation on life, faith, and human dignity through storytelling and movement. Under the direction of Julianna Rubio Slager, Ballet 5:8 tours nationally and was recently named one of the Top 75 Ballet Companies in the United States. Each year, the company engages more than 10,000 audience members through performances, education, and community outreach across the Midwest.

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