Ballet 5:8 brings thrilling, honest and relevant ballet to Minnesota and will present Baptized Imagination at the Ames Center in Burnsville on Friday, November 4 at 7pm. Ballet 5:8 is a Chicago-based female and minority-led premiere ballet company. Led by Mexican American Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager, the company creates innovative and dynamic performances drawing from life, faith, current events and diverse perspectives that tell relevant stories of the 21st century.

Baptized Imagination is a breathtaking mixed bill with four original ballets by Julianna Rubio Slager and Matthew Rushing, Associate Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, bringing world-class choreography and creative genius to Minnesota for the first time! The evening features two world premieres including Look to the East, a poetic and athletic exploration of the neo-classical form, inspired by the resurrection. Audiences will also enjoy two well-loved fan favorites – Día de Los Vivos and Gospel Impressions. Día de Los Vivos is a clever play on the Mexican Holiday Día de los Muertos and is a love letter addressing the topic of clinical depression. Gospel Impressions is inspired by artist Makoto Fujimura’s exquisite paintings, The Four Holy Gospels, with geometric movement illuminating the gospel stories further.

Tickets range from $28-$48 and are now on sale at: https://www.ames-center.com/baptized-imagination.html. Special children, student and senior tickets are available. For groups of 10 or more adults, patrons can use the code: B58GROUP to redeem $5 off each ticket.