Ballet 5:8 presents Imagine Better at the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture on Saturday, October 15 at 7 p.m. in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Imagine Better is a one night only breathtaking mixed bill with several original family-friendly ballets by Ballet 5:8’s Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager and Matthew Rushing, Associate Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey Dance Theater.

Ballet 5:8 is a female and minority-led premiere ballet company recognized for remarkable artistic excellence, innovation and beauty. The company creates original and dynamic performances drawing from life, faith, current events and diverse perspectives that tell relevant stories of the 21st century.

This evening will feature the world premiere of Rubio Slager’s Look to the East, a poetic and athletic exploration of the neo-classical form, inspired by the resurrection, and a new commissioned world premiere by Matthew Rushing. This will be Rushing’s first collaboration with the artists of Ballet 5:8, bringing his world-class choreography and creative genius to Chicago.

Audiences will also enjoy two well-loved Ballet 5:8 fan favorites–Día de Los Vivos and Gospel Impressions. Día de Los Vivos is a love letter to those battling clinical depression. Gospel Impressions is inspired by artist Makoto Fujimura’s exquisite paintings, The Four Holy Gospels. Rubio Slager takes the colorful and nuanced visual artwork as a base and fleshes out Fujimura’s inspiration, philosophy and painting with movement and geometry that further illuminate the gospel stories. Patrons are invited to experience an evening of unparalleled artistry and wonder with Ballet 5:8 to celebrate the Year of Chicago Dance.

For more information on purchasing tickets, please visit: https://www.ballet58.org/calendar/chicago